Sustainable Design Management, Bachelor of Arts

On-campus program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Design Management is aimed at prospective students with a (technical) university entrance qualification who wish to combine sustainable development with design and business management skills. The eight-semester course includes project work with real cooperation partners, modules on sustainability, design practice, management, and research, as well as individually selectable electives. Practical examinations such as presentations and case studies replace written exams. A special feature is the interdisciplinary semester projects and targeted profile development. Graduates can work as design managers with a focus on sustainability, CSR or sustainability managers, or found a sustainable start-up. The Bachelor of Arts degree enables direct entry into professional work or a Master's programme.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study Media SciencesMedia Design
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 8 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 240 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Entry project, semester projects by choice (Comprehensive semester projects under real conditions, optionally in cooperation with partner organisations), sustainability: (Contents include ecological, economic, social, psychological and cultural aspects of sustainability; design and sustainability; value chains; social transformation; sustainability and digitalisation), management by design: (Contents include business administration and management, sustainable project management, sustainable brand management and product development, sustainable corporate management, sustainable corporate communication), design practice in design fields of choice, professional profile development (Individual support for professional profile development through reflection sessions, creation of project portfolios and application documents), application-oriented research in the context of sustainable management, competences by choice: (Contents e.g. business skills, specialised design seminars, cultural studies, philosophy, media technology skills, personal competences), bachelor thesis
📍 Location Cologne
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 685 € monthly
from 33080 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Design Management is aimed at individuals who want to actively shape sustainable development and are interested in the intersections of sustainability, design, and management. The target group includes school leavers with a general university entrance qualification, specialised school leavers with a higher education entrance qualification, as well as professionally qualified individuals who want to combine creative, entrepreneurial and social challenges. The programme is particularly suitable for those who wish to work later as design managers, CSR/ESG managers, sustainability managers, or as founders in the green business sector.

What requirements must you meet for the degree programme?

For admission to the Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Design Management at Hochschule Fresenius, you need:

  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
  • Subject-specific university entrance qualification or
  • Entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife)

In addition, the following criteria must be observed:

  • Proof of German language skills (for non-native speakers)
  • Successful participation in an admission interview at the university

An artistic or creative aptitude test is not required for this degree programme.

Personally, you should bring openness to interdisciplinary topics as well as an interest in sustainability and social transformation. Communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to develop creative solutions for entrepreneurial issues are advantageous. Initiative, motivation for reflection and a willingness to develop your own profile are further important soft skills. Analytical thinking, interest in practical projects and commitment to sustainable innovations support your academic success.

Study Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Bachelor’s in Sustainable Design Management?

The Sustainable Design Management programme at Hochschule Fresenius equips you with skills in the three core areas of sustainability, design, and management. The focus is on practical engagement with real challenges: you work on semester projects, often in collaboration with companies, NGOs, and other partners. You learn to manage projects holistically and application-oriented – from idea generation to the presentation of sustainable solutions.

  • Sustainability: Analysis and integration of ecological, economic, social, psychological, and cultural sustainability aspects, consideration of value chains, societal transformation, and digitalisation.
  • Management by Design: Business administration and sustainable project management, sustainable brand management, product development, and corporate communication.
  • Design Practice: Skills in communication design, product design, illustration, photography, or transdisciplinary design processes – selectable according to individual interests.
  • Professional Profile Development: Individual support through reflection rounds, building a personal project portfolio, and assistance with applications.
  • Application-Oriented Research: Development and handling of a practice-oriented research question, which flows into the bachelor’s thesis.
  • Elective Competencies: Options from business, media, cultural studies, philosophy, psychology, media technology, or personal competencies.

By the end of the programme, you will master methods to link creative approaches and entrepreneurial thinking with sustainable goals and to design future-oriented business models.

Course Progression: How Is Your Path to Graduation Structured?

The bachelor’s degree lasts eight semesters and is organised as a full-time, on-campus programme. It generally begins with an introductory project and the teaching of fundamental basics. From the second semester onwards, you assemble your timetable flexibly – focusing on practice-related projects, seminars, and individual elective modules.

  • Each semester concludes with a practice-oriented project, often with real cooperation partners.
  • Additionally, you attend seminars on sustainability, management, and design practice.
  • In the fifth semester, an international semester is possible within the designated mobility window – on request.
  • Examinations are practice-oriented and include presentations, case studies, and project work instead of purely written exams.
  • Throughout the course, you build your professional profile and portfolio with support.
  • The final semester is dedicated to your bachelor’s project and thesis with an individually developed research question.

Intensive coaching by lecturers and teamwork with students from other disciplines foster your personal development and practical experience.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects: What Does Your Career Path Look Like?

By combining sustainability, design, and management, a variety of professional fields open up:

  • Roles as a design manager with a sustainability focus in companies, agencies, and organisations.
  • Positions in CSR or ESG management (Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Social Governance).
  • Sustainability management in companies, NGOs, public institutions, or research.
  • Self-employment and start-up creation with sustainable business models – especially in the Green Business sector.
  • Consulting roles in sustainable brand management, product development, and sustainable corporate communication.
  • Leadership positions in companies at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and sustainable business.

A consecutive master’s in Sustainable Design Management is possible in just two further semesters. Graduates are particularly in demand on the job market due to the interdisciplinary focus and practical experience.

Study Location: Where Do You Study Sustainable Design Management?

The programme takes place at the Cologne campus of Hochschule Fresenius. The campus is centrally located in MediaPark, one of Cologne’s most important media and business hubs. Here you benefit from a modern learning infrastructure, close integration with companies from the creative and business sectors, as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas with students from many disciplines.

  • Personal supervision and an active campus life ensure a practice-oriented and networked study experience.
  • An international stay is possible for the fifth semester via the International Office.

The Cologne location combines a vibrant creative scene, economic strength, and diverse networking opportunities for your career entry after graduation.

Costs and Financing: What Does the Programme Cost and How Can You Finance It?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor’s in Sustainable Design Management are 685 euros per month over eight semesters. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of 200 euros. This results in total costs of 33,080 euros for the entire programme.

  • The fees include participation in all courses, examinations, coaching, and the use of infrastructure at the location.
  • There are financing options, such as BAföG, KfW student loans, or scholarship programmes.
  • Some employers support the studies with subsidies. Instalment payment models are also possible after individual agreement.

Early advice on funding opportunities is recommended to ensure forward-looking study financing.

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