This English-taught Master of Science is geared toward students who want to apply economic tools to the world’s sustainability challenges. Over four semesters you will deepen your understanding of economic theory and empirical methods while placing them in the context of global sustainability, inequality and policy. The programme is aimed at applicants with a background in economics, business or related fields and emphasizes intercultural competence to prepare you for international work environments.
The curriculum covers core subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics alongside specialised topics in environmental and inequality economics and the political economy of sustainability. You will also choose from a wide range of courses in global and sustainability economics. A central element is the Project Seminar Global Sustainability, where teams tackle real-world problems and produce practical, equitable policy recommendations. Opportunities to spend an optional semester abroad and to participate in summer schools and guest lectures add an international dimension to your studies.
Graduates leave equipped for roles in international organisations, government agencies, research institutions and multinational firms where sustainability is a strategic priority. With sustainability increasingly central to policy and business decisions, the programme prepares you to contribute to the global transition toward more just and sustainable economic systems.
Requirements / key facts
The programme combines a solid core of economic theory and quantitative methods (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics) with specialised modules in environmental and inequality economics and the political economy of sustainability. Elective courses allow you to tailor your profile within global and sustainability economics.
A signature element is the Project Seminar Global Sustainability, which emphasises applied, policy-oriented work: teams analyse complex sustainability problems and produce practicable, justice-aware recommendations. Additional learning outcomes include advanced empirical analysis, policy evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration and intercultural competency. Students may also take an optional semester abroad and benefit from summer schools and international guest lecturers to broaden their global perspective.
This programme expects a solid quantitative and economic background. Applicants should have completed specific credit-point requirements in mathematics/statistics and economics (or a combination of economics and a closely related field). You must also demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level B2.
There is some flexibility: if you are short by a small number of credit points (5 or 10 CP) you may still apply. Admission can be offered on the condition that the missing credits are completed during your first semester.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles in international organisations, government agencies, research institutions and globally operating companies where economic analysis of sustainability is needed. Typical career paths include policy analyst, sustainability or environmental economist, consultant for international or private-sector sustainability initiatives, and roles in research and advocacy organisations.
The programme’s combination of quantitative skills, specialised knowledge in sustainability economics and applied project experience also provides a strong foundation for further academic study or doctoral research in related fields.