This English-taught Master’s prepares you to take responsibility for sustainability across organisations by translating the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals into corporate practice. You will learn how to embed a multi-dimensional sustainability agenda into business processes and drive transformation that balances ecological, social and economic priorities. The programme is business-oriented and designed to prepare you for managerial roles in private companies, public administration and non‑profit organisations.
You will study the legal frameworks and societal expectations that shape corporate sustainability, and gain practical skills to set realistic targets, prioritise initiatives and implement effective sustainability measures. Assessment and communication of sustainability performance—internally and externally—are central components, as is stakeholder analysis: understanding and reconciling the differing interests of employees, customers, investors and other groups.
The curriculum covers theoretical and historical foundations of international sustainability issues, plus applied modules on sustainability management, reporting and strategy. You will develop leadership and change-management capabilities, explore values and conflicts related to sustainability, and be able to design, implement and report on sustainability strategies. Elective modules allow you to focus your studies toward either management or deeper sustainability specialisation, equipping you with the competencies needed to assume management responsibility in a wide range of organisations.
Overview This 90 ECTS postgraduate curriculum is built to give a compact, practice-oriented grounding in sustainability within a business context. Across three semesters students move from core foundations and research methods to applied data analysis and the three pillars of sustainability—ecological, social and economic—before consolidating their learning through elective study and a master's thesis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, strategic communication and organizational change so graduates can operate effectively in international, sustainability-focused roles.
Core modules and what you will learn In the first semester you cover Empirical Research, Foundations in Sustainability, Goals and Standards in Sustainability, Communications in Sustainability and Change Management. These modules develop skills in designing and evaluating empirical studies, understanding global sustainability frameworks and standards, crafting persuasive sustainability messaging, and leading change initiatives in organizations. The second semester adds Data Analysis alongside the Ecological, Social and Economic Dimensions of Sustainability, deepening your ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative data and to integrate environmental, social and financial perspectives into decision‑making. Elective modules in semesters two and three let you tailor the degree to specific interests or regional contexts.
Capstone and career readiness The program concludes with a second elective plus a master’s thesis that demonstrates your capacity to apply theory and methods to a real-world sustainability problem. Expected outcomes include the ability to conduct rigorous research, synthesize cross-disciplinary evidence, design stakeholder-oriented communication strategies, and implement change management approaches—preparing you for leadership, consultancy, policy or further academic work in sustainability and business.
Program facts and requirements (concise)
This 90 ECTS Master's programme expects applicants to hold a completed university degree (or an equivalent qualification) that corresponds to at least 180 ECTS credits. Candidates should also have at least one year of professional work experience, a working command of English at CEFR level B1, and basic subject knowledge relevant to the chosen programme. Shortlisted applicants will take part in a motivational interview as part of the selection process.
The motivational interview is used to assess your fit for the programme and your reasons for applying. Additional or variant-specific criteria may apply depending on the particular Master's track you choose — please check the programme webpage for full details.
For full information on requirements for your chosen Master's variant, please visit the programme website.
Winter Semester (International)
Since the lectures and examinations are repeated continuously, it is possible to start your studies at any time without any problems. Please submit your application for enrolment in a timely manner and allow two weeks for processing.
Graduates are prepared to work as sustainability managers and specialists who develop, plan, implement and report on sustainability strategies across private companies, public administrations and non‑profit organisations. Typical functions include sustainability/CSR manager, ESG or sustainability reporting specialist, sustainability consultant, and roles in corporate strategy or stakeholder engagement where measurable sustainability performance and compliance are required.
Given increasing regulatory and market pressure to address sustainability credibly, demand for professionals who can set realistic goals, prioritise measures, manage change and communicate results is growing. The programme’s practical management training and flexible online format also suit professionals seeking career advancement while continuing to work.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode