Sustainability and Circular Economy Management (MA)

Overview

This programme trains you to turn sustainable business concepts—such as the circular economy, sharing economy and zero‑waste models—into real, operational solutions. It responds to the pressing reality that we are consuming natural resources faster than they regenerate, and that long‑term corporate success must be measured by more than profit and growth alone. The course emphasises practical implementation so graduates can redesign business practices around sustainability principles.

You will study corporate social responsibility and take an in‑depth look at sustainable business models, with special attention to circular approaches. The curriculum also covers the consumer perspective in sustainability, how to establish reporting structures for sustainable projects, and offers intensive collaboration with industry and practice partners. In addition to subject knowledge, you will gain practical tools — project management, entrepreneurship and change management — to lead and deliver sustainability transitions in organisations.

Typical entry requirements

• A completed undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor's) — preferably in business, economics or a related discipline
• Proficiency in English (program is taught in English)
• Academic transcripts and a CV
• Motivation letter and/or references (as supporting application documents)
• Relevant professional experience may be advantageous

Note: Exact admission criteria, required documents, and any language test score thresholds should be checked with the university’s admissions office. International applicants should also plan for visa, health insurance and funding arrangements.

This four-semester master's curriculum builds a business-administration perspective on sustainability and circular economy, combining theoretical foundations with applied, practice-oriented learning. The first year establishes core concepts — corporate social responsibility, circular-economy principles, sustainable and circular business model design, and big-picture megatrends — alongside language support. The second semester moves into applied analysis and communication: consumer behaviour in sustainable contexts, the role of digitalisation, methods for sustainability assessment and reporting, plus case-study work and a "From Theory into Practice" component to bridge classroom learning with real-world issues.

The third semester emphasizes implementation and innovation: project management, entrepreneurship, and business transformation/change management are taught alongside hands-on activities such as on-site sustainability engagements and a Circular Economy Fair. Academic Research and Writing prepares you for rigorous inquiry and for the independent work required in the final phase. The fourth semester is dedicated to the master's thesis, allowing you to investigate a focused research or practice problem in sustainability and circular economy management.

Key modules (by semester)

• First semester: Corporate Social Responsibility Management; Circular Economy Management; Sustainable and Circular Business Models; Megatrends I; Megatrends II; Languages
• Second semester: Consumer Behaviour in a Sustainable World; Digitalisation and Sustainability; Sustainability Assessment and Reporting; Case Study; From Theory into Practice; Languages
• Third semester: Project Management; Entrepreneurship; Business Transformation & Change Management; On-Site Sustainability; Circular Economy Fair; Academic Research and Writing
• Fourth semester: Master's thesis

Learning outcomes

• Understand and apply CSR and circular-economy principles to business strategy and model design
• Assess and report sustainability performance using established frameworks and digital tools
• Analyse consumer behaviour and market drivers for sustainable products and services
• Plan and manage projects that deliver sustainability and circularity objectives
• Develop entrepreneurial solutions and lead organisational transformation toward circular business practices
• Conduct academic and applied research, and communicate findings effectively in written and practical formats
• Gain practical experience through case studies, on-site projects and public-facing events like a Circular Economy Fair, supported by language training for international contexts

Graduates are prepared for roles that design and implement sustainability strategies and circular business models, such as sustainability manager, CSR officer, circular economy consultant, sustainability reporting specialist, or project manager in companies, consultancies, NGOs, public authorities and startups. The programme's emphasis on reporting, consumer perspective, and practical projects supports careers in sustainability assessment, supply‑chain transformation and corporate sustainability strategy.

The training in project management, entrepreneurship and change management also equips graduates to lead internal transformation programmes or to found/scale sustainability‑focused ventures. Employers include private sector firms seeking circular solutions, sustainability consultancies, non‑governmental organisations and international organisations involved in sustainability policy and implementation.