Overview This master’s programme responds to growing societal and political pressure for climate-neutral, resource-efficient business practices. Shifts in consumer behaviour, stricter environmental regulations, and the rise of renewable and regenerative products are driving companies to adopt new technologies and rethink production and supply chains. The programme trains specialists who can lead this transition by combining sustainability-minded business skills with technical knowledge in energy and process engineering, biotechnology, and materials science.
What you will study and achieve Teaching and research concentrate on the use of renewable resources, development of sustainable technologies, and their economic implementation. You will learn to develop holistic approaches for the comprehensive use of renewable raw materials and wastes, evaluate and optimise processes for cultivation, chemical-material applications and energy recovery, and design resource-saving production and circular supply chains. The interdisciplinary curriculum bridges business administration and technical disciplines, preparing graduates to understand and shape entrepreneurial developments and assess their societal and economic impacts on an international scale.
Who should apply / Recommended background
Program structure and focus
This master's is organised into four interconnected parts: Fundamentals in Sustainable Management, Electives in Management and Technology, Specialisation in Engineering and Natural Sciences, and a Master’s thesis. The Fundamentals (30 ECTS) build a strong foundation in economics, sustainability concepts and research methods. Electives draw on social sciences, economics, engineering and natural sciences and can include a project study that lets you apply classroom knowledge in real engineering- or science-related company settings. The Specialisation modules teach technical and scientific principles along value chains, including the recovery and use of residual materials, and cover key technologies such as sustainable chemistry, energy management, biotechnology, material sciences and digitalisation. The programme concludes with a 30‑ECTS Master’s thesis.
Key modules and expected learning outcomes
Concise requirements (per specialisation)
This master’s programme requires a completed undergraduate degree of at least six semesters from a domestic or foreign university (or an internationally equivalent qualification). Eligible fields include technology- and management-oriented business administration, bioeconomics, business administration, economics, or closely related study programmes.
Applicants whose first degree (usually a Bachelor’s) was earned in China, Egypt, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh must submit a GMAT (classic or Focus Edition) with a minimum result at the 65th percentile. All applicants must also pass the programme’s aptitude assessment as part of the selection process.
If your first degree was not obtained in Germany, you are required to apply via uni-assist in addition to submitting an application through TUMonline. Note that TUMonline applications open starting 1 April—plan to use both systems if your degree was awarded outside Germany.
Requirements (clear checklist)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 November 2026
Graduates are prepared to take on roles that require both technical understanding and business acumen in the sustainable economy. Possible career directions include positions in companies working with renewable raw materials and sustainable technologies, roles in value-chain and process optimisation, sustainability management, and positions that require implementation of circular-economy solutions.
The programme’s combination of management training and scientific/engineering specialisation also supports careers in consulting, policy-related organisations, R&D departments and international organisations where evaluation and economic implementation of sustainable technologies are needed.
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