This two-year Master of Arts, taught in English, examines the ideas, debates and practices that surround “sustainability” — understood as protecting planetary resources to secure a livable future — through postcolonial lenses. Students investigate the historical and social roots of contemporary sustainability concepts and policies, critically analysing underlying assumptions and universal claims. The course encourages joint, dialogical work to rethink and refine sustainability strategies for contemporary challenges.
The programme is distinctive in Germany for explicitly combining sustainability studies with postcolonial perspectives while foregrounding gender, nature and history. You will engage in critical-analytical reflection on past and present implementations of sustainability, explore lesser-known approaches from the Global South, and consider questions of power, inequality and marginalisation that shape how sustainability is conceived and practised worldwide.
Graduates are prepared for careers across a range of sectors, including national and international organisations, research institutes, public administrations and ministries, development agencies, political education, consulting and corporate settings. The degree builds abilities to critically assess sustainability concepts from a social-scientific and (post-)colonial perspective, to incorporate gender- and power-sensitive analyses, and to design, evaluate and advise on innovative sustainability strategies. Practical skills in project planning, implementation and evaluation, time management and interdisciplinary teamwork equip graduates to work independently, collaboratively and to take on leadership roles.
Curriculum overview
This four-semester Master’s program begins with two introductory modules in the first semester that establish the theoretical foundations in critical sustainability and postcolonial studies. In the same semester students are introduced to academic standards and writing practices to prepare them for term papers and the final thesis. Teaching is organized in small groups to foster intensive discussion, individualized feedback and close supervision.
In the second and third semesters students take three subject-specific modules drawn from a wide range of courses across history, sociology and political science, allowing them to shape a personalised study plan. A project module during these semesters teaches research methods and supports students in carrying out an independent research project on a topic of their choice. The fourth semester is dedicated to writing the Master’s degree dissertation.
Key modules (examples offered within the programme)
What you will learn
Program requirements (concise)
This master’s programme requires applicants to hold a relevant undergraduate degree and to demonstrate strong English skills. Eligible prior qualifications include a bachelor’s (or equivalent) in sustainability studies, social sciences, cultural studies or other humanities subjects. German applicants who hold a First State Examination for teaching in history or in politics and economics are also eligible. For both domestic and international degrees, the standard minimum study length is six semesters and 180 credits (or the recognized equivalent).
The selection is made by the programme’s examination board on the basis of the written application materials you submit. The board may offer provisional admission and ask you to provide additional documentation if needed. You must also meet the stated English language requirement at C1 level (CEFR); further details about acceptable proof of English proficiency are provided in the application information.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in national and international organisations, research institutes, public administrations and ministries, development agencies, political education, consulting and corporate sustainability units. The programme equips students to critically evaluate sustainability concepts from social science and postcolonial perspectives and to contribute to policy, programme design and advisory work.
In addition to analytical and research skills, graduates gain practical competences in project planning, implementation and evaluation, interdisciplinary teamwork and time management, enabling them to take on coordination or leadership roles and to design and promote innovative sustainability approaches in both public and private sectors.