Our current economic and social system is unsustainable: it consumes far too many resources, creates significant social inequalities, and is a major driver of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss. Sustainability Management involves leading companies in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically sound. The goal of successful Sustainability Management is to enable businesses to become key drivers of transformational processes toward greater economic and societal sustainability. A solid foundational knowledge of Economics helps in achieving these goals. 

In the study program, some elective courses are taught in German, but it is possible to complete the program entirely in English.

Nowadays, every large company has sustainability managers, and even medium-sized businesses are increasingly required to address sustainability due to their own initiatives and EU-wide regulations. These regulations demand that more and more companies develop clear sustainability strategies and reporting practices. However, the skills required for this are often lacking or insufficient in many organizations. As a result, the demand for well-trained sustainability managers is extremely high.

The most important quality is a passion for sustainability and the motivation to actively contribute to sustainability transformations. The ability to critically analyze problems from different perspectives is especially important. Knowledge of business administration and/or economics can be an advantage, but it is not strictly necessary.
 

In the SM&E program, students learn what these issues mean in the context of business and economics, explore concrete and often interdisciplinary solutions for achieving corporate and systemic sustainability transformations, and develop the skills to implement these solutions effectively.
 

Yes, further information can be found at the International Office and the Erasmus-Homepage.
 

The situation in practice is very dynamic, with much in flux. Consequently, the content of the program is continuously adapted to current developments in sustainability management across various organizations (private companies, municipalities, associations) and the associated institutional, political, and regulatory frameworks. This adaptation is reflected in the program's courses, including case studies often conducted in collaboration with practitioners, such as companies, consulting firms, associations, and national or international authorities.

Furthermore, the professors involved in the program actively engage in research and knowledge transfer in the field of sustainability, ensuring that the content remains aligned with the latest research findings. The program also maintains numerous and diverse connections to regional and national companies and authorities with a focus on sustainability. Notable examples include the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Trier (IHK Trier), the Trier Entrepreneurs’ Association (VTU), and the regional companies in industry, services, and trade which they represent.

Additionally, there are well-established, long-standing connections with auditing firms, investment funds, and banks in Germany and Luxembourg.
 

A fair and rapid sustainability transformation toward a society that enables a fulfilling life for all within planetary boundaries is one of the greatest challenges of our time. SM&E provides in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and solution-oriented approaches to becoming part of the solution to this task. Given the importance of this mission, sustainability experts are in high demand in businesses, local, national, and international politics, NGOs, and universities. Find Career Prospects on our main page.

Furthermore, due to its proximity, Luxembourg represents an attractive job market for many students from Trier.

To apply, you need a Bachelor's degree in a business or social science subject or an equivalent degree. The decision on equivalence is made by the Examination Board on a case-by-case basis after your application to Trier University. Please refrain from making individual inquiries.
 

Unfortunately, no. Find here the current version.
 

Unfortunately, no. You can apply simply via the online portal of Trier University.
 

You can apply simply via the online portal of Trier University or directly jump to the application system.
 

Find the Current Application Deadlines and the General deadlines and dates of Trier University.
 

Please use the application portal first. For further questions, contact the Admissions Office or the Admissions Officers for Internationals.

Find the General deadlines and dates of Trier University. You will be notified by email about the first meetings connected to SM&E (Welcome Session & Introductory Event). Find this information also in the info box (NEWS AND EVENTS) at sme.uni-trier.de.
 

For further questions, contact the Admissions Officers for Internationals.
 

Please contact the International Office of Trier University.
 

Please contact - and visit - the International Centre (also: Internationales Zentrum, iZ). They do great work, according to the motto "from students for students".
 

The Student Counselling Centre (also: Zentrale Studienberatung, ZSB) is happy to help you.
 

We recommend the Welcome Events by the Student Counselling Centre. This typically takes place in the week before the first week of lectures. Check out the Quick Start Week as well, specifically for international students and organized by the International Office.

Yes, but not the other way around.

In case of technical difficulties (errors, missing content, inappropriate functionality), please write to portauni-trierde. For questions regarding content, please contact the Student Advisory Service (Management: sbbwlmauni-trierde | Economics: fsb.vwluni-trierde) or the responsible professorship.

Of course. Even though they are not counted for your study program, the can be listed on your certificate.
 

You have to retake the exam in the next four semesters. Typically, two retakes per exams are allowed. Be aware that only one retake on your Master's thesis is possible.
 

Please contact the Examination Office.
 

Yes, you can get credit points for your Elective modules. This includes the Literature & Languages cluster of the free electives.
 

Theoretically, that is possible. For more information, please contact the chair of Monetary Economics which is organizing TriMUN.

No, you are free to choose which courses you take. The study plan is a suggestion only.