Sustainability Management & Economics (Master) Study Program
Length of study: 4 semester
Type: Master of Science
Numerus clausus (NC): none
Start of studies: Winter semester | Summer semester
Language of instruction: English
The Master in Sustainability Management & Economics is a comprehensive full-time program designed with a flexible curriculum spanning sustainability management and economics. It educates academic experts who can fulfill the needs of both the private and public sector in managing their socio-ecological transformation. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of social and environmental sustainability topics (including a natural science perspective) and focuses also on the governance and change management processes behind the transformation. The Master in Sustainability Management & Economics has a highly flexible curriculum and qualifies for both a career in practice and in academia.
Why studying Sustainability Management & Economics at Trier University?
- Strong interdisciplinary focus covering and integrating the disciplines (sustainability) management, (sustainability) economics, and sustainability science.
- Small study groups and comprehensive study support.
- Strong emphasis on research, providing opportunities to qualify for a doctoral program in the fields of economics and management.
- Attractive and future-proof job opportunities in a large variety of industries and sectors.
- Wide range of specializations and elective courses.
Course content
The curriculum consists of (1) compulsory modules, (2) compulsory elective modules, and (3) elective modules. It concludes with a Master Thesis.
The compulsory modules provide an introduction to sustainability management and economics, as well as to academic research. They also include a two-semester interdisciplinary research project with a focus on sustainability. The compulsory elective modules include specific modules from the area of sustainability management and economics. Students can choose from a long list of modules in the areas of environmental and social sustainability, as well as modules from change management, corporate governance and ESG reporting. Sustainability modules from natural sciences can also be elected. The elective modules are even more flexible and include modules from the full spectrum of management and economics so that it is possible to develop an attractive and specific profile for the job market. It is also possible to integrate a practical internship in a company into the study program.
A full list of compulsory electives and elective modules is available here.
* e.g. Political Economics, Accounting, Retail Marketing, Econometrics, Corporate Finance, Nature Conservation, Restoration and Protection, Auditing, Practical Internship
** e.g. Innovation and Sustainability, Sustainability and AI, Sustainability Reporting, Green Monetary Policy, Human Resource Management, Sustainable Finance, Energy Markets, Environmental Systems Analysis
Here is the version for students beginning in the summer semester.
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a field of economics or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification. The decision on equivalence is made by the examination board on a case-by-case basis.
Proof of proficiency in the English language as required by the Enrollment Regulations of the Trier University in its current version. For more information, check out the FAQs.
Internships & abroad
The topic of Sustainability Management & Economics holds significant practical importance, offering the opportunity for integrating company internships into the study program. These internships can be conducted within various sectors including corporate, non-profit, or governmental organizations. The internship's focus should align with sustainability-related themes, allowing students to potentially merge their internship experiences with their Master thesis.
Students also have the option to spend one or two semesters abroad during their Master's studies. This opportunity enables them to study at one of Trier University's partner universities.
Career prospects
The Sustainability Management & Economics degree program equips students with the necessary skills for a diverse range of roles related to sustainability in a wide range of industries and sectors. With promising job prospects, graduates are well-positioned to pursue job opportunities in areas such as:
- Sustainability Expert/Manager/Analyst in firms of all sizes.
- Sustainability Expert/Manager/Analyst in public institutions, non-governmental organizations, or non-profit organizations.
- Innovation and Business Development Expert/Manager.
- HR Expert/Manager with a focus on social sustainability.
- Sustainability/ESG/Environmental Analyst in banks, consultancies, or auditing firms.
- Academic career as a research associate in a university or research institute.
Research Project and Master Thesis
An important component of the sustainability master’s program is participation in research. One of these is the Research Project, in which you work in a small team to develop a research question and analyze data using multivariate methods. Your Master’s Thesis will then be an individual empirical study that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research. Topics for both the Research Project and the Master’s thesis can cover a broad range of issues in sustainability with a focus on management and economics.
Please read the following information on the formal allocation process for both the Research Project and the Master’s thesis carefully:
Central allocation procedure:
Towards the end of each semester, a central allocation procedure takes place for the following semester.
The deadline for registration will be announced in good time before the start of the semester, in particular on the information board on our website or, in particular, here.
You must register before the deadline; late registrations cannot be considered.
General rules:
The time at which you register within the registration period does not influence the allocation of topics or supervising professorships.
Priority ranking:
For the research project, available projects are announced. You must then submit a priority ranking for all available projects.
For the master thesis, you must submit a priority ranking for all professorship. Assigning topics will then admistered by the respective professorship.
Allocation is based as far as possible on your stated preferences. However, allocation to your highest-priority choice cannot always be guaranteed.
- If the demand for places at a particular professorship exceeds capacity, places will be allocated by random draw among the students who have listed this professorship
Application
You can apply simply via the online portal of Trier University within the application deadlines.