Sustainability Management & Economics (Master) Study Program

Course content | Prerequisites | Internships & abroad | ​​​​​​​Career prospects | ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Application

teaching


Standard period 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's in Sustainability Management & Economics is a comprehensive full-time program designed with a flexible curriculum spanning sustainability management and economics. It cultivates academic experts who can fulfill the needs of both the private and public sectors 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's in Sustainability Management & Economics has a highly flexible curriculum and qualifies for both a career in practice and in academia.

Why studying Sustainable Management & Economics at Trier University?

  • Strong interdisciplinary focus covering disciplines such as (sustainability) management, (sustainability) economics, and sustainability science.
  • Small study groups and comprehensive study support.
  • Strong emphasis on research, providing opportunities to qualify for doctoral programs in economics or 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's 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 and corporate governance and reporting. Sustainability modules from natural sciences can also be elected. A full list of compulsory elective modules is available here. 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 select a practical internship as an elective module. A full list of elective modules is available here

Study Plan

* 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

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.

Internships & abroad

The field of Sustainability Management & Economics holds significant practical importance, offering the opportunity for integrating 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's 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

career prospects

The Sustainability Management & Economics degree program equips students with the necessary skills for a diverse range of roles within the sustainability sector. With promising job prospects, graduates are well-positioned to pursue opportunities in areas such as:

  • Sustainability Manager in firms of all sizes.
  • Sustainability Manager in public institutions, non-governmental organizations, or non-profit organizations.
  • Innovation and Business Development Manager.
  • HR Manager specializing in social sustainability.
  • Sustainability/ESG/Environmental Analyst in banks, consultancies, or auditing firms.
  • Academic career as a research associate in a university or research institute.

Application

You can apply simply via the online portal of the Trier University within the application deadlines.