The application deadline for Bachelor's and Master's theses in the summer semester is 15.01. Applications for theses in the winter semester are possible until 15.07. Possible topics will be published here in good time (i.e. approx. one month) before this deadline.

In general, we offer two types of theses: (1) Conceptual theses and (2) empirical theses. Conceptual theses derive implications for science and practice on the basis of literature research without collecting or analyzing any additional data. Empirical theses involve the analysis of data, whereby this data can come from databases or be collected by the students themselves (e.g. by means of interviews).

Empirical thesis

• Phase-Out Strategies in Hard-to-Abate Sectors
• The pros and cons of privatization: A qualitative investigation of Deutsche Bahn AG

Conceptual theses

For the winter semester, we offer conceptual theses on the following topics. For each topic, the (scientific) literature should first be reviewed in order to (a) compile common definitions of the most important concepts and demonstrate the relevance of the topic, (b) summarize key findings from the scientific debate and (c) provide concrete practical recommendations, tools and best-practice examples. Furthermore, additional interviews with experts and company representatives can be conducted to validate the results and gather additional insights.

Very good work is published in the Sustainability Management Wiki (https://www.sustainability-management.wiki/), which is currently being set up by the chair. As the language of the wiki is English, theses on the topics mentioned must be written in English.

The topics for the summer semester 2026 are:

• Sustainability & Consumer Behavior
• Sustainable Development Goal Strategy Tool
• Recycling technologies
• Green coding
• Humanistic management
• Vertical farming
• Fairtrade
• Design for the environment and ecodesign
• Ageism and age-based discrimination
• Sustainable aquaculture
• Toxic materials and hazardous waste
• Conflict management
• Disaster management
• Regeneration
• Integrity management
• Rebound effects
• Externalities
• Shared value
• Servitization
• ISO 14001
• Ecological footprint
• ISO19600 Compliance Management Systems
• AA1000 Series of Standards
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Application process

If one of the topics appeals to you, we look forward to receiving a written application including a short letter of motivation, CV and a current certificate of grades. Please send your documents as a PDF file by e-mail to Dr. Swantje Freund (swantje.freund@uol.de). In addition to your preferred topic, please also indicate a second, third and fourth preference in your application so that we can take your preferences into account when assigning topics.

We will then review the applications immediately after the application deadline and let you know whether we can supervise your work. If you have an idea for your own topic or would like to write your thesis externally with a company, please contact the chair at least one month before the application deadline to clarify the extent to which the topic is feasible from the chair's point of view and fits in with the chair's research interests and focal points.

Please refer to the document Process and Guidelines for Bachelor's and Master's Theses (in German) for detailed information on the application and processing of theses.