Sustainability Economics and Management - Master's Programme

Over the course of four semesters Master’s program, students will earn a total of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) points. For each of the 16 modules of study, 6 ECTS points are granted. The master's thesis will count for 24 points.

In the first semester, two basic modules on Environmental Economics and Management, are mandatory. In addition to this, two basic modules from the fields of Environmental Law, Environmental and Sustainability Governance, and Environmental Sciences are to attend. Another basic module from the fields of econometrics or multivariate statistics can be chosen. These modules form the basis for a more comprehensive deepening and linkage of environmental and sustainability aspects in economics, business administration as well as in social and natural sciences.

In the second and third semester, this basic knowledge will be deepened in four obligatory accent modules. These include Applied Environmental Economics, Strategic Sustainability Management, and Sustainable Supply Chain Management. In addition to this, a practical project will be conducted. These modules provide advanced theoretical and application-related knowledge for the economic and business analysis of environmental and sustainability problems. Beyond that, students can freely choose five supplementary modules from a variety of options in order to acquire subject-specific knowledge and skills or to deepen language skills. Another supplementary module is open to modules from related disciplines, especially from the courses offered by the interdisciplinary study programmes of the Master Cluster Environment and Sustainability. An exchange with one of the partner universities worldwide offering similar degrees is possible and recommended either in the second or third semester.

In the fourth semester, the master’s thesis is written. An accompanying research colloquium serves to deepen further competences in scientific methodology.

By taking certain combinations of the subject-specific supplementary modules, students can specialize in specific areas of study. The possible areas of study are:

• Energy, Climate, and Development
• Sustainable Innovation, Digitalization, and Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Management, Planning, and Conservation

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg offers perfect prerequisites for studying sustainable business, since sustainability is a central field of research at the University.
An ecological focus in economics, which exists since 1997, is attracting highly motivated students from all over Germany. There is a strong linkage to sustainability research due to the founding of the "Oldenburg Center for Sustainability Economics and Management" (CENTOS) in early 2006. An intensive cooperation with the natural sciences will be further enhanced by, among other things, the strong network within the Master Cluster Environment and Sustainability .
In the field of renewable energy, the University of Oldenburg is one of the leading international univer-sities.

In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need an adequate knowledge of German.

German Language Proficiency
 

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2
• if applicants have a university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in German

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations
You can proof your English language proficiency with the following language certificates:
 

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2
• if applicants have a university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in English
• by the Abitur (higher education entrance qualification) or a successfully completed test for level B2, see FAQs for the study programme

In general, the proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. A period of two semesters may be granted for subsequent submission of the German language certificate. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements

Discussions about strategies for sustainable development and their implementation is becoming increasingly important in politics, society, and businesses. This is also demonstrated by the large number of newly emerging and well-established business initiatives such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) or the UN Global Compact. The complexity of these challenges, in which environmental, social, and economic factors play a role, requires experts with corresponding problem-solving skills and an interdisciplinary perspective.
For graduates of the master’s programme in Sustainability Economics and Management, this results in a wide range of employment opportunities in companies, especially in sustainability, environmental, and communication departments, or in special projects, such as the introduction of environmental management systems in large enterprises. Start-ups, small and medium-sized companies (especially those from the steadily growing environmental and renewable energy sector) are also looking for specifically trained staff. Consultancy or reviewer activities are another broad professional field. In addition, there is an increasing demand in various political or public institutions, associations, international organizations and NGOs at the national, EU, or global level. The situation is similar in science, where more and more sustainability oriented research projects are being funded.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in economic, social, natural or engineering sciences or a closely related field worth at least 180 credit points.
• Proof of professional competence with at least 5 CP each is expected in the following areas:
  • Microeconomic theory and
  • Introduction to business administration or comparable module and
  • Mathematics for economists or comparable module

• English language proficiency at level B2 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Possible proof and recognised language tests can be found in the FAQs for the study programme
• Proficiency of German language skills for international students (see tab Language Skills)

The following special qualifications in the field of sustainability are also an advantage:
 

• Proof of relevant professional experience or internships
• Proof of specialization in previous studies
• Proof of voluntary work (see admission regulations §4 (2))
• Overview in tabular form about relevant study-specific experiences, to be submitted with the application

Note: Only qualifications and previous experiences that are fulfilled until 15th of July can be accepted. A corresponding proof have to be presented until that date.

The university's own selection procedure is based on a ranking list which is determined by awarding of points. A maximum of 100 points will be awarded. Points are awarded for the following:
 

• the final grade or the average grade of the previous degree programme (maximum 60 points) and
• professional suitability and special qualifications in the field of sustainability (maximum 40 points).

In case of equal ranking, the lot decides.

You will find further details in the current admissions regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about admission process

This course of studies accepts a limited number of applicants. Application is only possible in the winter semester.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 of July.

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes