Shaping change – thinking sustainability across disciplines
We have developed a master's programme that combines existing specialist expertise – for example in business, engineering, computer and health sciences – with a clear focus on sustainability. Lecturers from across our various faculties, working in close cooperation with partners from industry and other sectors, will be brought together in interdisciplinary teams to work on ecological, social and economic issues. This will equip you to take on responsibility in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in business, public administration, healthcare, research and in wider society.
The programme starts in summer semester 2027 and will continue to be offered in the summer semester.
Also available part-time and/or bilingual
If you wish to continue working, you can reduce your study workload to 50%, enabling you to combine your work and study in an ideal way. A bilingual degree is also possible.
Your key contact
I'm happy to advise you on the future-oriented topic of sustainability.
Applied Materials Sciences (MSc) (AMW)
University Climate Protection Representative
Programme content and structure
Modules and focus areas
The Sustainable Development master's programme combines the foundations of sustainable development with subject-specific specialisation that builds on your bachelor's degree.
Core content includes the fundamentals of sustainable development with its ecological, economic and social dimensions. A key point of reference is the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the role of companies, public institutions and individuals in implementing them.
Another focus is on methods and instruments of sustainability. These include, for example, greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability reporting, environmental certifications and analysis and evaluation tools for sustainability measures and life cycle assessments.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is a central part of everyday study. Students from different academic backgrounds learn together, work on projects with partners from business, healthcare, public administration and education, and examine sustainability issues from a range of perspectives.
Personal and social skills are also fostered. The emphasis is on working in interdisciplinary teams, solution-focused and project-based approaches, and reflection on responsibility, ethics and social impact.
As you progress through the programme, you can specialise further through a thematically related project and your master's thesis. Both usually address a sustainability-related question from your original bachelor discipline, often in cooperation with a practice partner.
Entry requirements
Who is this programme for?
Admission to the Sustainable Development master's programme generally requires a first qualifying university degree, e.g. a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:
business or business administration and engineering
mechanical engineering, engineering sciences, medical engineering
health sciences, nursing, public health
computer science, business information systems or related degree programmes
In addition, the following are required:
subject-related suitability of your first degree to the topics covered in the master's programme
a qualifying final grade
where applicable, proof of specific prior knowledge, for example in methods, statistics or sustainability topics
Binding information on admission requirements, language requirements and application deadlines can be found in the current admissions regulations.
What’s covered
Study and Examination Regulations SDM:
- Download file:General Master SPO
- Download file:SDM SPO
- Download file:Admission Regulations SDM
- Download file:Part-time Study Regulations
Module Handbook SDM
Special features
Your career prospects
Qualified for excellent prospects and goals
Graduates of the Sustainable Development master's programme are qualified for demanding roles at the interface between their discipline and sustainability.
In companies and industry, there are career opportunities in sustainability and environmental management and in the development of climate strategies. There are also exciting possibilities in resource efficiency and the circular economy, in responsibility for sustainability reporting or environmental certification, and in the development of sustainable products and business models.
In the healthcare sector and in social institutions, areas of work include developing and implementing sustainability strategies, projects relating to climate, health and social participation, and organisational development.
In public administration and public authorities, the range of activities extends from local and regional sustainability and climate protection strategies to the implementation of regulatory requirements, reporting and strategic planning.
Further career fields are in consulting, associations, non-governmental organisations and education. Typical activities include sustainability consulting, working in professional associations and initiatives, and educational and awareness-raising work on sustainability topics.
The master’s degree also generally enables you to pursue a doctorate, either in your original discipline or with a focus on sustainability. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation for leadership roles and potential start-ups in an environment where sustainable development is becoming a key factor in competitiveness and location attractiveness.