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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Sustainability and Systemic Management under the number 156814c. Who this Master fits and what you need to get in
This Master suits experienced professionals who want to drive sustainability with a systems view. Typical profiles include: a sustainability or ESG coordinator in manufacturing who needs a formal Master’s to step into a lead role; a business, engineering or environmental science graduate working full time who wants to pivot into corporate sustainability or systemic change; a consultant or NGO programme manager aiming to deepen expertise in systemic management for transformation projects across sectors.
Admission requirements
Teaching language and study mode: the programme is taught in German and delivered 100% online, including assessments.
- First degree: a completed university degree in engineering/technology, business/economics, natural sciences, computer science, law, or an equivalent qualification under the Baden-Württemberg Higher Education Act (Master of Science, 120 ECTS).
- International degrees: admission is possible with a recognised foreign Bachelor’s or equivalent in one of the above fields. Equivalence is checked during the application; certified documents may be required.
- German language for non-native speakers (proof required):
- DSH-2 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), or
- TestDaF with level 4, or
- C1 according to the CEFR, or
- a school-leaving certificate equivalent to a German higher education entrance qualification.
- Recommended: English at CEFR C1 for selected literature and sources.
- Technical setup: reliable internet access and confident use of PC and online tools.
Note: Abitur is not required for entry to this Master; admission is based on your prior university degree.
Personal requirements
Remote study from abroad demands consistent self-management, realistic planning and the willingness to learn in German at an advanced level. Expect about 30 hours per week for readings, assignments and online exams in the standard pace. You will benefit if you can:
- Structure your week with fixed study slots and protect them alongside work.
- Work independently with digital materials and seek feedback proactively.
- Stay motivated over several semesters and handle peak phases before submissions.
- Read academic texts in German; switch to English sources when useful.
- Apply theory to your job context to turn modules into concrete projects.
If you are comfortable studying in German (C1), can commit steady weekly time, and bring curiosity for systems thinking and sustainability, you can complete this Master fully online from your current location—without interrupting your career.
What will you study in the Sustainability and Systemic Management (M.Sc.) at AKAD University?
This Master’s is taught in German. For admission as an international applicant you need advanced German (C1), typically proven by DSH-2, TestDaF level 4 or a C1 certificate under the CEFR. You earn 120 ECTS over 4 semesters and complete with a Master’s thesis and colloquium.
You build a systems view of organisations and change. Core topics include: - Systems theory and leadership: Foundations of systems science, systemic leadership, holistic management concepts. - Projects and operations: Project management, integrated management systems, resources management.
You connect strategy and governance with sustainability: - Corporate governance and CSR: Corporate Governance and CSR, sustainable corporate management, business ethics and sustainability. - Organisation and people: Organisational sociology, organisational psychology and conflict management, intercultural management and communication.
You also train cross-cutting skills for study and work (academic methods, communication). The final phase centres on the Master’s thesis and defence. AKAD runs this as a Fernstudium (distance learning) approved by the German state regulator ZFU; AKAD itself is a state-recognised private Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences).
Electives: You choose one specialisation to deepen your profile: Green Management, Systemic Change Management, or Systemic Consulting. Optional workshops and online seminars complement the curriculum; on-site attendance is not compulsory.
How does the Sustainability and Systemic Management distance programme work?
You study 100% online with rolling admission and no semester system. Learning and exams are delivered digitally via AKAD’s campus, so a visa is not required for a purely remote path. Weekly workload is about 30 hours.
Teaching language and language certificates
The teaching language is German. To enrol from abroad you typically present DSH-2, TestDaF (4×4) or a C1 CEFR German certificate. Good English helps with literature, but German is required for coursework and exams.
Learning format and study materials
The programme is a flexible Fernstudium with self-paced modules. Materials include e-books and PDFs, video lectures, webinars, self-tests and cases on the online campus. Tutor support and peer forums are integrated. You can usually decide the order in which you complete modules.
Exams from outside Germany
Exams are offered online with remote proctoring and as coursework (presentations, written assignments, case studies). You can complete all mandatory assessments from abroad. The programme has ZFU approval no. 156814c for distance learning.
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no mandatory on-site days. Optional orientation or topic seminars may be offered; participation is not required for graduation.
Workload, time models and time zones
Choose between three standard models: 24 months (Sprint), 36 months (Standard) or 48 months (Stretch). Expect roughly 30 hours per week at full pace. Occasional live webinars run in Central European Time (CET/CEST); recordings or alternative formats are typically available.
What does the Sustainability and Systemic Management cost?
Tuition is billed monthly in euros and depends on your time model. In regular pricing (without promotional discounts), the Stretch model is the lowest monthly rate, the Sprint model the lowest total. A one-time exam fee of €960 applies in addition to tuition.
| Time model | Monthly tuition | Standard duration | Indicative tuition total | Plus one-time fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | €529 per month | 24 months | €12,696 | + €960 exam fee |
| Standard | €399 per month | 36 months | €14,364 | + €960 exam fee |
| Stretch | €319 per month | 48 months | €15,312 | + €960 exam fee |
AKAD allows free extensions beyond the chosen model (indicatively: up to 12 months for Sprint, 9 months for Standard, 3 months for Stretch). You pay in monthly instalments in euros; studying fully online means no travel or visa costs for campus attendance.
What careers and recognition does the Sustainability and Systemic Management offer?
You graduate with 120 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework at Master’s level (EQF level 7). The degree is from a state-recognised university of applied sciences and the programme is ACQUIN-accredited (ACQUIN is listed in EQAR) until 30 September 2027. This supports international recognition and eligibility for further study, including doctoral admission where other institutional criteria are met.
Typical roles include: - Sustainability/CSR Manager or Head of Sustainability in corporates and SMEs. - ESG Consultant or advisor for sustainable transformation and reporting. - Systemic Change Manager driving cross-functional transformation programmes. - Green Operations/Resources Manager focusing on resource efficiency and integrated management systems.
Career outcomes vary by country and sector. The combination of systems thinking, governance and operations enables advancement into leadership or consulting tracks in industry, services, and non-profit organisations.
Who is the Sustainability and Systemic Management right for - and who not?
This programme fits experienced professionals and career changers who want to lead sustainability initiatives with a systems perspective, fully online and alongside work. You should be comfortable studying in German and managing a steady weekly workload.
- You want an online, rolling-admission Master’s with no mandatory on-site presence.
- You aim to combine sustainability, governance and change in corporate or consulting roles.
- You value a state-recognised, ACQUIN-accredited degree with 120 ECTS at Master’s level.
- You prefer modular, self-paced study with comprehensive digital resources and online exams.
It is not suitable for everyone. The following points are genuine deal-breakers for many international applicants.
- The programme is taught entirely in German; you need C1-level German (e.g. DSH-2, TestDaF 4). Without this, you cannot complete coursework or exams.
- If you want a degree leading to a regulated profession (e.g. teaching, law, clinical psychology), this Master’s does not provide that licence pathway.
- If you seek lab-based environmental science or engineering specialisations with compulsory fieldwork, this management-focused curriculum will not match your goals.
- If you need frequent live teaching in your local time zone, note that live sessions are scheduled in CET/CEST and primarily offered as recordings.
Lade… 
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