Requirements, personal qualifications, and target group for the Master's in Sustainable Management (M.A.)

With your degree in Sustainable Management, you could work in sustainable business transformation consulting, as a managing director, or start your own business with your business idea

The Master's programme in Sustainable Management at IU International University of Applied Sciences is aimed at all those who want to specifically expand their business and management-related knowledge with sustainable aspects. It is particularly targeted at professionals from the fields of business, consulting, environmental management, executives, project managers, as well as graduates of business-related or interdisciplinary courses of study. If you want to strategically support companies on their path to greater sustainability or develop sustainable business models independently, you have the ideal profile for this programme. Since the programme is designed to be 100% flexible and without any in-person phases, it is particularly suitable for professionals, parents, and all those who want to study alongside their other commitments.

Admission requirements overview

Completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor, Diploma) with at least 180 ECTS credits. The degree must be from a state or state-recognized university.

Minimum grade of "Satisfactory" (3.0). In case of a lower grade (up to 4.0), admission is possible through the demonstration of additional relevant academic achievements or qualifications (40 ECTS credits or equivalent further education/qualifications at DQR7 level).

Professional experience of at least one year after completion of the first degree. This experience must have a substantive connection to the desired programme of study. Practical experience from a successfully completed dual study programme may also be recognized.

Language proficiency: Non-German applicants need to provide proof of German language skills at least at B2 level (e.g. TestDaF, Telc, ÖSD, DSH). The certificate is generally not older than 5 years.

Requirements for the 60 ECTS variant: Depending on the scope and type of the first degree, there are different access paths:

• With 240 ECTS: Direct access with at least 1 year of professional experience.
• With 210 ECTS: Access by providing proof of one year of professional experience or by completing an additional 30 ECTS credits through supplementary courses.
• With 180 ECTS: Additional courses totaling 30 ECTS credits required and at least one year of professional experience or at least two years of relevant professional experience (without additional courses).

Access without a Bachelor's degree (Master for Professionals) is possible in the 120 ECTS programme with relevant professional qualifications:

• Secondary school certificate (Abitur) or completed, at least 2-year vocational training in a field related to the programme of study
• At least 6 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role or expert status
• Successful completion of a preparatory module at IU (seminar paper and oral exam)

Recognition of prior learning: Previously completed modules, further education, or professional experience can be individually recognized and credited towards the programme of study.

Personal requirements

• Analytical thinking and interest in complex relationships: The content requires the ability to link economic, ecological, and social aspects.
• Self-motivation and self-organization: Distance learning is characterized by high flexibility and individual responsibility—important for learning progress and efficient time management.
• Interest in sustainable development: Those who want to drive innovations towards more sustainability in companies should have a genuine interest in these topics.
• Communication skills: Since sustainable management is often associated with change processes in companies, presentation skills and persuasiveness are advantageous.
• Basic technical knowledge is helpful for effectively using digital learning materials, the online campus, and the IU Learn app.
• Good German language skills for a smooth study process and solid English skills for successful communication in an international context.

Target group in detail

• Economists and business economists who want to expand their foundation with sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and ethical aspects.
• Executives and project managers from companies, startups, NGOs, and consulting who want to shape sustainable corporate management or develop and implement sustainable projects.
• Career changers from related fields (e.g. environmental sciences, social sciences), provided they have a relevant university degree and corresponding professional experience.
• Professionals, parents, commuters who need a highly flexible distance learning study programme alongside their job, family, or start-up projects.
• Aspiring or experienced entrepreneurs who want to realize sustainable business models and take responsibility in economic development, consulting, CSR, ESG, or management.

The Master's programme in Sustainable Management offers you the opportunity to sharpen your career profile for a sustainable future—with academic depth, practical projects, and full flexibility in terms of location and time.

Study contents and acquired skills in the Master's in Sustainable Management (M.A.)

The Master's degree program in Sustainable Management at IU International University combines in-depth business knowledge with current sustainability aspects. You will engage intensively with ecological, social, and ethical challenges in management and develop sustainable solution strategies. The program relies on a clear structure and practical knowledge transfer.

• Business Administration & Sustainability: Sustainable business administration, ESG-oriented financial sciences, and economic approaches to sustainability will help you rethink classic management tasks from a sustainable perspective.
• Global Challenges: Topics like global challenges, sustainable development, and value chain management provide you with a comprehensive view of corporate responsibility in a changing world.
• Innovative Management Concepts: You will learn how to develop sustainable business models and actively manage changes within the company (change management, organizational development).
• Practical Relevance and Methodology: Seminars like "Marketing Responsibility" and projects on sustainable business models give you the opportunity to develop practical solutions.
• Elective Modules: You can deepen your knowledge according to your interests, for example in the areas of International Perspectives, Ethics of Technologies, Responsible Leadership, Sustainable Business Start-Up, or Intercultural Management.
• Research & Academic Work: Research methodology ensures that you make empirically and analytically sound decisions and independently carry out master projects.
• Additional Skills: Topics such as ethics and value management, sustainable communication, and "New Work" round off the profile.

During the program, you will not only develop analytical and conceptual skills for sustainable management, but also acquire communicative and ethical competencies for modern leadership personalities.

Study Schedule and Organization

The distance learning program at IU is flexible and modular. You can choose between three time models: full-time (12/24 months), part-time I (18/36 months), and part-time II (24/48 months). Switching between the models is possible during the course, ensuring that the study organization adapts optimally to your everyday life.

• Virtual Lectures: Numerous interactive online seminars enable professional exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
• Study Materials: You will receive all materials online as well as in printed study letters upon request. The digital IU Learn App supports you in location-independent learning.
• Exams: Exams can be taken flexibly as online exams around the clock or at an exam center. In addition, term papers, project work, and presentations are used.
• Learning Support and Community: Over 200 professors, more than 1,000 tutors, and study coaches are available for advice. The online campus myCampus bundles all organizational processes and communication possibilities.
• Individual Specialization: In the elective area, you can choose fields in which you want to practically apply and deepen sustainable management concepts. For example, you can take the new AI module "AI and Mastering Prompts."
• Free Extension: If you need more time for your studies, a fee-free extension of up to 12 months is possible.

The study is independent of location, allowing you to remain maximally flexible in terms of learning times and exam formats.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Sustainable Management

Graduates of the Master's program in Sustainable Management qualify for responsible specialist and management positions that drive sustainability and innovation in companies.

• Management Consulting: You support companies as a consultant in the transformation towards sustainable business models and accompany the establishment of ESG-compliant structures.
• Management & Leadership: Take on management tasks in companies that prioritize social, ecological, and ethical responsibilities - whether in management or as the founder of your sustainable company.
• Leadership in Finance Departments: With sustainability-oriented financial knowledge, you shape investment decisions, reporting, and innovation processes, making sustainability the guiding principle of the company's strategy.
• Diverse Industries: Sustainable management is in demand in industry, trade, consulting, associations, NGOs, international organizations, and the public sector.

With this degree, you become a contact person for topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainable innovation, climate, environmental, and social standards, preparing companies for future challenges.

Costs, fees and financing options

The costs for the Sustainable Management distance learning programme (60 ECTS) vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (12 months): 729 € per month – total costs approx. 9.547 €
• Part-time I (18 months): 569 € per month – total costs approx. 11.041 €
• Part-time II (24 months): 449 € per month – total costs approx. 11.575 €

Regular discount promotions offer savings on tuition fees. The tuition includes all services such as digital learning materials, access to the online library, personal career coaching and optional live lectures. A non-binding trial month allows you to test the programme for free at the start.

• Financing options: Education funds, private student loans, tax deduction as income-related expenses and various regional funding programmes. IU also accepts individual recognition of prior learning (e.g. from previous studies or further training), which can further reduce costs.

Thanks to the digital learning concept, there are no expenses for textbooks or on-site travel. Semester breaks and extensions (up to 12 months) are available free of charge if you need more time.