Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the M.Eng. “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles” suitable for – and what are the admission requirements?
This part-time course is suitable if you want to practically advance sustainability within companies or public administrations. Typical profiles: you work in quality, environmental or energy management of an industrial or service organisation and would like to systematically adapt processes for circularity. Alternatively, you are an economist, engineer, or come from social or media sciences and would like to qualify for roles in sustainability management, CSR or transformation projects. The programme is also suitable if you are responsible for climate strategies, resource and process management in a municipality, public enterprise, or consultancy environment, and are seeking a structured, recognised master’s framework.
Admission requirements
The following formal requirements apply for enrolment in the master’s degree:
- A first university degree qualifying for a profession in a technical, business, media or social science discipline, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
- Proof of a total of 210 ECTS from your first degree. Missing credits can be compensated via the module “Project-oriented Scientific Work” for up to 30 ECTS as part of the degree programme.
- The language of instruction and examination is German.
- Career-integrated format with compact in-person sessions: each module consists of three sessions on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.
Flexible participation options: Individual modules can be taken as a guest student – even without a first university degree. In this case, you will receive a university certificate (with examination) or a certificate of attendance (without examination). A master’s degree is not possible without a first degree.
Personal requirements
What is important in everyday study life: You need an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of technology, business and law, a willingness to critically examine processes, as well as solid self-organisation. Studying part-time means realistically planning periods for learning and coordinating with your employer – the in-person sessions are concentrated on weekends, so commuting is usual.
- Time Management: Each module has 24 hours of in-person attendance (including examination), 45 hours of e-learning and around 56 hours of self-study.
- Perseverance: Regular independent work between in-person sessions is critical for achieving good results.
- Practical application: You should be keen to apply course content to your own organisation – this creates immediate benefits and motivation.
- Coordination at work and home: Plan block dates early to smooth out peaks during particularly demanding work or family periods.
Good to know: The university schedules in-person sessions well in advance, and the modular system allows you to slow down during particularly intensive periods. Those who prepare in a structured way, actively use feedback and remain consistent will master this double commitment – and can often embed results in their own organisation during the course of their studies.
What will you learn in the Master’s programme “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles” at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences?
You will combine ecological, economic, and social perspectives and learn how to integrate sustainability into business processes. The focal areas range from environmental and quality management to process and project management, and the business administration evaluation of circular processes. The degree awarded is a Master of Engineering with 90 credits.
Strategy and Fundamentals: You will acquire the fundamentals of sustainability and corporate sustainability. This is supplemented by environmental management and innovation management – always with a focus on practical solutions for organisations.
Management and Processes: You will deepen your knowledge of process management and project management for circular processes. Quality management is emphasised as a tool for continuous improvement – which is important for audits and integrated management systems.
Business Administration and People Topics: You will learn about the business administration evaluation of circular and transformation processes. Additionally, the programme covers human resource management and – optionally – business administration fundamentals for a thorough understanding.
Circular Economy, Law, and Technology: In practical modules, the focus is on sustainable supply chain management, environmental and energy law, resource-efficient production, circular economy and recycling, as well as energy management.
Specialisations: You can tailor your studies to your role in the company through three elective modules from seven options (including Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Environmental and Energy Law, Resource-Efficient Production, Circular Economy and Recycling, Energy Management, Digital Economy in Practice, Subject Specialisation Project).
Practical Elements, Compensation Modules and Final Thesis: Each module combines face-to-face classes, e-learning and independent study. Any missing credits required for admission to the Master’s programme can be compensated within the course through “Project-Oriented Scientific Work”. The programme concludes with a master’s thesis. You can also optionally obtain TÜV Rheinland certificates (e.g. as a quality, environmental, or energy management representative or project management in practice) – an added advantage for job applications and internal development.
How is the part-time “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles” Master’s programme structured?
The course is organised part-time: three face-to-face sessions per module take place on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. Additionally, you will study online and independently. Each module includes 24 hours of face-to-face lessons (including the exam), 45 hours of e-learning, and around 56 hours of independent study.
Learning Formats and Materials
Teaching combines compact face-to-face blocks with online learning units and structured self-study. This allows you to apply new content directly to your job and to discuss it with lecturers and fellow students from various sectors. The blend of in-person, digital formats, and guided independent learning ensures both planned and flexible phases of study.
Assessments and Achievements
Assessments are integrated into the face-to-face sessions – the 24 hours of in-person lessons per module include the examination. Depending on the module, written or practical assessments are possible; scheduling them within these blocks minimises extra journeys for exams.
Face-to-Face Dates – What Is Mandatory?
Attendance is a compulsory component: three sessions per module are held on Friday (afternoon) and Saturday in Mittweida. Moving location is not necessary – commuting is common. The university plans dates far in advance so you can align them with your work schedule.
Workload and Planning
You should expect around 125 hours total workload per module (24 h face-to-face incl. exam, 45 h e-learning, approx. 56 h self-study). For orientation: if you take three modules per semester, that's about 375 hours – spread over around 30 weeks, this equates to approx. 10–12 hours per week alongside your job. You can vary your module load each semester and thereby adapt the pace to busy periods at work. Standard period of study: 4 semesters, starting in the winter semester.
What does the Master’s “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles” at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences cost?
Tuition fees are €1,500 per semester, plus a semester contribution of €61. In the standard period of four semesters, this results in a reference sum of €6,000 in tuition fees plus €244 in semester contributions. Optional TÜV certificates may incur additional costs.
One notable cost factor is the face-to-face weekends: you should budget separately for travel, possibly accommodation, and meals. If you extend your studies beyond four semesters, further tuition fees and semester contributions may apply, as fees are charged per semester.
Tuition fees, specialist literature, travel expenses, and accommodation can usually be claimed as work-related expenses or special deductions for tax purposes. Also, speak to your employer early about cost contributions or leave of absence – especially if you use the content directly in your projects.
What careers and salaries are possible after completing the Master’s in “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles”?
Typical roles are at the interface of sustainability strategy, management systems, and process improvement. Frequently, entry-level and advancement positions include sustainability management, CSR, and the management of integrated management systems – often with career progression already during the course.
- Sustainability manager (Corporate Sustainability, ESG): approx. €55,000–€85,000 gross/year, with management responsibility up to €95,000.
- CSR manager / ESG reporting: approx. €50,000–€80,000, depending on sector and reporting requirements.
- Quality, environmental, and energy management representative (integrated management systems): approx. €48,000–€70,000.
- Project manager for transformation and circular processes: approx. €55,000–€85,000.
- Supply chain specialist for Sustainable SCM: approx. €55,000–€90,000.
The range depends greatly on the sector (e.g. industry vs services), company size, collective bargaining agreements, and prior experience. The M.Eng. qualifies you for positions with management and leadership responsibilities; for academic deepening, a doctorate is in principle possible, depending on the formal requirements of the desired programme.
Who is the Master’s programme “Sustainability in Macroeconomic Cycles” suitable for – and who is it not?
The programme pays off if you want not only to understand sustainability, but also to anchor it operationally and strategically in your company. It is aimed at professionals planning their next career step in sustainability, quality, environmental, or energy management.
- If you want to study alongside your job and value clear face-to-face dates on Friday/Saturday – with scheduled online and self-learning periods in between.
- If you want to integrate management systems (quality, environment, energy) and improve processes based on circular principles.
- If you would like to enhance your profile with recognised TÜV certificates in QM/UM/EM or project management.
- If you come from engineering, business, administration or services and want to drive sustainable transformation in your field.
- If you want to work in a practical, hands-on way – with electives such as Sustainable Supply Chain or Energy Management to fit your role.
The format does not suit everyone. The combination of part-time classroom blocks and online phases requires weekend availability and solid self-organisation.
- If you are looking for a 100% location-independent online option without face-to-face sessions – the in-person blocks in Mittweida are compulsory.
- If weekends are fundamentally unavailable to you (shift work, family care) – the sessions take place on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.
- If you exclusively need a 120-ECTS Master’s for certain follow-on goals – this degree comprises 90 credits.
- If you cannot incur any additional costs for travel/accommodation – the face-to-face weekends bring incidental expenses.
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