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Sustainable Business Management

The degree programme imparts comprehensive competences that enable you to responsibly take on leadership tasks in companies and organisations. Our high application orientation and great practical relevance optimally prepare you for your career entry. We are consistently sustainable, visionary, critically questioning, appreciative and team-oriented.

March 2024 to August 2024

Summer semester 2024

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September 2024 to February 2025

Winter semester 2024/2025

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Study content

Individual study contents

In the first and second semesters, you will acquire a wide range of professional, methodological and personal competences in responsible leadership. The project internship takes place in the third semester. The fourth semester is characterised by your final thesis and in-depth courses. Practical relevance and application are very important to us. Therefore, guest lectures from different industries and organisational sizes (start-ups, established companies, corporations, NGOs), semester-long projects, excursions and company visits are integrated into many courses.

Modules per semester

The team building at the beginning of the study programme focuses on getting to know each other. The various modules offer you a solid introduction to sustainable business management. The modules are offered as face-to-face studies in 13-week blocks.

You will receive an introduction to sustainable development, different concepts of sustainable business management and their elements and take part in a business game on sustainable business management and team building.

Learn about the framework conditions of the economic order, business ethics and legal foundations in the context of sustainable business.

This module introduces actors, instruments and strategies of sustainable value chain management, compliance with legal & voluntary standards, international labour standards and current sustainability issues in global supply chains and value networks.

The focus here is on getting to know and applying various creativity and moderation techniques. You will also learn to recognise and analyse conflict constellations.

Compulsory elective module 1: Application of empirical research methods

The planning, implementation, evaluation and presentation of empirical research for real clients is part of the module.

Compulsory elective module 2: Self-management

In demanding situations, you need time and stress management, personal development skills, leadership skills - and motivation. We teach you methods of self-management.

The second semester offers in-depth topics and additional opportunities for specialisation. We offer you the modules in attendance study in 10-week blocks.

The implementation of corporate environmental and sustainability management, alternative management approaches, opportunities and limitations of corporate environmental and sustainability management are dealt with in this module.

You will receive an introduction to internal and external organisational communication from a sustainability perspective. Current developments, an introduction and comparison of national and international reporting approaches are also part of our teaching content.

We show the possibilities and limits of human resource management to promote and implement a sustainable and ethically responsible corporate culture and strategy. You will learn about instruments of personnel selection, development and release.

Compulsory elective module 1: Forms of solidarity-based economic activity

"New" alternative forms of economy, cooperatives, voluntary cooperation and New Work - we teach concepts, principles and practical examples.

Compulsory elective module 2: Current topics

Courses of study can be determined by the programme director. If this is not done, choose a suitable study offer from other Master's degree programmes, the scope of which is at least 6 ECTS credit points and the content of which is meaningfully related to the objectives of the Master's degree programme in Sustainable Business Management.

Compulsory elective module 1: Sustainable consumption and production

The basics of buyer behaviour, consumer sovereignty, information asymmetry, labels and certifications - all topics of this specialisation.

Compulsory elective module 2: Management of innovation and change

Innovation dimensions, actors and processes, change management, (systemic) organisational development, self-organisation - these are the course contents here.

The focus of the third semester is the project internship, in which you work on an independent project within your internship. In addition, there is another possibility of specialisation in the course of the semester within the framework of a module in the attendance study with 2 week blocks.

Compulsory elective module 1: Sustainable start-up management

You will learn about the following topics for successful start-ups: Sustainable Entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial sustainability, start-up personality, sustainable mission statement development, employer branding, new work, situational leadership, requirements for business ideas, business models and strategies, requirements for pitch presentations); Sustainability in Financing and Investment (requirements and corporate environment of banks and investment companies with regard to the topic of "sustainability" and the corresponding fields of action).

Compulsory elective module 2: Current topics

Courses of study can be determined by the head of the degree programme. If this is not done, choose a suitable study offer from other Master's degree programmes, the scope of which is at least 6 ECTS credit points and the content of which is meaningfully related to the objectives of the Master's degree programme in Sustainable Corporate Management.

You will work on a project to develop application-related solutions for the sustainable development of companies and organisations as part of a 12-week internship.

You will be guided in an accompanying seminar with an introduction to project management, presentation of the projects (examination prerequisite) and consultations.

In the fourth semester you will work on your Master's thesis. The work is supported by the teaching of relevant research methods and an accompanying colloquium. In addition to the Master's thesis, 6-week blocks during the semester offer you further opportunities for individual specialisation as face-to-face studies.

Compulsory elective module 1: Advanced Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Deepen your knowledge of entrepreneurial and innovation-oriented behaviour of employees in organisations (intrapreneurship), human resource management for social entrepreneurs (diversity management, employability, etc.), social entrepreneurship, instruments and models for the design of structural and cultural framework conditions to promote intrapreneurship in social businesses.

Compulsory elective module 2: In-depth study of sustainability management

Case studies (discussion of integrated sustainability management systems in companies based on practical case studies), sustainability marketing (goals, tasks and instruments of sustainability marketing) can be deepened here.

Within the framework of the specialisations, one of two elective modules must be taken in each case.

By conducting the CSR Goes Live business game, you will apply study content in a practical way and specialise further.

Here you will learn research methods relevant to the Master's thesis and receive a structured introduction to working on the thesis.

Preparation of the Master's thesis (15 weeks) and accompanying colloquium (preliminary examination)

After graduation

Career prospects

As a graduate of the Master's programme, a broad spectrum of professional perspectives is open to you. For example, you can implement sustainability in companies and organisations as a change agent, advise companies in this area or become active as a founder yourself.

Specialisation options

The Master's programme is broadly oriented towards the key qualifications expected by companies and organisations. The degree programme provides you with the professional and personal know-how, encourages questioning, offers fun in joint work and is very practically oriented. Therefore, you are able to connect to the diverse relevant discourses of our time and are also optimally trained for middle and senior management positions in diverse companies and organisations.

Prospects / job profiles

Our graduates are change agents who support companies and organisations support companies and organisations on their way to a sustainability-oriented business model and in the implementation of sustainable business practices. Possible areas of employment for you are corporate divisions that implement or manage sustainability aspects; business and strategy consultancies specialising in sustainability; business associations; NGOs; certification organisations or your own start-up.

The Master's degree is suitable for people who want to work in the field of sustainability later on - regardless of whether it's a start-up or a corporate group!

 

Julian Engelke

Bertelsmann Stiftung, Manager Corporate Responsibility, Graduate, Sustainable Corporate Governance

Karina Hildebrandt

Accents, Sustainability Consultant

Graduate, Sustainable Corporate Management

"I recommend the Master's! You get insights into very many topics and aspects of sustainability and can specialise!"

Felix Schicht

NOW GmbH, Manager Municipal Networks

Graduate, Sustainable Business Management

"I recommend the Master's because you learn in small, dedicated groups, you can apply your knowledge quickly & practically and you can find an optimal career entry to the field of corporate sustainability!"

 

Application

I want to apply...

Application deadline
Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1. (only possible for higher semesters)
Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

Apply now

Please create an applicant account in the online application portal. You will receive a confirmation from us by e-mail with your user name and a password. Now you can log in and start entering all the information required for the application and uploading your documents. After submitting the online application, the "Print" button will take you to a summary of your details in the online application, which we recommend you print out and check. If you have discovered an error after submitting your application, please contact us by the closing date by e-mail at studieren(at)hnee.de.

Proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession with at least 180 ECTS credit points. This must be obtained in the field of economics or in a degree programme with an economics component (e.g. business informatics, industrial engineering). At least 60 ECTS credit points from the area of core modules in economics of the first degree programme must be proven. The relevant study modules include general business administration, economics, accounting, taxation, mathematics, statistics, business and corporate law, human resources management, controlling, marketing, market research, business management.

If the required 60 ECTS credit points in the core modules in economics have not been acquired within the framework of the first higher education degree qualifying for a profession, it is possible to compensate for these as follows:

  • through proven relevant extra-curricular additional qualifications or
  • through proven relevant professional practice.
  • Certificate and diploma of the university degree (alternatively proof of achievement with at least 150 ECTS and provisional average grade).
  • School and professional career (curriculum vitae in tabular form)
  • If available: Certificates, references, employer's references or proof of employment.

Application deadline
Summer semester: 1.11. to 1.12. (only possible for higher semesters)
Winter semester: 1.4. to 1.5.


Apply now via uni-assist

If you have obtained your degree abroad, then - regardless of your citizenship - do not apply directly to our university, but via the application portal of uni-assist e.V. This is a service point for the preliminary examination of international study applications for many universities in Germany . The uni-assist website will inform you about the application procedure. Please also note the country information on the uni-assist portal.

If your application is complete and meets the formal admission requirements, uni-assist will forward your application to our university. After importing your application into our application portal, you will receive an email with access data to the HNEE application portal so that you can follow up on the status of your application.

Proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession, which corresponds to a 3-year German Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credit points. This must be obtained in the field of economics or in a degree programme with an economics component (e.g. business informatics, industrial engineering). At least 60 ECTS credit points from the area of core modules in economics of the first degree programme must be proven. The relevant study modules include general business administration, economics, accounting, taxation, mathematics, statistics, business and corporate law, human resources management, controlling, marketing, market research, business management.

If the required 60 ECTS credit points in the core modules in economics have not been acquired within the framework of the first university degree qualifying for a profession, it is possible to compensate for them as follows:

  • through proven relevant extra-curricular additional qualifications or
  • through proven relevant professional experience.

Applicants with a foreign educational biography must also provide evidence of German language skills at level C1 (according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR).

You can find this information on the website of uni-assistwebsite to check whether you meet the formal requirements.

The following application documents must be uploaded exclusively via the uni-assist application portal. Please note that this list cannot be complete and further documents may be requested.

  • Copy of the university degree certificate incl. grade point average and Transcript of Records (see also Country information uni-assist)
  • Copy of the university entrance qualification
  • Other certificates relevant for the Master's entrance qualification (e.g. certificate of the Academic Evaluation Centre for applications from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam, proof of having passed the university entrance examination)
  • In the case of foreign educational biographies: German language certificate C1 according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR.

Foreign certificates must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator.

Application deadline

Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1.

Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.


Apply now

 

As a secondary student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

Students who are already enrolled at a university as a main auditor can be admitted to the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde as a secondary auditor, depending on capacity. The condition is that simultaneous studies at both universities are possible (parallel studies) and that the chosen module is a meaningful addition to the studies taken up.

Adjunct students are not members of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde. They may take part in examinations with the consent of the respective examiners and in accordance with the respective examination regulations. The scope of the examinations may not lead to a degree in a degree programme. There is no legal entitlement to take these examinations. Further details are regulated by the applicable matriculation regulations of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde.

 

Formal applicationsare to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mailto the Student Services & International Office during the application period.

There is a fee for the secondary auditorium. The amount of the fee is based on the current fee schedule of the HNEE, the AStA and the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).

Application deadline

Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1.

Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.



Apply now

 

As a guest student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

As a rule, an application for guest auditor status must be submitted to the Student Services Department prior to the start of the course (Guest auditor application).

Persons who are not matriculated can be admitted to courses up to 8 semester weeks as guest auditors without proof of university entrance qualification within the scope of the available educational capacity.

As a rule, guest auditors are subject to a fee. No fees are charged to students. Guest auditors for interested persons with a refugee background are free of charge.

Participation in the courses in the corresponding teaching areas is confirmed in writing. Participation in examinations is excluded.

Formal applicationsare to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mailto the Student Services & International Office during the application period.

Detailed information on how to apply can be found at the International Office.

 

Apply now

STUDY

Information on the start of your studies

Here you will find all the important dates, all the information about the matriculation ceremony, the university library and the language centre.

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LIVING & FINANCING

How can I finance my studies and how do I find a flat?

All links for orientation from scholarships, funding opportunities to finding accommodation

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Welcome Programme

Our students will help you with local orientation, enrolment, dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation and much more.

MORE INFORMATION

FAQ before starting your studies

Are there preparatory courses before the regular start of studies?

You can currently find this information on the following website.

When and how do I start my studies?

You can find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students here. There you will find out where you can find your study plan in the campus management system EMMA and register for modules and exams, get to know the Moodle platform, where all learning materials etc. can be found, get to know your contact persons and student representatives and initiatives as well as your fellow students and get first insights into individual subjects. So it's definitely worth taking part!

Please bring a valid ID document for the identity check and something to write down. For catering, we have a great offer in our sustainability canteen.

You can find your study plan online via the account access in our campus management system, which you will receive by e-mail with your enrolment. You can also find the plans for the introductory events here.

No, attendance is not compulsory, neither for the courses nor for the introductory week (with the exception of the identity check at the start of your studies, most exams and excursions for which you have registered). But: Regular attendance is of course highly recommended, as this not only supports learning progress, but also contributes to the positive dynamics of our rather small learning groups.

Where can I get support at the beginning of my studies if I don't know my way around or have specific questions?

Most of your questions will certainly be answered during the introductory events at the beginning of the semester. If you still have questions or special needs, please make use of our advisory services, which we have clearly prepared for you here.