Master
Sustainable Development
Learn about sustainable development from an interdisciplinary perspective
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Photo: LinkedIn Sales Solutions
Sustainable Development (Master)
About the study program
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- Degree: Master of Science
- Program length: 4 semesters
- Program start: winter semester
- Application period: Start: ~ April 2025
- Admission mode: Aptitude assessment procedure
Focus on the Sustainable Development Goals
The topics covered in this study program are related to the Sustainable Development Goals, their drivers, and political and societal change.
The objective is to develop an understanding of sustainable development under dynamic and context-specific conditions.
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- Background and Core modules (30 CP) 25%
- Specialization in Economics (12 CP) 10%
- Specialization in Human or Physical Geography (12 CP) 10%
- Methods and Analytics (12 CP) 10%
- Electives (18 CP) 15%
- Interdisciplinary module (6 CP) 5%
- Master Thesis (30 CP) 25%
Specialization: Economics
Besides, you also have to take one course from our regular Economics program. Here you can choose between a large variety of modules.
Specialization: Geography
Physical Geography includes courses like Climate Change, Life on Land, or Soil and Water Resources.
Human Geography includes modules about Geographies of Sustainable Transformation, Economic Growth and Sustainability, and many more.
Methods and Analytics
Therefore, you can take methods courses such as Advanced Statistical Methods and Advanced Empirical Social Research Methods.
Practical orientation is a priority for us
Guest lectures & workshops
- Each semester we are visited by many attractive employers
- Examples from the past:
McKinsey, Porsche Consulting, Google, Amazon, Daimler, Siemens Healthineers, and many more - This is a great opportunity to make contacts for your career start
Excursions to international companies
- Get exciting insights into companies
- For example, we visited the Google headquarters in Hamburg (including dinner together and an evening in the city)
- Excursions are an excellent opportunity to get to know other students
Great employers nearby Marburg
- Leading pharmaceutical companies directly in Marburg (e.g., BioNTech)
- Important automotive suppliers and many „hidden champions“
- Frankfurt is nearby. With our student ticket, you can take the InterCity Express (ICE) and all other trains for free.
These companies have already given guest lectures at our place:
Study in one of the most popular student cities
Marburg is located in the center of Germany and is one of the most popular student cities. Of the approximately 77,000 inhabitants, about one in three studies at the Philipps University. This high density of young students characterizes the entire cityscape. Countless pubs, restaurants, and cafés await you in our beautiful old town. Most of our students prefer to live in flat-sharing communities.
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Photos: Albert Meier (1), Dominik Schöberl (2,3,4), Felix Wesch (5,6)
Video: Philipps University of Marburg
Facts about Marburg
Students
Inhabitants
Bars, restaurants and cafés
Where you can learn
Many of our students like to study in one of our libraries. There you will find silence, large desks, and free Wi-Fi. Both libraries are within walking distance of the lecture hall building, so you can easily study there between classes. Free lockers are available.
Photo: Leon Pozzi
The Business & Economics Library
Photo: Dominik Schöberl
The University Library
Our new University Library opened in 2018 and is one of the most modern libraries in Germany. There is an inexpensive café in the building, and the canteen is also only a 5-10-minute walk away. The University Library is located right next to a beautiful botanical garden where you can sunbathe during the summer.
This is what our alumni say:
Become active and make friends
The orientation week
At the beginning of the first semester, the student council arranges the orientation week. During this week, you will get to know your fellow students, the city, and the university. The agenda includes a city rally, a breakfast with the professors, a faculty party, and many other activities. Experienced students will help you with questions you may have. There is no better way to start your studies!
Photo: Karolin Spies
Get to know people
Discover Marburg
Sign up for your courses
University sports
At the University of Marburg, you can choose between more than 100 sports. Not only popular sports like soccer, volleyball, and tennis are part of our course program but also many less-known sports. We even offer, for example, ski excursions and sailing courses. For many students, our fitness room is a great alternative to a gym membership.
Photo: Ildar Garifullin
Student initiatives
You can engage in one of several student initiatives and gain valuable experience for your future. Since most student initiatives have a distinct community life, they are a perfect opportunity to meet other students.
Photo: Sanuas
The Student Council
The Finance Club
AIESEC
Phlink
And many more!
Do you want to spend a semester abroad?
The School of Business and Economics has many well-known partner universities abroad. You can get financial support through the ERASMUS program. The semester abroad is voluntary and can easily be integrated into your studies. Our International Office supports you with the entire planning process and can answer all your questions about studying abroad.
Marie-Therèse was in Italy
Photo: Marie-Therèse Radetzky
Where do you want to go?
Dallas
Extremadura
Perugia
Kobe
Shanghai
Cracow
Athens
Kent
Paris
Istanbul
And many more!
Where do you want to go?
Dallas
Extremadura
Perugia
Kobe
Shanghai
Cracow
Athens
Kent
Paris
Istanbul
And many more!
Visit the Silicon Valley
Photo: Gregory Axmann
Prof. Armbrüster about the Silicon Valley excursion
In May 2018 and May 2019, we visited Silicon Valley with about 60 students. The excursion aimed to learn about the characteristics of start-ups from the information technology sector and to get to know the atmosphere of the Valley. Through several talks by founders, technology specialists, venture capitalists, and university professors, the participants could gain deep insights into the functioning of start-ups and the prevailing corporate culture.
As the excursion received excellent feedback, we plan to offer it regularly after the pandemic.
Are you interested in founding a startup?
We support your idea!
Startups are an essential driver of technological and societal progress. MAFEX is an institute at the University of Marburg that supports you in starting your own business. No matter whether you need support with the development of a promising idea, the business plan, financing, or the choice of an appropriate organizational form. We can even help you with your patent application.
Consulting & lectures
Great success stories
Idea contest
Founder grants
Coworking space
Startup environment
Photo: Albert Meier
Any remaining questions?
Ask our Student Advisory Service
If you still have questions regarding the Sustainable Development study program, the Student Advisory Service is pleased to help you.
Your contact person
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What are you waiting for?
The Sustainable Development study program is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. You will attend modules in both economics and geography and have a lot of freedom of choice here. Marburg is a beautiful student city where you will have a great time.
Application deadline for the winter semester 2025/26:
approxemately end of July 2025