Master of Arts extra-occupational

Education - Sustainability - Transformation

Become a change agent! In the part-time Master's programme Education - Sustainability - Transformation you will be trained as a change agent. You will learn to design sustainable change processes in the context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The focus of the study programme is on people in organisations as acting and shaping persons.

Apply now until 31 August!

Applicants with a German university entrance qualification can go directly to the → application portal

Applicants with an university entrance qualification from an EU/EEA country go to → uni-assist

Please note: Unfortunately, the deadline for applicants from outside the EU expired on 1 June.

Study kick-off from 19 to 25 September

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Actively shaping sustainability as a change agent through education

Sustainable transformation through education needs people who shape it. The part-time Master's programme in Education-Sustainability-Transformation qualifies you by developing your know-how and competences on a scientific level. The part-time study programme is aimed at actors from politics, administration and (non-)formal education. We train you to become a change agent for your organisation. As part of an inter-semester ESD practical project, you will directly apply the knowledge acquired in the Master's degree programme.

The modules can also be taken individually as certificate courses with our → qualification programme.

The motivation for my studies is the development of knowledge and skills to be able to design educational formats or even educational systems in such a way that they play a significant role in socio-ecological change.

 

Portrait Mara Urich

Mara Urich

Student, Education - Sustainability - Transformation

Dates and Events

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Attendance times of the modules

The attendance times for the individual modules can be found in the "Programme content" section.

Study content

Individual study contents

In the degree programme, you will learn about ESD as an effective transformative force, starting from the basics of education and sustainability. You can actively apply your new knowledge and methods right away in a practical ESD project. So that you can study flexibly, you will learn with e-learning tools, in self-study and on 2-3 weekends per semester in presence on site at the HNEE. You will learn to recognise complex interrelationships in the educational context of sustainable development, to develop your own ESD projects and to shape educational and transformation processes.

Modules per semester

In the first semester, you will acquire the theoretical foundations in the field of sustainability and educational sciences as well as (environmental) psychology in introductory modules.

In the first module, you will deal with selected aspects of sustainability. The basis for this is in particular the textbook "Man in the Global Ecosystem - An Introduction to Sustainable Development", in which a systemic understanding of sustainability is developed.

This module provides you with the basics of the terms and concepts used in educational sciences. It strengthens the understanding of education as a lifelong process and addresses the importance of education in social transformation processes. You will get to know pedagogical, didactical and methodological approaches.

New strategies and concepts for sustainability often require a change in action routines. In the module you will learn about factors influencing people's actions. It will be analysed which influences can be meaningfully changed to trigger sustainability-oriented behaviour.

In the second semester, the educational concepts ESD and Global Learning are central topics. You will further develop pedagogical and didactical competences in order to be able to develop your own educational concepts in a technically sound way. You start your 3-semester ESD practice project with the module Project Planning.

Building on the basics of the modules "Introduction to Educational Sciences" and "Introduction to Sustainable Development", this module deals intensively with the topic of Education for Sustainable Development. You will be enabled to develop, implement and evaluate your own ESD concepts.

Global learning as an educational concept addresses worldwide developments and related problems, risks and opportunities. The focus is on global connections and the effects of ecological, economic and social processes on the environment and society. They deepen the basics of Global Learning addressed in the module "Introduction to Education for Sustainable Development".

Over three semesters, you will implement a practical ESD project, ideally with a cooperation partner. With professional supervision, you will deepen your knowledge of project management. In the project, you can work on a problem for your own institution or set up a reference project with new partners. The first step is the development of a project concept.

In the third semester you will learn to create spatial references in order to be able to interact with ESD in regions and networks. You will get to know the actors of ESD in various fields of work and as possible cooperation partners.

In sub-module 6b of the ESD practice project, you will implement your project. Based on your acquired knowledge, you will use project management methods to control this process. You will deal with the basics of evaluation and learn to manage challenges that arise in the project by making targeted decisions.

This module teaches how ESD can contribute to sustainable development in rural or urban areas. You will learn about potentials and framework conditions for a practical anchoring of ESD offers in the context of different regional development approaches.

In this module you will deal with the understanding of educational landscapes. Their management is considered from the perspective of the networking of different educational offers.

In the fourth semester you complete your ESD practice project. In the module Education Marketing you learn how to reach your target group with your offer. At the same time, you will prepare for your Master's thesis in the Research Methods module.

In the last sub-module of the ESD practice project, the project implemented in the 3rd semester is evaluated, critically reflected upon and you review the achievement of the project goals set in the planning. The focus of this phase in the project is writing the final project report.

You will learn how to make ESD education offers visible to a target group and how to design suitable advertising material. Strategies of education marketing will be presented and discussed. In particular, current trends in digitalisation and social media platforms will be addressed.

In this module, you will prepare for the Master's thesis and deal with the basics of quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will independently develop a research design for a scientific investigation.

You work on your Master's thesis. Upon completion of the programme, you will receive the degree "Master of Arts".

Now you complete your studies with the Master's thesis! In doing so, you will use the knowledge and skills acquired during your studies at a scientific level. In the colloquium, you discuss your research question for the Master's thesis.

Get to know our students

Students from various fields of work report on their studies, the compatibility of studies and career and what they find exciting about the course content.

Interview with Sophia Schwan

"The degree programme shakes things up and shows how everything is connected."

Sophia Schwan grew up between America and Germany, studied journalism and journalism in Scotland and then worked in the fashion industry. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she took a new path: she looked after a flock of chickens on the Börnicke community estate and heard about the Master's programme "Education - Sustainability - Transformation".

Read the whole interview here!

What surprised you the most during your studies?

The project during my studies inspired me deeply - even though things didn't go so smoothly for me. It gave me the opportunity to work on a subject close to my heart, to learn how to set up a project structure and implement it in the long term.

What was your favourite topic?

Regional wool and saving resources. Domestic wool is often not processed because it is not economically viable and because the infrastructure for this is now lacking in Germany. Instead, an incredible amount of local wool is thrown away and burned. In return, we then import wool from other countries. The project gave me the opportunity to experience all the wool processing steps: I was there when the sheep were sheared, helped sort the wool, talked to the shearer and was able to really immerse myself in the subject. I got to know a fibre expert who taught me a lot. The topic is so complex, you can look at and analyse it from countless perspectives.

What is your career path like now?

I recently started working for the local newspaper - MOZ - as a climate reporter. After almost ten years of freelance work in the fashion sector, I asked myself: where can I make a difference with this degree, where can I help with my experience and skills? Studying at HNEE was the decisive factor in my decision to join the newspaper. I enjoy the task of reporting on global issues that affect everyone at a local level so that local people feel that their decisions have an impact. I think it's great that a newspaper in Brandenburg was actively looking for a climate reporter with the idea of educating and inspiring, but not lecturing. Somehow it all fell into place so nicely - without the Master's degree, it certainly wouldn't have happened.

Why do you think the degree programme is worthwhile?

The Master's opens up new worlds of thought, new opportunities for self-realisation and personal initiative. It gives me the opportunity to recognise structures in my own life. It shows me how and where I can contribute. The degree programme shakes things up and shows how everything is connected. It gives me didactic solutions and takes away the feeling of powerlessness. Everyone can incorporate what they have learnt into their profession. And that's what I find so special about this degree programme: it's so flexible and impactful at the same time.

Who would you recommend the degree programme to?

You definitely need to be curious and open to analysing and adapting your own life. You have to have stamina and these topics have to be incredibly important to you so that you stick with it. The desire for change and participation should be very present. Ultimately, the idea of the degree programme is to train changemakers and you can have a slightly activist streak.

Interview with Leonie Bunke

"I want to create positive images of the future, encourage people and take action together"

Leonie studied for a Bachelor's degree in Organic Farming & Marketing at HNEE, while also working as a lecturer in sustainability education and then as an educator. She then decided to combine her favourite subjects of education and sustainability and return to HNEE for the part-time Master's degree in "Education - Sustainability - Transformation".

Read the whole interview here!

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is at the heart of your degree programme. What does ESD mean to you?
What I find so great about ESD is working with positive visions of the future. ESD is solution-orientated - I get ideas that I can use to initiate something. And ESD is action-orientated. This means that in a seminar, for example, I can not only convey what difficulties there are from an ecological or social point of view, but also look at what I can do myself and where I can help shape the framework conditions. For me, ESD means looking away from the ecological footprint and towards the handprint.

Why is this so important to you?
There are times when I worry about social and ecological developments - about the future of our society. For me, ESD is a way to get out of passivity and into action. This degree programme is my coping mechanism for dealing with the world situation.

What challenges did you face during your studies?
Above all, self-management - you simply have to be incredibly well organised in order to manage everything well: having a working life, taking private time for care activities and to recharge your batteries and then doing this degree. It was also challenging to actively approach others and say "Hey, let's meet up in the library, exchange ideas, study together". That's definitely a challenge when everyone is spread out all over Germany and beyond.

What advice would you give to future students on how to master the degree programme?
It's a super good thing to network right from the start and find people you enjoy studying with. To be honest, there were times when I briefly forgot that I was studying. There's a lot going on at work, then there's something private - and if there's no study date in your diary and nobody asks where you are, your studies can slip away. That's why I regularly met up with fellow students in the library last semester - it went really well.

Why was the degree programme worthwhile for you?
I now have a deeper understanding of sustainability, in the sense of systemic sustainability thinking. I think I've really understood what sustainability is all about, i.e. not just painting something green and saying: hey, fully eco, but thinking systemically and looking at organisations in terms of the whole institution approach. I find this valuable because I know that I will be able to use this in my everyday life, in my private commitments and in a professional context. Through my studies, I have put on ESD glasses.

Interview with Sophie Stebner

"I found the module weekends in Eberswalde incredibly inspiring and gained courage and energy there."

Sophie lives in Berlin and has been working for the NGO ProjectTogether, which operates at the interface between civil society organisations, business and politics, for five years. Sophie studied economics and has been working in the field of social entrepreneurship ever since. Her heart beats for education - the BNT Master's programme was to be her springboard there.

Read the whole interview here!

How do you relate to ESD?

As part of my work, I help to create creative spaces and connect people in order to promote social transformation. We look at a specific issue and bring together actors with different perspectives who are affected by this issue along the value-added chain, but who are also needed to find a solution - diversity of perspectives and interdisciplinarity are important for this.

Why did you enrol on the BNT Master's programme?

As it is a Master's programme that provides further education, I was able to join with my Bachelor's degree in economics. I attended consultation appointments before starting the programme and was surprised at how diverse the backgrounds of the other prospective students were. They all have a similar goal, but come from very different perspectives. I realised that what I try to do in my professional context, I can experience for myself during my studies.

What did the degree programme change for you?

My heart beats for the education sector. I saw the degree programme as a stepping stone to get closer to this goal. Before the Master's programme, I still lacked an understanding of how education, sustainability and transformation can be thought of together. Through the degree programme, I learned how education can be designed to enable transformation and I now go out with methods that support this.

What was your biggest challenge during your studies?

I found the module weekends in Eberswalde incredibly inspiring and gained courage and energy there. Before and after that, I was initially on my own. To change that, I often met up with a fellow student on Fridays, either in the library or at her place or mine. Firstly, we created a regularity that encouraged me not to go to the lake on Fridays, but to do my Master's instead. And secondly - which is also so valuable in this degree programme - we exchanged ideas instead of being alone.

What influence does the diversity of the students have on your own academic success?

That's one thing that really appealed to me. I benefit from it because I don't come from an educational background myself, I didn't study in that direction or work in a school context, for example, but I'm incredibly interested in it. My fellow students give me insights - into the school system or the political system, for example. I can see where in the system who's plugged in? What challenges, but also what opportunities are associated with this? The exchange helps me to pave my own way.

Why was the degree programme worthwhile for you?

It was worth it because I gained impulses for my everyday work and life, clarity and structures, new concepts and words for things that I already do and now understand better.

FAQ study contents

Each module begins with an online kick-off meeting at which information is provided about the module objectives, content and procedure. In addition, as a student you will already receive initial information on the examination performance and assignments for the subsequent self-study phase. For each module, you will receive learning materials, such as teaching letters, books, online literature or learning videos. After the first self-study phase, there is usually a presence weekend in Eberswalde, where the findings, tasks and questions from the self-study phase are discussed. Participation in the attendance weekends is not compulsory. However, the attendance weekends offer the opportunity for exchange and consolidation. The times are based on the following framework:
Friday: 14:30 - 20:15
Saturday: 8:30 - 20:15
Sunday: 8:30 - 13:15

In addition to attending on site, students can also (passively) participate online. This is an additional offer which does not fully cover all course contents (e.g. exercises). We therefore recommend on-site participation.
After the attendance weekend, the second self-study phase takes place for consolidation and preparation of the examination performance.
All information on the individual phases of the modules will be made available to you on the Moodle learning platform.

You should plan on an average of about 20h per week. There will be peaks before exams or homework deadlines.

You will acquire 6 ECTS per module. One ECTS corresponds to 30 working hours, so you should plan for about 180 hours per module.

The time required may be reduced by the synergy of work and study, e.g. by planning and implementing an ESD practice project in your own professional environment.

To make it easier for you to study and combine your studies with your professional activities, we spread out the workload of the individual modules over the entire semester. The self-study phases and the provision of various analogue and digital offerings allow you to organise your studies more flexibly in terms of time and space. However, weeks or even months of downtime are unfavourable for the success of your studies.
The module kick-off events as well as subject-specific lectures and exam-relevant content at the face-to-face and online events are recorded wherever possible. If it is not possible to attend the fixed dates due to illness, appointments, etc., you therefore usually have the option of viewing these subsequently on the Moodle learning platform.

Depending on the module, the examination can be an (online) written exam, an oral (online) exam or a written format, for example a term paper or a scientific poster. Which concrete form of examination is provided for in the respective module can be found in the study and examination regulations.

The dates for the kick-off meetings, attendance weekends and exams are announced early on the programme website, about 4-6 months in advance, so that you can plan for them. You can get a quick overview of the dates and deadlines for the current modules on the Moodle learning platform.
There are no fixed "holiday periods" as with full-time face-to-face study. As a rule, no study-related dates will take place in the months of March and September. In addition, the summer holiday periods, the time over Christmas and special holiday constellations are taken into account when planning the semester. No attendance weekends or online seminars are planned during these times.

The module Project Planning, Project Implementation and Project Completion extends over three semesters and creates the space to plan your own (project) idea in the sense of Education for Sustainable Development, to put it into practice and to evaluate it already during your studies. In doing so, you can directly apply what you have learned so far from the other modules and deepen your knowledge of project management. You can choose a project to be carried out within the framework of your professional activity. Alternatively, independent projects, e.g. in the context of an honorary position or civil society commitment, and projects at the HNEE are also possible. The module is divided into three sub-modules (project planning, project implementation and project completion) and begins in the second semester. In the course of the sub-modules, you will first develop and plan an ESD practice project alone or as a team (sub-module project planning). A suitable project partner must be found for the project. These can be employers, companies, organisations/institutes or other cooperation partners where the project can be implemented. They should deal with the same topic and/or have the necessary resources for the project.
Exemplary student projects include
- the organisation of network meetings on selected sustainability topics such as a student conference;
- ESD education offers for schools, e.g. within the framework of project days.e.g. as part of project days;
- ESD seminars for people on current topics in our society, e.g. social justice, alternative forms of housing, exploring one's own possibilities for action.

The projects are implemented in the third semester in the sub-module Project Implementation. The implementation phase is accompanied by online consultations where lessons learned are exchanged and you can receive feedback from the lecturers. In the fourth semester, the last sub-module focuses on project evaluation and project completion.
An examination must be taken at the end of each sub-module.

I want to engage with people and show how to live sustainably and make the world a little better. When I found the Master BNT, I knew I needed the knowledge and the degree to make a difference in the field of sustainability.

 

Jasmin Junghans Portrait

Jasmin Junghans

Student, Education - Sustainability - Transformation

After graduation

Career prospects

This degree programme allows you to deepen your expertise in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) while continuing your professional work. You will be able to apply what you learn directly in your current role and beyond. At the same time, the programme may serve as a starting point for a career shift or a strategic development of your existing responsibilities.

Career Prospects & Professional Fields

Upon completion of the programme, you will be equipped to take on responsibilities in the field of Education for sustainable Development across a wide range of organisations – and potentially move into leadership positions. Our graduates work in diverse settings, including: non-formal education centres, adult education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations, policy and public administration (e.g. local authorities, ministries), nature reserves and environmental education centres, higher education and research institutions, libraries and public education organisations. The range of career paths reflects the diversity of our student body. 

In my job, I see the greatest leverage for driving the change towards more sustainability: through competence-oriented education that is relevant to everyday life (at work). My studies gave me the knowledge and methods to do this.

 

Andre Czerny, graduate | c Torsten Stapel

André Czerny

Student, Education - Sustainability - Transformation

Application

I want to apply...

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semesters: 1 December to 15 January

Winter semester:

for the first semester: 1 March to 15 July

for higher semesters: 1 March to 15 July 

 

Apply now

For applying for single courses, please look at our further education.

Please use the online application portal of the university and have the required documents listed below ready for upload. If you have any questions while preparing your application, feel free to contact the study programme team at any time.

Applicants with extensive professional experience but no academic degree may also be admitted upon successful completion of an entrance examination — please get in touch with us for further information.

Please create an applicant account via the HNEE application portal. You will receive a confirmation email from us containing your username and password. You may then log in to enter the required information and upload your documents.
After submitting the online application, you can access a summary of your details by clicking the “Print” button. We recommend printing and reviewing this summary for accuracy.
If you discover any errors after submission, please contact us by e-mail before the application deadline.

  • Proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession (Diplom, Magister, Master’s, or Staatsexamen), typically with a standard period of study of at least seven semesters and totalling 210 ECTS credits.

If you hold a degree with only 180 ECTS credits, you may compensate for the missing credits by completing a certificate module. Applicants without a university degree may compensate by passing an entrance examination.

The process for completing the certificate module is as follows:

  1. We will jointly assess your credit status.
  2. If additional credits are required, we will work with you to agree on a suitable project idea.
  3. You register the project using the designated online form.
  4. We will send you a detailed template for the project outline along with confirmation of registration, and you may then begin your project work.

You will, of course, receive ongoing support from us throughout this process. Your project report must be submitted by 15 July for the respective application period.

  • In addition, you must have at least one year of relevant professional experience in the field of “education and/or sustainability (broadly defined)”.

(If your work experience is not clearly related to the field of education and/or sustainability, we recommend including a short letter of motivation or explanation of your relevant experience. This informal letter can be submitted along with your application. Proof of work experience must be provided through employer references or tax documentation. Activities of at least 20 hours per week can be recognised. Voluntary service or community engagement may also be considered in part. Feel free to send us your documents in advance for review).

Applicants without a university degree must provide evidence of at least six years of relevant professional experience, (including at least five years in a position of professional responsibility).

  • Degree certificate and transcript indicating the number of ECTS credits awarded
  • If applicable: Proof of successful completion of a certificate module or entrance examination
  • Educational and professional background (curriculum vitae in tabular form)
  • Proof of at least one year of relevant work experience (minimum 20 hours per week over 12 months), e.g. employment references, informal confirmations from employers, proof of voluntary ecological or social service (e.g. FÖJ, FSJ), or confirmation of substantial voluntary engagement

Employer confirmations must include the following information:

  • Letterhead or formal document from the employer
  • Dates of employment (from… to…)
  • Weekly working hours

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semesters: 1 November to 1 December from a non-EU country or 1 December to 15 January from an EU/EEA country

Winter semester:

for the first semester: 1 March to 1 June from a non-EU country or 1 March to 15 July from an EU/EEA country

for higher semesters: 1 March to 1 June from a non-EU country or 1 March to 15 July from an EU/EEA country

 

Apply now via uni-assist

Please apply early if you need to apply for a visa for your studies. The processing times are sometimes very long.

You can apply for the degree programme via uni-assist during the application period. If you have any questions while preparing your application, feel free to contact the study programme team at any time!

Applicants with extensive professional experience but no academic degree may also be admitted upon successful completion of an entrance examination — please get in touch with us for further information.

If you obtained your degree outside Germany, you must not apply directly to our university, regardless of your citizenship. Instead, please apply via the uni-assist e.V. application portal. Uni-assist is a central service provider that conducts a preliminary review of international applications on behalf of many German universities. Detailed information about the application process can be found on the uni-assist website, including country-specific guidance.

If your application is complete and meets the formal admission requirements, uni-assist will forward it to our university. Once your application has been imported into the HNEE application system, you will receive an email with login details for the HNEE application portal, allowing you to track the status of your application.

  • Proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession (Diplom, Magister, Master’s, or Staatsexamen), typically with a standard period of study of at least seven semesters and totalling 210 ECTS credits.

If you hold a degree with only 180 ECTS credits, you may compensate for the missing credits by completing a certificate module. Applicants without a university degree may compensate by passing an entrance examination.

The process for completing the certificate module is as follows:

  1. We will jointly assess your credit status.
  2. If additional credits are required, we will work with you to agree on a suitable project idea.
  3. You register the project using the designated online form.
  4. We will send you a detailed template for the project outline along with confirmation of registration, and you may then begin your project work.

You will, of course, receive ongoing support from us throughout this process. Your project report must be submitted by 15 July for the respective application period.

  • In addition, you must have at least one year of relevant professional experience in the field of “education and/or sustainability (broadly defined)”.

(If your work experience is not clearly related to the field of education and/or sustainability, we recommend including a short letter of motivation or explanation of your relevant experience. This informal letter can be submitted along with your application. Proof of work experience must be provided through employer references or tax documentation. Activities of at least 20 hours per week can be recognised. Voluntary service or community engagement may also be considered in part. Feel free to send us your documents in advance for review).

Applicants without a university degree must provide evidence of at least six years of relevant professional experience, (including at least five years in a position of professional responsibility).

  • Applicants with an international educational background must also provide proof of German language proficiency at C1 level, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • Degree certificate and transcript indicating the number of ECTS credits awarded
  • For applicants with an international educational background: a German language certificate at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
    Foreign certificates must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator.
  • If applicable: Proof of successful completion of a certificate module or entrance examination
  • Educational and professional background (curriculum vitae in tabular form)
  • Proof of at least one year of relevant work experience (minimum 20 hours per week over 12 months), e.g. employment references, informal confirmations from employers, proof of voluntary ecological or social service (e.g. FÖJ, FSJ), or confirmation of substantial voluntary engagement

Employer confirmations must include the following information:

  • Letterhead or formal document from the employer
  • Dates of employment (from… to…)
  • Weekly working hours

 

Apply now

 

It is possible to take part in individual modules. For more information on the process, please refer to our → Continuing Education Centre.

FAQ on application and admission

If the number of applications is expected to exceed the number of available study places, the degree programme will be subject to admission restrictions (Numerus Clausus). Study places are allocated to applicants through a selection process, which involves creating several ranking lists. The average grade or waiting time of the last admitted applicant determines the admission threshold for that year.

You can find the admission thresholds for restricted degree programmes from the previous year here:
Admission thresholds for restricted degree programmes from previous years

No, you can only apply for one degree programme at our university. You are welcome to consult with us at an early stage to find out which degree programme might be the most suitable for you. Please contact us via E-mail to arrange an appointment. Consultations are possible by telephone, online and in person.

If your Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) consists of a school-based and a practical part, you can only apply once both parts have been completed. For example, if the practical part ends after the application deadline, you will have to apply in the following year.

For applications to a master’s degree programme, we require a transcript from your university showing at least 150 ECTS credits, your current grade point average, and the expected date of graduation.

Admission, rejection, or exclusion notices are made available in the online application portal. At the same time, a notification is sent to the email address registered in your applicant account.
For restricted-admission degree programmes, the notices are usually sent out two to four weeks after the application deadline for the respective programme.

This five-semester Master’s programme consists of ten modules designed to help you strengthen your professional, pedagogical, social, organisational, and practical competences. A central focus of the programme is an in-depth engagement with the principles and implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Master of Arts degree.

The modules are interlinked and build on one another like cogs in a wheel. Typically, three modules are offered each semester. In your final semester, you will concentrate exclusively on your Master’s thesis. Modules are scheduled throughout the semester to allow for a flexible learning experience.

The programme follows a blended learning approach. This means you will engage with both online and in-person components, using a mix of digital and printed learning materials. Academic content is complemented by practical exercises, real-world case studies, and ample opportunities for peer exchange. This structure is designed to integrate smoothly with your professional life, allowing you to apply your learning directly in your work environment while benefiting from the experiences of fellow students. In general, three on-campus weekend sessions are held per semester.

Where available, individual modules may also be taken on a certificate basis.

The Master’s programme begins each year in the winter semester. Applications are accepted annually between 1 June and 15 July via the HNEE online application portal. If you would like advice or would like us to check your documents for completeness and suitability, you are welcome to contact the programme team at bne-master(at)hnee.de at any time. We also host regular online information sessions and, if you are interested, can connect you with current students for a peer exchange.

Tuition and semester fees apply for this degree programme:

  • Semesters 1 to 4: €2,225 per semester
  • Semester 5: €1,750

The tuition fees contribute directly to the delivery of the programme. This includes all teaching (both online and in-person), learning materials, assessments, and administrative support such as academic advising and course coordination. As a continuing education programme, it is fully funded through participant fees. These fees are due upon enrolment and can be paid on a semester-by-semester basis. The most up-to-date fee information is available in the study and examination regulations.

In exceptional cases, it may be possible to arrange an instalment payment plan. Please get in touch with us to discuss this option. Please note: you can only be admitted to assessments once all outstanding tuition fees have been paid in full.

An additional semester fee is charged upon enrolment and re-enrolment each semester. This fee currently includes:

  • €51 HNEE administrative charge
  • €100 student services fee for the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder)
  • €15 student union (AStA) contribution

Please note that students enrolled in continuing education programmes do not currently receive a semester ticket for public transport. However, you will be issued a student ID card — the Greencard — which may entitle you to student discounts for cultural events and activities.

There are several options for financing your studies. You may be eligible to apply for the Deutschlandstipendium or for scholarships offered by the Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung (SBB). We also recommend looking into state-level funding schemes, which may vary depending on where you live. In many cases, tuition fees can also be claimed as a tax-deductible expense.

We have compiled a guide to financing options, which you are welcome to request by emailing us at bne-master[at]hnee.de.

We strongly encourage prospective students to get in touch with us as early as possible. You are welcome to send us your documents in advance for an informal review. This will ensure you have sufficient time to gather or complete any outstanding requirements before the application deadline.

To be admitted to the Education – Sustainability – Transformation Master’s programme, applicants must meet two admission requirements:

1. You must hold a recognised higher education degree that qualifies you for professional practice, typically with a standard duration of at least seven semesters and worth a minimum of 210 ECTS credits. This may include a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 7 semesters), a Diplom (from a university or university of applied sciences), Magister, Master’s, or Staatsexamen.

If your previous degree has fewer than 210 ECTS credits, you can make up the shortfall by completing an additional certificate module worth 30 ECTS credits at HNEE (subject to tuition fees). Please contact us well in advance of the application phase at bne-master@hnee.de if this applies to you.

2. You must have at least one year of relevant work experience (minimum 20 hours per week). We apply a broad definition of “relevant,” as sustainability and education are cross-cutting themes across many sectors. What matters most is that your experience provides a meaningful foundation for your studies in this field.

It is also possible to enter the programme without an academic degree. In this case, you must pass an entrance examination and demonstrate substantial professional experience. Specifically, you will need a total of eight years of relevant work experience, with at least seven of those years spent in a position of responsibility involving subject-related tasks. Responsible professional roles may include leadership or coordination responsibilities such as personnel management, project management, handling complex and varied tasks, or comparable roles requiring independent decision-making. The programme director will assess whether your experience meets the required level of responsibility and relevance.

Please note that the entrance examination carries a fee, and the entire process typically takes approximately six to nine months to complete, so we recommend starting well in advance.

Change agents like our graduates from the Education – Sustainability – Transformation programme play a vital role as drivers and catalysts of sustainable development. There is a growing need for professionals who, as experts in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), can initiate and facilitate processes aimed at building a more sustainable future. These individuals inspire people across all age groups to engage with sustainability issues and bring the necessary skills to do so effectively. The National Action Plan on ESD (2017) highlights the importance of further training in this field to meet these demands. Consequently, there is a clear expectation to establish ESD practitioners across a wide range of sectors, including educational institutions, government bodies, associations, and non-governmental organisations. As change agents, ESD professionals have the capacity to advance transformation processes within their own workplaces. Even if your current role is not traditionally linked to ESD, you can steer your professional field towards sustainability and become an active participant in driving change. Change agents who share their knowledge and motivate others to take action will be in demand across all sectors in the future — including NGOs, community organisations, large protected area administrations, universities, local government, political bodies, and businesses.

Before 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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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.

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FAQ before starting your studies

Are there preparatory courses before the regular start of studies?

Currently, there are no courses.

When and how do I start my studies?

You will find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students on this page in good time.
There, you will learn how to access your study plan in the campus management system → Mein EMMA, register for modules and exams, and use the Moodle platform, where all learning materials are provided. You will also meet your academic contacts, student representatives and initiatives, and fellow students, while gaining your first insights into the degree programmes. It's well worth attending!

Please bring a valid ID for the identity check, as well as something to take notes with.
For meals, feel free to take advantage of the great offerings at our sustainability canteen.

You can access your study plan online through our campus management system → Mein EMMA. You will receive your login details by email after enrolment.

No, attendance is not compulsory—neither for courses nor for the introductory week (with the exception of the identity check at the beginning of your studies, most exams, and any registered excursions).
However, regular attendance is strongly recommended. It not only supports your learning progress but also helps foster the positive dynamic within our 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 likely be answered during the introductory events at the start of the semester. If you still have questions or specific needs, feel free to make use of → our advisory services.

General information about studying

General Student Counselling

Stadtcampus | House 5 ground floor, right
Schicklerstraße 5 | 16225 Eberswalde

+ 49 3334 657-149
study(at)hnee.de

Counselling appointment
Please make an appointment by phone or e-mail

Subject-specific information on the degree programme

Student counselling

Claudia Friede
Dörte Beyer

Studiengangskoordination M. A. Bildung - Nachhaltigkeit - Transformation

Head of degree programme

Prof. Dr. Heike Molitor

Professorship of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development

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Advice and events on application documents, career guidance and job advertisements

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