Sustainable Development Management, MA Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations General Assembly sent out a strong signal for a new global community: Developing countries, emerging industrialised countries and industrialised countries together agreed to 17 ambitious goals for a better, more sustainable future for all countries. Achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda will require highly qualified experts with a broad understanding of not only the field of sustainable development but also the challenges and hurdles of bringing sustainability projects to fruition.

Sustainable Development Management MA integrates and connects relevant various sections of economics and political science with the most relevance for sustainable development. These components are then supplemented with empirical methods and project management skills. This unique combination gives you the qualifications needed to help shape not only academic discourse on sustainable development but also ongoing and future projects in the field. Courses are aligned with the typical project cycle, meaning you will learn how to successfully plan and implement sustainable development projects as well as critically evaluate the results.

The standard duration of the programme is three or four semesters, depending on the applicant's Bachelor's degree. The first two semesters serve to impart advanced economics and political science approaches to the issue of sustainable development and empirical methods. Furthermore, students will acquire profound knowledge in project management and evaluation within the realm of development cooperation, alongside a thorough understanding of the relevant aspects of international law. In both semesters, there is also the possibility of a thematic focus through elective courses.
The third semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, which can include fieldwork or be completed as part of a specific development project. In preparation for the thesis, an independent applied research project will be carried out on a self-selected topic related to sustainable development.

On a voluntary basis only

Specific requirements for the Sustainable Development Management MA programme:

• Undergraduate degree in social sciences, economics or industrial/business engineering
  • with at least 180 ECTS credits , i.e. upon admission, a "Learning Agreement" will be established, covering an additional 30 ECTS credits (conditional admission)
  • with at least 210 ECTS credits, i.e. seven full-time semesters of study (unconditional admission)
• A final undergraduate mark equivalent to an A or a B on the ECTS grading scale (2.5 or better in the German grading system)

More information on general admission requirements can be found here: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/study/before-starting-university/application-process/masters-degrees. 

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 300 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 1,150 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/get-involved/companies/germany-scholarship.

Internship, student job or first steps in a new career – Rhine-Waal’s Career Service is here to help with a broad range of useful services.

Correspondingly, we act as bridge builders between students and fresh graduates, the university and companies or organisations from industry, science, social sectors, etc. Our overall goal is to "help others help themselves" by supporting capacity development in students and fresh graduates with respect to their individual career paths.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 290 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and around 6,200 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting-edge facilities, laboratories, workspaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.