Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development (MA) Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 31 August 2027 (winter semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: A1
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Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development (MA)
Sophia is currently in her third semester of the ESD programme. She explains in the video why she chose this Master's programme, what career prospects it offers and who the programme is suitable for.
Play videoProgramme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 3 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in English.
Programme description
The course content is divided into the following three thematic areas:
- International Development Management
- International Sustainability Management
- Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
You will learn to:
- think in a networked way
- recognise potentials for social innovations
- understand the complexity of international development relations
- build sustainable business models
- apply current methods and tools of sustainability management
- develop your own innovations
- be inspired by an environment of international participants and experts
Programme structure
First Semester:
- Development Economics
- Circular Economy and Resource Management
- State of the Planet – Tools and Cases
- Sustainable Finance Management
- Research Lab: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Design Thinking for Social Entrepreneurship
Second Semester:
- Project Management in Development Cooperations
- Entrepreneurship and Development Management
- Economic and Business Ethics
- Global and Regional Development Geography
- Social Entrepreneurship and Impact
- Business Model Generation for Social Businesses
Third Semester:
- Post-Development and Alternatives to Development
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Innovation Project Lab
- Master's thesis
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- International guest lecturers
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
- 100% English language
- International case studies and projects
- International student cohort
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
2 May 2027
|
31 August 2027
| |
Non-EU countries
|
2 May 2027
|
15 July 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
- Completed university studies with at least 210 ECTS (those with fewer ECTS, please see University degree does not reach 210 ECTS)
- grade 2.5 or better
- English language skills: min. B2
- for international applicants: German A1 (The language certificate must be submitted by the end of the first semester.)
- optional: voluntary admission test to improve the degree grade (GTEBS)
- Applicants must have 5 ECTS in basic knowledge in economics. Alternatively, an oral exam can be taken. The exam takes place online.
- optional: voluntary admission test to improve the degree grade (TM-WISO)
- The programme has unrestricted admission.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® II
|
TOEIC
|
Total: 785 / 990
Reading: 385 / 495
Listening: 400 / 495
Writing: 150 / 200
Speaking: 160 / 200
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
|
Total: 72 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
|
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 72 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
|
TOEFL Essentials
|
Total: 8 / 12
Reading: 8 / 12
Listening: 8 / 12
Writing: 8 / 12
Speaking: 8 / 12
|
telc English
|
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 59 / 90
|
onSET English
|
Total: B2
|
ISE Digital
|
Total: 80 / 150
|
ISE (paper edition)
|
Total: ISE II
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 5.5 / 9
|
Cambridge English Qualifications Business (BEC)
|
Total: B2 Business Vantage
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: B2 First
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
The administration fees for enrolment are around 100 EUR per semester.
You will be informed of the exact amount with your letter of acceptance.
Cost of living
Taking all aspects of daily life into account, students have to expect expenses of approximately 1,000 EUR per month.
Scholarships and financing information
Graduation scholarship "STIBET" (scholarship for Bachelor's and Master's students in need, only in the last semester while writing the Master's thesis), DAAD Prize (award for one outstanding international student per year)
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
Contact for application, admission, enrolment:
application@hnu.de
Phone: +49 73197622003
General study counselling, e.g. for study orientation, study planning:
studienberatung@hnu.de
Contact after enrolment (tips for housing, social life, funding and formalities in Germany):
incoming@hnu.de
The International Office of HNU is there for international students' questions and problems. You can find detailed information here: https://www.hnu.de/en/international/international-degree-seeking-students
Check out our video: https://youtu.be/nwgq8jCKt7M
About us
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
The success of Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) is based on close cooperation with the regional economy. Professors with practical experience, practical projects through cooperation with industry and collaborative studies are focal points of the university.
The HNU is an international business school for innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
We educate
- internationally experienced,
- solution-oriented thinking,
- responsibly acting
shapers of the future.
University facts
- 4,200Number of students
Location
Two federal states - Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg - and two different mentalities converge in Neu-Ulm and Ulm. This interplay promotes exchange and creates dynamism: people usually perceive Ulm and Neu-Ulm as one city in their everyday lives.
Located exactly halfway between Munich and Stuttgart, both cities are very well situated and can be reached quickly.
The countryside and leisure opportunities around Neu-Ulm and Ulm account for a great part of the region's special charm. The Danube connects both cities and offers cyclists and rowers the chance to pursue their sports to their heart's content. The Swabian Alb region boasts inviting medieval towns and natural monuments. The foothills of the Alps and the Allgäu as well as Lake Constance are nearby and are easy to reach by rail.
Anyone interested in culture can choose between various theatres (Ulm's is the oldest municipal theatre in Germany), cinemas, and exhibitions.
There are two key factors that drive the region economically: growth and innovation. Many companies in the electronics, information, and automotive sectors have their headquarters or branches in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
Students have the chance to take up internships there and often find work there when they graduate.
Universities and companies work closely together to develop commercial ideas and foster junior talents.
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Contact
Subject-specific study advice and programme director
- Address
- Wileystraße 1, 89231 Neu-Ulm