Master of Science Sustainable Business Development (trinational)

Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW

The Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development programme equips you with the skills to develop and implement sustainable business models that are economically successful and make a positive contribution to the environment and society. Working in international teams of students, you will combine knowledge from the fields of sustainability, business management and digitalisation and apply it directly in practice to drive sustainable change.

For detailed information, please visit the English page: Master in Sustainable Business Development (trinational)

  • Triple degree in three countries: You will study in Switzerland, Germany and France – and receive three recognised Master's degrees.
  • Interdisciplinary and international: You will work in multilingual teams on real sustainability projects with partners from business, NGOs and the public sector.
  • Three languages of instruction: You will deepen your subject and language skills in German, French and English – a strong foundation for international careers.
  • Pure practice: Over half of the programme consists of concrete projects – you will learn how sustainable change can be achieved in organisations.
  • Shaping the future: You will develop sustainable solutions for the major challenges of our time.

Steckbrief

ECTS-Punkte
120
Abschluss
Triple Degree Master of Science FHNW in Sustainable Business Development
Studienbeginn
September
Dauer
2 years
Studienmodus
Vollzeit
Unterrichtssprache
Deutsch
Englisch
Französisch
(
trinational
)
Semestergebühr
CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details, see Organisational matters/Fees)
Anmeldegebühr
CHF 200
Lernsetting
Präsenz
Auslandaufenthalt
möglich
Ort
Basel, Offenburg, Strasbourg

Zukunftsaussichten

With Sustainable Business Development, you shape change – entrepreneurially, responsibly and with an international network.

As a sustainability expert, you are in demand wherever organisations need to break new ground: you develop solutions that combine ecological, economic and social goals – and implement them in international teams.

What sets you apart: you will graduate with three internationally recognised master's degrees:

  • Master of Science FHNW in Sustainable Business Development (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Northwestern, Switzerland)
  • Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
  • Master European Digital and Sustainable Business (University of Strasbourg, France)

Career prospects

Our graduates work in the following areas, among others:

  • Master of Science in Sustainable Business Development (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
  • Sustainability Management & ESG
  • Business Development & Innovation
  • Project Management & Change Management
  • Consulting & International Cooperation
  • NGOs, International Organisations & Public Sector
  • Doctorate

Sustainability is not a trend, but a fundamental necessity that will significantly influence all processes in companies and other organisations in the future!

Aufbau und Inhalte

Course content

The programme is designed to last four semesters and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Each semester consists of two parts:

  • Fundamentals (15 ECTS): Theoretical foundations in economics, technology and sustainability.
  • Impact Projects (15 ECTS): Practical projects applying the knowledge acquired.

Practical Projects, Thesis & Graduate Competencies

During the MSc in Sustainable Business Development, students spend half of their time on practical "Impact Projects," where they apply their knowledge as Sustainable Entrepreneurs, Sustainability Consultants, or Intrapreneurs. These projects are conducted in international teams, delivering real-world solutions with immediate impact.

In Semester 4, students complete a Master’s thesis (15 ECTS) focused on sustainability and circular business models, linked to their practical projects or ongoing R&D projects across the partner universities. Theses are supervised by faculty from the three institutions and defended before a jury of academic and industry representatives from Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Graduates develop competencies to design and evaluate radical sustainable concepts, integrate digitalization in sustainable transformation, implement innovative ideas ethically, manage risks, solve interdisciplinary problems in international teams, lead sustainability in management, and reflect on the societal and environmental impact of their actions.

Program Structure

The MSc program spans four semesters across three countries:

  • Semester 1 – Switzerland: FHNW Basel, instruction in German
  • Semester 2 – Germany: Hochschule Offenburg, instruction in German
  • Semesters 3 & 4 – France: EM Strasbourg Business School, instruction in French and English

Modules focus on business, technology, and sustainability. A detailed module overview is available on the English website: Master in Sustainable Business Development (trinational)

Vertiefungen

Keine Vertiefungen

International

Leitung und Dozierende

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Voraussetzungen, Zulassung, Eignungsabklärung

Admission Requirements

You can be admitted to the program if you meet the following requirements:

  • Completed Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, natural sciences, or computer science.
  • Bachelor's degree in other fields with proof of relevant aptitude and interest (e.g., through work experience, further education, certifications, or internships).
  • Language proficiency: at least B1 (intermediate) in the three teaching languages – German, French, and English. A self-assessment grid can help you evaluate your language skills.

In the first year, you can take language courses in English, French, or German to improve your language skills.

If you have any questions about admission requirements, please contact us. We are happy to assist you.
Contact

Eligibility Assessment

Admission to the Sustainable Business Development (trinational) program requires an eligibility assessment, which includes:

  • A motivation letter explaining your reasons and goals for pursuing the program.
  • An interview with the program management to assess your suitability and motivation.

The eligibility assessment and admission process are regulated in the study regulations.

Application Notes
  • Any ECTS credits already earned from an unfinished first degree must be declared during the admission process.
  • Admission is not possible if you have been excluded from the same or a comparable program.
  • A positive admission decision remains valid for two years.

For detailed information and specific requirements, it is recommended to consult the official FHNW website or contact the program management directly.

Organisatorisches

Fees

Semester Tuition

FHNW per semester CHF 750*

Additional Fees

Application Fee one-time CHF 200
Materials & Software Licenses per semester CHF 100
Diploma Fee one-time CHF 300
Additional Fees** one-time (HSO) EUR 240
one-time (EMS) EUR 100

*For students residing in Switzerland at the start of the program.
For students residing in EU/EFTA countries: CHF 1,000 per semester.
For students residing outside Switzerland and EU/EFTA: CHF 7,500 per semester.

**Additional mandatory fees include administration, student body contribution, Graduate School services (HSO semester), and CVEC (EMS semester).

Application & Deadlines

If you are motivated and want to join the trinational Master's program, apply online now.

Required Documents:

  • Bachelor’s diploma with transcript*
  • Motivation letter (approx. 1 page, in German, French, or English)
  • Curriculum Vitae

*Applications from students in their final bachelor semester are accepted; in this case, submit a certificate of study and latest transcript. The bachelor diploma must be provided before the program start.

Application deadline: May 31 for September intake.

Applications are processed within 3 days. Successful candidates are invited to an online interview, held monthly.

12 places are available per university.

Apply now

Partner Universities

The trinational MSc in Sustainable Business Development is offered jointly by three partner universities:

These universities collaborate closely on teaching, research, and international networking, offering students unique cross-border learning experiences.

Downloads

MSc Sustainable Business Development – Course Structure (PDF)
MSc Sustainable Business Development – Module Overview (PDF)

Co-Financing Partners

Co-Financing Partners

Beratung und Info-Anlässe

Non-binding information call

Book an information call online with the programme director, Prof. Dr. Jörg Wombacher. During this personal conversation, you can ask all your questions and get a comprehensive picture of the programme.

Book an information call now

Kontakt

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Anmeldung

Durchführungen

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