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It is currently not possible to apply for this degree programme.

 

Faced with the challenges of climate change, dwindling resources and social inequalities, future-oriented businesses and organisations must fundamentally change how they create value. Sustainability management drives these changes toward a future where companies and organisations thrive and act responsibly.

In our bachelor degree programme, you’ll learn how to design, implement and evaluate sustainability strategies that truly make a difference: from reducing emissions and promoting circular economy practices to advancing gender equality and embedding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the strategies of companies and organisations.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Business

Organisational form

part-time / 6 semesters / 180 ECTS

Language

English

Study fee

363.36 EUR

Application deadline

No application possible.

Information for non-EU nationals

The degree programme

We designed our part-time bachelor degree programme for those who want to drive actual change and help companies and organisations to discover the “sweet spot” where ecological capacity, social responsibility and financial viability overlap. And doing so sets you on a career path that’s both impactful and fulfilling.

Sustainability Management is part of the IMC Business School and combines hands-on teaching with an international focus at IMC Krems.

TRANSFORMATION TOWARDS CIRCULARITY, CLIMATE FITNESS & RESILIENCE

Many companies – especially small and medium-sized enterprises – are eager to act on sustainability but often struggle with where to begin. Furthermore, stricter regulations from national and EU policies, combined with international CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) criteria, are heightening expectations across the board.

Our programme prepares you to bridge that gap. You’ll gain not only solid theoretical foundations in sustainability, CSR and ESG but also hands-on experience in developing and implementing real-world strategies: from circular product models, climate neutrality and gender equality plans to sustainability reports. With these tools, you’ll be ready to guide organisations and companies toward circularity, climate fitness and resilience.


NOT JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL

But sustainability management goes far beyond the private sector: governments, NGOs, social businesses and international agencies are just as vital in shaping a greener, fairer future. This degree prepares you to work across sectors, helping you understand public policy, social impact, and how to mobilise international communities and networks for lasting change.


MORE THAN JUST LECTURES

Guided by the principle of constructive alignment, our study programme combines a variety of learning formats to help you build strong methodological skills – from data analysis and project planning to life cycle analysis. At the same time, you’ll develop essential soft skills: leading diverse teams, resolving conflicts effectively and communicating across cultures. You’ll also gain insights into how digital tools like AI and emerging technologies can boost sustainability, like improving efficiency in resource use or supporting data-driven decision-making in climate and circularity strategies.

Still curious how we connect theory and practice in our classes? Take a look at the Cups for Climate project, which we co-developed with a company partner. In the study, we investigated the carbon footprint and resource consumption of both single-use and reusable cup systems at major events.


EXPERIENCE STUDENT LIFE UP CLOSE

From the classroom to campus life: Our Mastodon feed shares what makes our programme unique – inspiring courses, events and voices from our students.


TIP

At IMC Krems, sustainability management isn’t just something we teach; it’s something we live. From reducing our own carbon footprint to promoting social responsibility on campus, we walk the talk. Take a look at our Sustainability Report to see how we apply the principles we teach. Because for us, sustainability doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

And for all your bright ideas about sustainability: At IMC Krems, you also have the opportunity to use our Founders Lab alongside your studies. There, students receive support in implementing their start-up ideas and are guided through potential business ventures. Start-up service at its best!



Remember the old saying that we cannot solve problems by using the same thinking that created them in the first place? That’s exactly where our programme begins. We offer a new perspective on business, one that goes beyond profit maximisation and embraces ecological and social responsibility. It’s about shifting from exploitation to stewardship and learning how to create value in ways that sustain both people and planet.



What can you expect from your studies?

The curriculum provides an overview. Click on the individual courses for further information.

CourseSWSECTS
Accounting46
Introduction to Circular Economy36
Management Essentials46
Principles of Sustainability36
Scientific Methods and Analysis36


Because curiosity­
is our capital.



What makes our Sustainability Management programme so special?

1

Business as unusual

We’re rethinking business for the 21st century by integrating economic knowledge with environmental and social consciousness. Our programme explores everything from circular economy strategies to creating sustainable value, challenging conventional approaches.

We equip you to lead and build a future where businesses and organisations are catalysts for positive change.

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2

Make your work count

Our part-time structure lets you live your values from day one. No matter how you are making a difference – whether it is through your job, an internship, or volunteering with an NGO – if your work contributes to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it counts toward your degree.

In semesters 5 and 6, 500 hours of this experience are accredited as practical competence.

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3

International by design

Taught entirely in English and designed with a global perspective, our programme prepares you for the international dimensions of sustainability. You’ll explore global cooperation for sustainable development, study alongside peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and benefit from a mobility window in your third semester at one of over 220+ partner universities worldwide.

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Career paths

Starting a career or enrolling for a master degree programme? There is a wide range of career paths available to you.

You have the choice of starting a career or enrolling for a full-time or part-time master degree.

Interested in a master degree programme?

Discover our extensive range of master degree programmes in the field of business.

Related master degree programmes

Possible career fields after graduation

As a graduate, you will be qualified for positions in companies that focus on sustainable practice, communication and controlling as well as environmental management, sustainable marketing strategies and supply chain management.

You will contribute your expertise to the development of sustainable business models and corporate development. In circular economy management, you will score points with your know-how of business models in the circular economy. Sustainable innovation management is also a key aspect for you.

You are also used to looking at things from the outside. You know how sustainability promotion and public administration work in the area of environmental protection and what is needed for strategic organisational consulting for companies in the area of sustainable business practices. This will lead to further fields of work.

You can contribute your expertise to numerous “classic” business areas and exciting jobs without a dedicated sustainability focus, such as finance and accounting, marketing and sales, human resources or operational and strategic management.


Videos

Our degree programme in focus: Videos that inspire.

Get to know our university from a fresh and personal perspective and learn more about our bachelor degree programme in Sustainability Management.

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Info events

Join us at our information events!

Tuesday - Thursday 20.10.2026
-
22.10.2026
Highlight

Autumn graduations 2026

10:00 - 18:30 IMC Campus Krems | Wing G1 Details of event
Thursday 12.11.2026
Info Event Online

Ask a Student - Bachelor

18:00 - 19:00 Details of event
Friday 27.11.2026
Highlight Info Event

IMC Info Day

14:00 - 18:00 Details of event

Application and admission

Applications are currently not accepted for this degree programme.


Team

Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Jan Grumiller

IMC Business School
Programme Director Environmental and Sustainablity Management

Core competencies

Full profile

Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Reinhard Altenburger
IMC Business School
Professor (FH) Institute Business and Innovation
Details of person
Liru Jiang, PhD, MSc
IMC Business School
Senior Lecturer Institute Tourism and Marketing
Details of person
Prof.(FH) Khurram Ajaz Khan, PhD
IMC Business School
Professor (FH) Institute Business and Innovation
Details of person
MMag. Florian Waldner, PhD
IMC Business School
Senior Lecturer Institute Entrepreneurship
Details of person
Prof.(FH) Dr. Alice Wanner
IMC Business School
Professor (FH) Institute Tourism and Marketing
Details of person

Robert Blöschl, MA
(ÖFSE - Österreichische Forschungsstiftung für Internationale Entwicklung, Wien,Alsergrund (Wien))
Thomas Culhane
Dr. Birgit Gahleitner
(Birgit Gahleitner ° nachhaltig. wirksam., Puchenau (Puchenau))
Prof.(FH) DI Roman H. Mesicek
Vera Pichler, MA MA
Pia Riedl, BA, MA
Esmeralda Topuzi
Hon.Prof.(FH) Mag.(FH) Claudia Werba, MA
(MTS Wien GmbH, Wien,Leopoldstadt)
Dr. Dipl. Ing. Armin Winter

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information(at)imc.ac.at

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