A young man is sitting on a lawn, smiling, and working on a laptop. Next to him is a blue water bottle, and a bag with our IMC logo rests on the grass.

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

15/04/2026

Date end for non EU 15/04/2026

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.

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.

Karl Michael Höferl

Head of Institute Sustainability and Circular Economy / Programme Director Sustainability Management



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 200+ 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!

Thursday 12.02.2026
Info Event Online

Ask a Student - Bachelor

18:00 - 19:00 Details of event
Saturday 21.02.2026

Alumni Meet and Greet with IMC University Management

08:30 - 11:00 IMC Campus Krems | Wing G1 | Ground floor | Room: Hospitality Lounge Details of event
Saturday 21.02.2026
Highlight Info Event

IMC Open House 2026

09:00 - 15:00 IMC Campus Krems Details of event

Application and admission

Is our degree programme just what you’re looking for? Here are your next steps!

We’ve put together all the relevant information for you.

What are the admission requirements for bachelor programmes?

To qualify for admission to a university of applied sciences bachelor degree programme, you must have an Austrian school-leaving certificate or an equivalent qualification.

Do you have a school-leaving certificate issued outside Austria?

We’ll check to make sure it’s equivalent to an Austrian certificate in accordance with section 4 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act (FHG) when you’ve sent us all the relevant documentation via our online application tool. If it is not an equivalent, you’ll receive information on the supplementary examinations you’ll need to pass. In a nutshell, you will have the option of completing a summer school and the necessary supplementary examinations at IMC Krems or look for an external provider. In that case, you might consider our cooperation partner, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria: It offers a one-year International Foundation Programme which provides you with all the necessary qualifications you need in order to start your studies in Krems.

What proof of your language skills is required for our English-language bachelor degree programme?

We’ll assess your English language proficiency at your interview, so there is no need to provide additional evidence of your English skills.

Important​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Do you still need to complete your military or alternative service?  If you’re a male Austrian citizen, we strongly recommend completing your compulsory national service before beginning your studies. This will allow you to finish your degree with no interruptions and start your career without delay afterwards.

We would like to get to know you as a person

As part of the online application you will have to write a statement of motivation and a short essay on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Predefined questions about your motivations as well as the requirements and topics for your essay can be found in the online application. You choose one of the suggested topics, conduct research to broaden your knowledge, deal with the issues and bring your own point of view to the essay. Your answers are to be entered in the fields provided.

Your statement of motivation and your essay form the basis for your application interview. Every applicant has an opportunity to introduce themselves in a face-to-face discussion, usually with the degree programme director. In addition to the personal introduction and your motivation to study, the applicant and the interviewer discuss the topic selected and the arguments used in the essay, as well as the topic’s relevance for the degree programme.

The application interview is held in the language of instruction of the degree programme and can take place either online via Microsoft Teams or in presence.

After the application interview, your statement of motivation, the essay and your performance throughout the interview are assessed on the basis of the content-related remarks, the manner in which they express themselves and the arguments used.

What are the dates for the interview?

There are usually a selection of dates to choose from, with quotas allocated for each date. You can select a date and time slot during the online registration process. We therefore recommend that you complete your application in good time so that you can benefit from the full selection of dates.

Once you have successfully completed your online application, it will be checked for completeness and accuracy. As soon as this process is finished, we will inform you via email and confirm your admission date.

Nächsten Termine:

Admission Interview
  • 26.01.2026
  • 13.02.2026
  • 27.02.2026
  • 04.03.2026
  • 18.03.2026
  • 10.04.2026
  • 24.04.2026
  • 06.05.2026
  • 15.05.2026
  • 20.05.2026
  • 09.06.2026
  • 19.06.2026
  • 23.06.2026
  • 09.07.2026
  • 17.07.2026
  • 23.07.2026

Application deadline for EU nationals 15/04/2026
Application deadline for non-EU nationals 15/04/2026
Apply now

More information

Any questions?
We are happy to help!

Contact our admission & info team    Contact the programme director

Team

Dr. Karl Michael Höferl

Head of Institute Sustainability and Circular Economy / Programme Director Sustainability Management

Core competencies

Full profile

Prof.(FH) Dr. Claudia Dolezal-Wurbs, MSc, BA
(currently absent)
Professor (FH) Institute Tourism
Details of person
Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Jan Grumiller
Programme Director Environmental and Sustainablity Management
Details of person
Liru Jiang, PhD, MSc
Senior Lecturer Institute Marketing and Wine Business
Details of person
Khurram Ajaz Khan, PhD
Senior Lecturer Institute Business and Innovation
Details of person
Prof.(FH) Dipl.-Ing. Christian Schmid, PhD
Professor (FH) Institute International Business and Economics
Details of person
MMag. Florian Waldner, PhD
Senior Lecturer Institute Entrepreneurship
Details of person
Dr. Alice Wanner
Senior Lecturer Institute Tourism
Details of person

Robert Blöschl, MA
(ÖFSE - Österreichische Forschungsstiftung für Internationale Entwicklung, Wien,Alsergrund (Wien))
Dr. Birgit Gahleitner
(Birgit Gahleitner ° nachhaltig. wirksam., Puchenau (Puchenau))
Vera Pichler, MA MA
Pia Pototschnig, BA, MA
Rainer Zehetner, MA
(PADELZONE GmbH , Wien,Wieden)

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