The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainability Economics deals with the economic causes and approaches to solving the most pressing issues in the transformation to a sustainable society. The excessive consumption of important natural resources, the transformation to an energy system based on renewable energies, growing economic inequality worldwide, dependencies due to gloablization - these are all existential challenges. Many of these problems either have direct economic causes or are indirectly promoted by economic developments. The use of economic instruments geared towards sustainability therefore plays a fundamental role in overcoming these global problems. 

The programme enables graduates to use economic methods to analyse the above-mentioned topics and instruments and to develop options for action for stakeholders in business and politics. The mathematical, statistical and empirical education of students is a key focus of the programme. In addition, the programme allows students to develop their individual profile by offering a wide range of electives.
Furthermore, a mobility window also enables students to expand their intercultural skills during a semester abroad.

The programme offers 25 places per year for new students and is supported by a mentoring programme. This allows students to get to know each other quickly and creates a stronger sense of belonging. In the first semesters in particular, there are also a number of foundation courses that you attend together with students from other business and economics courses.

In the course of the six semester bachelor's programme Sustainability Economics, students have to complete 180 credit points (cp): 132 cp in the general field of economics and sustainability economics, 18 cp for further specialisation according to personal interests, 15 cp for a training module and 15 cp for the final bachelor thesis.

The core curriculum covers mainstream economics, management and mathematics. The consecutive methods modules cover scientific methods such as statistics, econometrics and empirical research methods. The category of in-depth modules in sustainability provides insights into specific sustainability issues, e. g. resource and energy economics and environmental economics. The elective modules allow additional insights into management plus optional modules in sociology, politics or business informatics. Within the area of specialisation (18 cp), students can deepen their understanding by choosing specialised or interdisciplinary modules

In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need an adequate knowledge of German.

German Language Proficiency

• DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 2) or
• TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 4 in all four areas) or
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level C1

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2 or
• if applicants have university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in English or
• Proof by school reports: Proof of lessons in English for at least 4 years or 3 years, if the foreign language has been taken up to the degree entitling to university entrance. The average grade of the last two years of language lessons must be at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or 5 points.
• Alternative evidence: At least two years of lessons at a secondary educational institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. Applicants who need a preparatory German course before commencing their studies must present their knowledge of English with their application.

For other proof possibilities see: Language requirement

International applicants who received their prior education abroad should apply online through uni-assist. For further details see: Application for international students

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2 or
• if applicants have university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in English or
• Proof by school reports: Proof of lessons in English for at least 4 years or 3 years, if the foreign language has been taken up to the degree entitling to university entrance. The average grade of the last two years of language lessons must be at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or 5 points.
• Alternative evidence: At least two years of lessons at a secondary educational institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. Applicants who need a preparatory German course before commencing their studies must present their knowledge of English with their application.

For more details see Foreign language skills on this page.

This course of studies accepts a limited number of applicants, and application is only possible in the winter semester.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 July.

Overview application deadlines Bachelor's programmes

Overview application deadlines Bachelor's programmes

Das Department Wirtschafts- und Rechtswissenschaften unterstützt ausdrücklich einen Auslandsaufenthalt im Studium und unterhält daher zahlreiche Kooperationen mit Partner-Universitäten im Ausland (Infos unter http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/fk2/internationales/ ). Im 5. Semester des BA Nachhaltigkeitsökonomik ist die Möglichkeit eines Auslandsaufenthalts eingeplant. Hierfür wurden drei Wahlmodule aus dem Professionalisierungsbereich und zwei Fachmodule, die an internationalen Universitäten i. d. R. zur Standardlehre gehören, aufgenommen. Für die Studierenden ist es daher problemlos möglich, an einer Partneruniversität ein Semester zu verbringen und dennoch das Studium in der Regelstudienzeit abzuschließen.

Zahlreiche Sprachkurse (z. B. Rechts- und Wirtschaftssprache: Wirtschaftsenglisch, Wirtschaftsspanisch, Wirtschaftsfranzösisch) werden zur Vorbereitung des Auslandsstudiums an der Universität angeboten. Verschiedene Stipendien (u.a. Erasmusstipendien) werden, vom DAAD vermittelt oder von der EU angeboten. Bei den meisten europäischen Kooperationen entfallen auch die - ansonsten im Ausland üblichen - Studiengebühren.

Should you be interested in developing a deeper understanding of this field, (for example if you aim for an academic career), you also have the opportunity to build upon your bachelor's degree with a corresponding master's programme. You can do this at a number of universities in Germany and abroad. At the University of Oldenburg, you can choose from several master's programmes in economics, including the (M.Sc.) Applied Economics and Data Science, (M.A.) Business Administration, Economics and Law, (M. A.) Management Consulting and (M. A.) Sustainability Economics and Management.

Should you be interested in developing a deeper understanding of this field, (for example if you aim for an academic career), you also have the opportunity to build upon your bachelor's degree with a corresponding master's programme. You can do this at a number of universities in Germany and abroad. At the University of Oldenburg, you can choose from several master's programmes in economics, including the M.A. Business Administration: Management and Law, M.A. Sustainability Economics and Management and M.Sc. Applied Economics and Data Science.