- Degree
- Master of Science (M. Sc.)
- Admission restriction
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Final grade of 2.5 or better in undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree – in the German grading system
- Contact
- Application period
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1 December 2025 – 15 January 2026
Why study for a Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development at HSWT?
From sustainable land-use planning and the circular economy to urban-rural innovation, students on the new English-language Master’s programme in Sustainable Regional Development programme explore practical solutions to create stronger communities. Sustainable and resilient regions build on their strengths and maximise cooperation in pursuit of regional development. For the last 20 years, Triesdorf – a small town in Bavaria, Germany – has been the outstanding location to study regional development. At HSWT’s Triesdorf campus, students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach and practical focus inherent to the Master’s programme in Sustainable Regional Development.
Topics on the Master’s programme in Sustainable Regional Development
Students on the Master’s programme engage with a variety of topics, ranging from regional administration and management to the environment and economics. They also develop advanced communication and analytical skills. Case studies, international comparisons, special guest lectures and field trips consolidate learning and prepare students either for a professional career or for doctoral study.
The Sustainable Regional Development programme is interdisciplinary and has a strong practical focus. All HSWT professors have practical professional experience, with many courses taught by lecturers considered experts in their field. International perspectives from Europe and beyond form an integral part of the Master’s degree programme.
Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development: Programme structure
Full-time students usually complete the degree programme in three semesters. Each semester comprises a total of 30 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, of which more than half come from compulsory modules. Students can also choose from a range of compulsory elective modules. The full-time degree programme concludes with the Master’s thesis and a colloquium in the third semester
Part-time study available
From the winter semester 2025, HSWT will also offer the Master’s programme in Sustainable Regional Development on a part-time basis (with a total duration of five semesters). Please indicate in your application whether you wish to study on a full-time or part-time basis.
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1st semester
Module ECTS Spatial Planning and Development 5 Land Use and Resource Management 5 Public Relations and Communication Skills 5 Scientific Research Methods 5 Electives (depending on module) 2x5 -
2nd semester
Module ECTS Project Management & Agile Methods 5 Sustainable Economic Development, Circular Economy 5 Regional Value Chains 5 Sustainable Regional Development & Best Practices 5 Innovation Management, Strategy/ Entrepreneurship Basics 5 Electives (depending on module) 5 -
3rd semester
Module ECTS Project study 5 Master’s thesis with colloquium 25
Career prospects with a Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development
The programme prepares students for careers in a variety of specialist and management positions, including:
- Project management in local, regional and international sustainable development
- Funding programme acquisition and implementation
- Local and international stakeholder networks
- Development and management of regional supply services and value chains
- Consultancy for regional and international actors, administrative bodies and institutions (e.g. the European Union or the United Nations)
Key benefits of the Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development at HSWT
Extensive knowledge
You can enhance your professional qualifications and acquire intercultural skills.
International contacts
Group projects and courses offer an opportunity to forge contacts and network with students from across Germany and around the world.
A pleasant place to study
Join a supportive community of students, professors and subject experts.
Want insider knowledge and tips? Then ask our study programme ambassador!
Admission requirements for the Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development
- Applicants seeking admission to the Master’s programme must have completed (or be about to complete) an undergraduate degree with a final grade of “good” (i.e. 2.5) or better in the German grading system.
- Your undergraduate degree should be in one of the following subjects: agricultural science, horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, landscape planning, spatial planning, geoscience, economic geography, economics, social science, political science, environmental science, nutritional sciences or a comparable degree, whether completed in Germany or elsewhere.
- Admission to the Master's degree programme generally requires students to have acquired 210 ECTS in undergraduate study. You can also be admitted with 180 ECTS and then make up the missing credits by taking theoretical or practical modules.
- If you have not yet received your undergraduate degree certificate, you can submit it by the end of the first semester.
- Classes are held in English. Foreign students who do not have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in English must therefore demonstrate that they have adequate English language skills (at least Level B2). Students who are also proficient in German have the option of taking German-language electives in certain other Master’s degree programmes (e.g. Master's in Regional Management).
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Options to make up for missing ECTS:
Students missing credits from undergraduate study must make up for this and submit proof by the end of their Master’s degree programme. You can take elective modules at the following institutions during your degree programme in addition to the regular semester courses:
- Relevant courses at HSWT (at Bachelor’s and Master’s level)
- Relevant modules at the Virtual University of Bavaria (VHB)
- Relevant courses at HSWT Language Centre (German at A1 and English at C1 level)
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Applicants with foreign degree qualifications
Applicants who completed their undergraduate degree outside of Germany must obtain Preliminary Review Documentation (Vorprüfungsdokumentation – VPD) from uni-assist to apply for the Master’s in Sustainable Regional Development. A test report (Testbericht) from uni-assist is not sufficient. Please allow more time to obtain your VPD.
You can find detailed information on our international applicants information page.
Proof of funding for your HSWT studies
We would like to mention the proof of funding requirements necessary for your residency permit. To do so, you need at least 992 € per month or 11,904 € per year. (status year 2025)
