- Degree
- Master of Science (M. Sc.)
- Admission restriction
-
Final grade of 2.5 or better in undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree – in the German grading system
- Contact
- Application period
-
28 April 2026 – 7 June 2026
Why join the HSWT Master in Sustainable Regional Development?
From sustainable land-use planning and circular economy to urban-rural innovation, students in the English-language Master in Sustainable Regional Development programme learn to prepare communities for a more sustainable future. Sustainable and resilient regions today must analyse problems, build on their strengths, and cooperate strategically in regional development. For over 20 years, the HSWT in Triesdorf has been preparing students for high-level careers in regional management. Now there’s the same opportunity for English-speakers in Triesdorf, where the Master of Sustainable Regional Development programme draws on its historic rural setting, its interdisciplinary offerings, and a hands-on approach to regional development.
Study topics in the Master of Sustainable Regional Development
Our master students explore a variety of topics, ranging from regional cooperation to environmental protection and economic development. They also develop advanced communication and analytical skills. Case studies, international comparisons, special guest lectures, and field trips shape their learning and prepare students either for high-level career options or for doctoral study.
The Sustainable Regional Development programme is interdisciplinary and has an applied focus. All HSWT professors hold research expertise as well as professional experience. Many courses are co-taught together with current experts from the 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 or four 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
The HSWT also offers 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 full-time or part-time.
-
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 public, private, and non-profit sector roles, including:
- Project management in local, regional, and international sustainable development organisations
- Funding/grant 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. The English and German-language master students have numerous shared academic and social activities.
A welcoming 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).
-
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)
-
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)
