Master in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO)
Hamburg, Germany
DURATION
18 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,350 / per course
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
Introduction
Are you ready to lead the way toward a more sustainable future? Our Master in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO) is a top-tier part-time program specifically designed for executives and managers who are passionate about becoming part of a vibrant community of responsible leaders in today’s rapidly evolving world. Led by internationally respected experts, the SuMO program blends cutting-edge academic content with a hands-on approach to corporate sustainability, ensuring you’re equipped with the tools to drive real change.
The program’s flexible design lets you balance your professional career while engaging in both online learning and interactive on-campus sessions in Hamburg’s lively HafenCity district. It’s the perfect fit for busy professionals looking to expand their impact without compromising their work-life balance.
If you’re committed to making the world a more sustainable place, this program is your next step.
KLU's Operations Mindset:
Building on our heritage in logistics, all our programs foster the unique KLU Operations Mindset. This mindset embodies several core principles that will make you ready to tackle any challenge up the road. You'll be combining academic excellence with a hands-on approach. You will learn to work systematically and data-driven managing details while maintaining a strategic view. You will be ready to be a sustainable and responsible contemporary leader, no matter in which sector or function.
Why study in Germany?
Germany’s world-class universities are globally respected by top employers, making it the ideal place to boost your career. With its strong economy and stable job market, Germany offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled professionals. After graduating from KLU, you’ll be legally entitled to work in Germany for up to 18 months, giving you ample time to secure the perfect job – and far exceeding what most other European countries offer.
Why Hamburg?
Hamburg is not only one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and best cities to live in; it also offers an incredible work-life balance. With its rich history in trade, vibrant culture, and a mix of gastronomy, outdoor activities and luxury living, Hamburg is the perfect place to start your professional journey while enjoying life to the fullest.
Why KLU?
Sustainability is one of KLU’s three key competence areas. SuMO is a holistic program for professionals and managers from all industries and participants wanting to benefit from KLU's unique competencies in leadership and sustainability along the entire supply chain. Companies are already facing many rapidly changing challenges, for example, from new regulations (e.g., CSRD, the European Supply Chain Law, Scope 3 Carbon Accounting). In addition, new business models and competitive strategies inspired by the circular economy and sharing models require the right expertise on how companies can strategically manage their supply chains and proactively shape future industry structures.
At KLU, and especially at KLU’s Centre for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains, our research-active scientists are continuously developing new insights and skills that they effectively incorporate into teaching. Enjoy a unique access to the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge to assist companies in making the right decisions.
What's in it for you?
Participants
As part of the SuMO program, you will become a corporate sustainability expert with the necessary skills to
- Lead the sustainability agenda at the strategic and operational level of an organization across business units and geographic locations,
- Critically assess a company's level of sustainability and define an achievable roadmap for your organization,
- Measure and report on the sustainability footprint of a company and its supply chain,
- Effectively negotiate and communicate sustainability strategies and measures with internal and external stakeholders,
- Effectively share your knowledge to create real, sustainable impact in your organization.
In addition, as an alumni you will be part of the KLU sustainability community for exchange and lifelong learning.
Companies
Employees who complete the SuMO program contribute to making the right decisions for the future viability of your company. During the program, they develop the skills to
- Develop and implement your company's sustainability strategy in a targeted manner through comprehensive skills and the latest knowledge,
- Drive the development of sustainable products and services and thus contribute to your business success,
- Ensure your company's compliance by maintaining an overview and understanding of industry and government regulations and laws,
- Take a leadership role that can professionally drive change and transformation processes and adapt business models.
Interested? Just contact us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you and help you get started!
Check out our Summer Open Day, and other events to get a taste of what studying with us is like!
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships
KLU offers a range of scholarships for SuMO applicants:
- If your company is a member of networks such as AGA, BVL, or LIHH, KLU offers one 50% scholarship per network. Contact your HR department to check if you qualify.
- We support social entrepreneurship and work in the humanitarian sector for NGOs with a 50% scholarship.
- We offer a 50% regional scholarship for applicants from developing countries.
- We are committed to the promotion of female executives. Therefore we offer a 50% scholarship for women who are taking or have just taken the next step in their professional careers.
If you would like to apply for one of the above-mentioned scholarships, please submit the scholarship application form, a letter of motivation as well as a confirmation proving that you’re eligible for the scholarship you’re applying for.
First Scholarship application deadline: June 15 **
Since we have rolling admissions, it’s best to apply as early as possible – scholarships may be awarded before the deadline if eligible candidates apply early.
*Applicable for master's students only.
** If funds remain, an additional jury session will be held in July 2025.
Brain Capital Financing
Brain Capital offers an innovative tuition financing model that allows you to either partially or fully defer your tuition fees while studying at KLU. Instead of paying upfront, you’ll make income-based payments after graduation, with the total amount based on your earnings. The solidarity principle means that higher earners repay more, while those with lower incomes contribute less. Rest assured, there are caps on both annual and total payments (approximately double the tuition fee, adjusted for inflation).
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post: Brain Capital: The solidary financing that believes in your potential
Curriculum
Sumo curriculum
Starting with an overview of the dynamic changes in the business world, you will explore the relevant topics related to sustainability through interactive class discussions and teamwork. You will be able to bring your own experiences into the classroom and learn to apply business concepts to your specific environment. All of our senior faculty and practitioners on this executive program have experience teaching at leading universities and business schools around the world and will guide you through the following learning journey:
- The Big Picture
- Global Trends and Impact
- Strategy and Leadership for Sustainability
- Sustainable Supply Chains
- Innovation and Sustainable Technologies
- Governance of Sustainable Enterprises
- Communicating Sustainability
- Operations and Green Logistics
- Sustainability Impact Project
Program Format
At KLU you benefit from studying in small classes, an international and very familiar environment and excellent contacts to the business world. Your tuition fees cover on-campus and online teaching, including all course materials, on-campus IT services, library access, support and administrative services. German students have also the option to apply for 10 days of Educational Leave (Bildungsurlaub: Anerkennung nr. HI 43-2/406-07.5, 62654), which consists of two consequtive on-campus sessions (10 days).
Participants have the choice to either pursue the Master program with the completion of a master's thesis or to obtain a certificate without a master's thesis. The curriculum is the same for both programs with the addition of a master's thesis for the Master program.
For those in the masters pathway, KLU facilities, such as the library and breakout rooms, remain available to facilitate research and writing marathons if need be. The decision to write a thesis after completing the certificate program is an opportunity to demonstrate one’s mastery of core principles and ongoing debates on opportunities and challenges in the field of sustainable management and operations. Through individually guided sessions with their academic advisors, and industry experts, if necessary, students have a chance to narrow in on an area of expertise and contribute to the theory and practice of sustainability management. In some cases, participants’ work might lead to scientific publications and the pursuit of a doctoral degree.
Program Tuition Fee
Accreditations
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.