Sustainability Management
KristiansandNo submission 2027
Complex problems require innovative thinking. This interdisciplinary master's program in sustainability management gives you a double degree from the School of Business and Law, UiA, and one of Asia’s leading university, Universitas Gadjah Mada, with an enriching internship in an international business in Asia or Norway.
Facts about the program
- ECTS credits:
- 120
- Duration:
- 1½ year
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Semester:
- Autumn 2026
- Teaching language:
- English
About the programme
This programme is not accepting applications for the 2027–28 academic year.
The Master's in Sustainability Management is a unique double degree program in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Indonesia. Upon completion, you will receive both an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from one of Asia's leading business schools, as well as a master's degree from the School of Business and Law at UiA.
Both universities are accredited by AACSB, a quality mark that ensures our education is of a high international standard.
The 120-credit master's program is taught intensively over 18 months, including one year on UGM's campus in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In the final semester, you will participate in an approximately two-month internship in a private company or public organization.
Read the full description on the UGM's website
What will you learn?
The Master's program in Sustainability Management combines theory and practice to address sustainability challenges such as urbanization and climate change. You will gain insights into management, finance, and technical solutions through collaboration with businesses and public organizations in Asia and Europe. This program provides you with both academic expertise and practical experience, which are essential for developing management strategies that support economic development and environmental sustainability in various social contexts.
Teaching methods
Teaching language: English
120 credits over three semesters (18 months)
The first two semesters consist of lectures and exercises on UGM's campus in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
It is expected that you will be in Indonesia during the first week of August.
Check the courses on the UGM's website
The final semester involves a combined internship and writing of the master's thesis under the supervision of a faculty member from UiA.
Preliminary course
For students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration or an equivalent qualification, as described in the admission requirements, a two‑month intensive online introductory course is included. The course covers subjects such as accounting, finance, general economics and statistics. The preparatory course (Pre-MBA at UGM) is offered as an online course in June and July.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in business administration may also choose to take the preparatory course voluntarily.
Internship and master's thesis
You will have a mandatory internship in Asia or Norway as a central part of the master's program, which makes the learning more relevant in today's job market. This internship provides you with valuable work experience, a professional network, and references that can enhance your future career.
The internship period takes place while you are writing your master's thesis in the last semester. You thereby combine practical and academically relevant work with data collection for writing your master's thesis.
The detail about the master's thesis
Learning environment
The majority of students come from all over Asia, and you will become part of an exciting multicultural study community and alumni network. You will encounter different perspectives and gain insights into their contexts, which makes this program even more unique.
Campus and city
Gadjah Mada University (UGM)
UGM is the oldest and largest university in Indonesia. We have had a close collaboration with this institution for over 30 years. UGM's Faculty of Economics and Business is highly recognized and is AACSB accredited.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
UGM is located in the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java. The city has over 600,000 inhabitants and is rich in history and culture.
Admissions
Application period
- EU/EEA applicants: From 1 February to 1 March.
- Nordic citizens and applicants with a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway: From 1 February to 15 April.
Admission requirements
General admission criteria is completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with a scope of minimum 3 years’ duration.
1. Academic basis: Economics, management, life sciences, engineering, political science, geography or law are studies that are considered as a suitable academic basis.
1a: For applicants with a specialisation of at least 80 ECTS credits or a coherent vocational or professional programme of study of at least two years duration in business administration, marketing, management or similar, the following applies:
The subject areas below must be included in a total of at least 60 ECTS credits:
- Business Economics
- Economics
- Methodology
- Marketing
- Organisational and management subjects
All subject areas must be covered.
1b: Applicants with a specialisation of at least 80 credits or a coherent vocational or professional programme of studyof at least two years duration within life sciences, engineering, political science or law. Applicants with this academic basis must complete a compulsory 2 – month preliminary course before beginning their studies,
1c: Applicants with another relevant higher education may be found to be qualified after an individual assessment. Applicants with this academic basis must complete a compulsory 2-month preliminary course before beginning their studies.
There is no conditional admission for applicants to this study programme. Admission takes place in accordance with the Regulations concerning admission to programmes and courses at the University of Agder.
Recommended previous knowledge
Students without a bachelor’s degree in business administration or equvialent degree as described in 1a in Admission requirements, must complete a 2-month intensive online preliminary course in disciplines such as accounting, finance, general economics, and statistics (Matriculation programme at UGM) before the first semester (during the summer).
Students with a bachelor’s degree in business administration may also take the preliminary course voluntarily. The preliminary course provides a sound basis for the mandatory coursework in the first semester.
Tuition fees
Students admitted to the University of Agder (UiA) pay the semester fee to UiA each semester. The students do not pay any additional tuition fees to study at the University of Gadjah Mada.
How to apply
The Section for Admissions at UiA can answer questions about the application process. For questions about the programme itself, please contact your faculty. See the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Contact the Section for Admissions
Phone: +47 38 14 15 64
Phone hours: Monday - Wednesday - Friday 9:00 - 11:00
Career prospects
What can I do with my degree?
More companies and customers are prioritizing environmental values, which has led to an increasing demand for sustainability leaders (CSOs – Chief Sustainability Officers) in both private and public sectors. These leaders enhance the environmental impact of businesses and contribute to greater recognition and potentially improved profitability.
Further studies
The Master's program in Sustainability Management can qualify you for further studies at the PhD level and, consequently, for work in research and higher education.
What is it like to be a student on Sustainability Management?
-
Birger completed a master’s degree in Indonesia and Kenya through UiA: ‘An immensely valuable learning experience’.
UiA offers a master’s degree in sustainability management in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. It gives students valuable international experience and new perspectives on sustainability.
Contact
- silje.h.grimsli@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 21 45
- bjorn-tore.flaten@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 23 12