Master in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO)

Strengthen your personal competencies and leadership skills to drive sustainability.

Master in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO)

Strengthen your personal competencies and leadership skills to drive sustainability.

Target group

Professionals who want to drive corporate sustainability

Networking

with like-minded professionals and sustainability experts

Blended learning

with online modules and six on-campus weeks in Hamburg

12 or 18 months*

beginning in March

English

Language of instruction

Master program (60 ECTS)

Certificate program (40 ECTS)

Our Master in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO) is a high-profile part-time program for executives and managers who want to equip themselves with the necessary tools and skillsets to become part of an interactive community of responsible leaders.   

Taught by internationally renowned specialists, SuMO combines state-of-the-art scientific expertise with a holistic and hands-on perspective on corporate sustainability. Our learning design makes the best use of time by aligning innovative online learning modules with highly interactive on-campus sessions right in Hamburg´s Hafencity.

If you want to make your mark toward a more sustainable and eco-responsible world, this program is the perfect choice for you!

  • World-renowned professors: Work with our award-winning lecturers in inspiring learning formats and gain relevant, future-proof knowledge to make the right decisions.
  • Innovative pedagogy: Experience a highly interactive learning environment with online and onsite classes incorporating immersive learning with virtual reality.
  • Impact-oriented: Work collaboratively with driven peers on impact projects to develop effective solutions for a challenge in a company – including your own.
  • Exclusive industry know-how: Engage with industry leaders who share their experience in bringing sustainability to their business.
  • Networks that matter: Build valuable relationships with peers, alumni, faculty as well as sustainability and leadership experts.
  • Personal and Professional Development: Grow your personal leadership and communication capabilities to drive your sustainability agenda.

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.

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

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. 

PROGRAM ECTS DURATION TUITION FEES

Master in Sustainable Management and Operations

60

18 months

22,400 €

Certificate in Sustainable Management and Operations

45

12 months

14,900 €

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.

KLU offers a range of scholarships for SuMO applicants:

  • 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.

Application deadline for scholarships: 29th February 2024

Please note: The jury will review all applications at the beginning of March and announce its selection.

Also have a look at: 

Brain Capital*
External Scholarships

*Applicable for master's students only.

Application Deadlines

  • Start of application period: May 1, 2023*
  • 10 % "Early Bird" discount deadline: November 15, 2023
  • Application deadline: February 29, 2024
  • Start of the program: March 11, 2024

* If you are a company interested in sending multiple candidates, please contact us directly.


Academic Calendar

Admission Requirements

    You need at least 2 years of professional experience for this program. Many of our participants have considerably more professional experience, so that all students benefit from the wide range of experience in the classroom.
  • English proficiency is proven by TOEFL (IBT 90), IELTS (Band 6.5), CAE/CPE (grade C) or equivalent certificate (not older than 2 years at the time of submitting the application). Please name KLU if possible, when registering for a test (TOEFL institutional code is 7373).
    • Candidates who have at least 2 years of professional experience in a company with English as its official working language can apply for an English test waiver. The proof must not be older than 2 years and must be officially issued by the company.
  • A bachelor's degree* with at least 180 ECTS or its equivalent from a recognized university or college. We welcome applicants from all fields of study.*
    • If you don't have a bachelor's degree, no worries – you can still be eligible for admission by submitting a GMAT Test (Graduate Management Admission Test).*

* For the Master's program only


Admission Process

Get in touch with us via the contact form below or by booking an appointment so we can help you guide through the application process.

Certificate Program

  • Please contact us via the options listed above first, as you do not need to submit all the documents requested in the application tool.

Master's Program

  • Please download the application documents below.
  • Click on "Apply now" below to access our online application platform.
  • An application will be considered as soon as we have received all required documents. The Admissions Department checks each incoming application to determine whether the admission requirements are met.

Application Documents

Please download and complete the following documents that are necessary for your application:

Please note that your application will be considered once you submit your final application and documents via the application platform.

Our Admissions Department will then get in touch with you to support you through the rest of the application process.

Embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable leadership with insights from Prof. Dr. Johannes Meuer, the Academic Director of SuMO.

Discover our participants' unique perspectives on what makes the SuMO program so special for them.

With the Master in Sustainable Management and Operations, you will be able to develop and implement sustainable strategies that will transform your organization and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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 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.

At KLU you will learn from the best!

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Prof. Dr. Prisca Brosi

Associate Professor of Human Resource Management

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Prof. Dr. Alexa Burmester

Assistant Professor of Applied Quantitative Methods at KLU

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Prof. Dr. Brooke A. Gazdag

Associate Professor of Management & Academic Director of Executive Education

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Prof. Dr. Andreas Kilian Gernert

Assistant Professor for Sustainable Operations

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Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme

Associate Professor of Management Accounting

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Prof. Dr. Johannes Meuer

Associate Professor for Sustainability Strategy and Operations, Co-Director Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains

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Prof. Dr. Moritz Petersen

Assistant Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Practice, Co-Director Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains

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Prof. Marcos Ritel, PhD

Assistant Professor for International Trade

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Prof. Dr. Sandra Transchel

Professor for Supply Chain and Operations Management

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Prof. Christian Tröster, PhD

Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior

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Ask our students

Our students come from a wide variety of countries, such as Germany, Finland, Turkey or Peru, and have up to 24 years of professional experience. They work in various industries at companies such as Schenker AG, Kühne + Nagel, NorSea Wind GmbH or Duni AG. 

Take the opportunity to get in touch with our students and find out first hand how the studies are like from their point of view by clicking on one of the profiles and writing a message to the student.

Together with my colleagues, I am driving forward the decarbonization of global shipping for DB Schenker. I have learned a lot on the job, and I wouldn't want to miss the input from outside our company. The lectures of the SuMO program are a good enrichment for me and my company. I am very happy about the opportunity to participate in this program. Already today, after the first week of lectures, I can apply some learnings directly in my daily job routine. That motivates me a lot.

Sophie Drakopoulos, Master in Sustainable Management and Operations, Class of 2024

Portrait photo of SuMo participant Ilkka Kujala

I am an auditor and I know that sustainability reporting will have a huge role in auditors and accountants’ profession in the future. I was looking for a training to gain a deeper understanding of all issues that should be reported under sustainability. My first impression here is quite positive, I am very inspired after these first days. The professors who are here know what they are talking about and have expertise in their area. I like the open discussion during the lessons and that we still have the chance to say what exactly we would like to learn – I’m happy that there is the chance to tailor the program to my needs.

Ilkka Kujala, Master in Sustainable Management and Operations, Class of 2024

Portrait of Lidija Peters

I was looking for a program that was not full time and SuMO's syllabus sounded 100 percent suitable. So far I like it very much, our group dynamic is so inspiring! The small group size and the way of teaching with real life examples correlate with my own learning style. I'm already looking forward to the sustainability project that we will implement in small teams during the program. This way we can directly apply what we have learned.

Lidija Peters, Master in Sustainable Management and Operations, Class of 2024

Portrait photo of SuMo participant Christina Richter

I chose SuMO because I am very interested in sustainability and would like to learn more. I work in the communications industry and believe that communicating and implementing sustainability is an important task. My impression so far has been positive throughout. From the Welcome Day to the program structure to the way we interact with each other. We are a group with very different people who would probably never have met in real life - that makes the exchange very exciting.

Christina Richter, Master in Sustainable Management and Operations, Class of 2024

Meet Us

Contact us

If you would like to get to know KLU in person, you are welcome to visit our campus. We are also happy to meet you virtually and have a chat about our program any time that suits you:

For direct student inquiries:  For corporate inquiries: 
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Kendra Triblet

Student Recruitment Manager

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Christoph Kiese

Solutions & Development Principal Executive Education

Get in touch with us, and we’ll help to find the best solution for you.

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Consent to data use

I consent to Kühne Logistics University - KLU using and saving my personal data in order to inform me of the benefits of the KLU degree and continuing education programs and advise me – via e-mail, telephone or postally as well. I can revoke this consent at any time, effective at a future date, by sending an e-mail to unsubscribe@klu.org.