The Master’s programme in Sustainable Development Management at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is the first German degree programme in the field of sustainable development to receive international accreditation. The accreditation commission particularly praised the integration of theory and practice.
From complex, empirical data analysis to their own projects – on the Master’s programme in ‘Sustainable Development Management’, students not only learn theories of sustainable development, but also put their own ideas and projects into practice straight away. The close integration of theoretical background and practical application clearly sets it apart from other degree programmes in this field, according to the statement of reasons issued by the IAC/EADI (‘The International Accreditation Council for Global Development Studies and Research’). It is the first German degree programme in the field of sustainable development to be awarded the ‘IAC/EADI accredited’ seal.
Dr Oliver Serfling, programme director and professor of economic policy and development economics, is delighted with the award: “The IAC seal clearly demonstrates the high quality of our Master’s programme: we offer students an excellent education and preparation for the international job market as well as for a PhD. The combination of specialist knowledge and ‘hands-on skills’ is unique to us here in Kleve,” says Professor Serfling, expressing his delight at the accreditation. The success of this ‘hands-on’ approach is demonstrated, for example, by the recently published sustainable shopping guide for the Lower Rhine region, or by the spin-off start-up ‘Ringelbox’, which helps school pupils understand the lives of worms and insects underground and which was awarded the NRW Start-up Grant.
Further information: IAC/EADI
Accreditation by the IAC (‘International Accreditation Council for Global Development Studies and Research’) serves to ensure the quality of degree programmes in the field of development studies. The EADI (‘European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes’) is the leading network in the field of development studies, with more than 100 member institutions in over 25 countries. IAC/EADI is a member of the ‘International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education’. Further information is available here: https://www.eadi.org/accreditation/.
Master’s programme in Sustainable Development Management
By adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community has sent a strong signal in favour of a new global partnership: developing countries, emerging economies and industrialised nations have agreed on 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To implement the 2030 Agenda, international organisations require highly qualified specialists with a broad understanding of the diverse development issues and challenges involved in project implementation.
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Development Management integrates and combines aspects of economics and political science relevant to sustainable development. These are complemented by empirical methods and modules in project management. This combination equips students with the necessary skills to help shape both the academic discourse on sustainable development and practical project work. The modules are structured around the project cycle: students learn to successfully plan, implement, critically analyse and evaluate sustainable development projects.
Prospective students can apply for the 2021/2022 winter semester until 31 July 2021: Online application portal for the 2021/2022 winter semester now open | Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (hochschule-rhein-waal.de)
