Carlos Avila
SuMO Student
Target group
Professionals who want to drive corporate sustainability
12 or 18 months*
Beginning in September
English
Language of instruction
Master program (60 ECTS)
Certificate program (40 ECTS)
Networking
With like-minded professionals and sustainability experts
Blended learning
With online modules and six on-campus weeks in Hamburg
Get a taste of the Executive Master's program - with our new hands-on workshop: Carbon Accounting Workshop in December
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.
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.
Application dates
Admissions for the program are conducted on a rolling basis.
- First application deadline (first review of applications): January 15, 2025
- Second application deadline: February 28, 2025*
- Early Bird discount (10%) deadline: Applications submitted by February 28, 2025 will qualify for an early bird discount
- Program start: September 4, 2025**
Please note that scholarships are also available to candidates meeting certain criteria. Early applicants are in priority for funding. Please see the Tuition and Scholarship section for more details.
*If seats remain available, additional application deadlines may be announced.
** If you are a company interested in sending multiple candidates, please contact us directly.
Academic Calendar:
- Click here to download the academic calendar for the current SuMO Class, graduating in 2025.
Admission Requirements
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- If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can still apply by submitting a GMAT Test (Graduate Management Admission Test).
- Minimum 2 years of work experience (managerial experience preferred but not mandatory). Many of our participants have considerably more professional experience, so that all students benefit from the wide range of experience in the classroom.
- Proof of English language proficiency. It's not that difficult. Check out our various options
- Individual interview with the Academic Director.
* For the Master's program only
VISA Information
This program is designed for individuals who are already eligible to reside and study within the EU. Unfortunately, we cannot provide student visa support for this specific program.
However, participants who wish to visit our campus every other month by entering Germany visa-free as tourists (see here) can contact us at study@klu.org to look for possible arrangements.
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.
- Apply online by clicking 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.
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.
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
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.
Tuition
Tuition fees are charged per semester for the Master in Sustainable Management and Operations and Certificate in Sustainable Management and Operations.
| PROGRAM | ECTS | DURATION | TUITION FEES |
Master in Sustainable Management and Operations | 60 | 18 months | 22,350 € |
Certificate in Sustainable Management and Operations | 45 | 12 months | 14,900 € |
- As a KLU alumnus, you’ll receive a 20% loyalty discount on the tuition fee.
- Feel free to contact us for tailored company arrangements.
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.
Also have a look at:
Brain Capital*
External Scholarships
*Applicable for master's students only.
** If funds remain, an additional jury session will be held in July 2025.
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
Several loan schemes are available to cover living expenses, primarily for German and EU nationals. Students from other countries may be eligible if they have a German Abitur and permanent residence status in Germany.
Discover our new sustainability event series “Change Makers Dialogues”. Learn more!
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 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.
Prof. Dr. Brooke A. Gazdag
Associate Professor of Management & Academic Director of Executive Education
Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme
Associate Professor of Management Accounting & Dean of Programs
Prof. Dr. Johannes Meuer
Associate Professor for Sustainability Strategy and Operations, Co-Director Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains
Prof. Dr. Moritz Petersen
Associate Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Practice, Co-Director Center for Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains
94% of our students would recommend KLU to prospective students
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
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
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
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
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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:
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Christoph Kiese
Solutions & Development Principal Executive Education
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