About the degree programme
Modern companies face complex challenges: They must simultaneously meet quality standards, protect the environment, use energy efficiently, and ensure workplace safety. The Master’s program in integrated management systems in Zittau is unique in Germany and will make you an expert in holistic Corporate Management. You’ll learn to intelligently integrate various management systems while optimizing sustainability, efficiency, and compliance.
Holistic Expertise in Sustainable Corporate Management
This innovative master’s program equips you with comprehensive skills in five core areas:
- Quality management systems for customer-oriented process optimization and certification
- Environmental and energy management for resource efficiency and climate protection
- Occupational safety and Health Management for safe workplaces
- Sustainability management and reporting for responsible Corporate Management
- Environmental, energy, and occupational safety law and state-of-the-art practices for risk minimization and compliance with legal requirements
Through the unique combination of these areas, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of integrated solutions. Practical projects in companies, TÜV certifications as a management representative at special rates, and modern software applications will optimally prepare you for the diverse demands of the job market. After completing your studies, you will be qualified for leadership positions in a forward-looking professional field that combines economics, ecology, and social responsibility.
Optional Track with KIAdirekt
What makes this degree programme special: This degree programme is optionally available as a cooperative KIAdirekt programme. This means you’ll work at a company (the cooperative partner) and earn an income. The KIAdirekt track at our university is explained in more detail here.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Natural and Environmental Sciences in cooperation with the faculties of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Social Sciences, and Business Administration and Engineering Management |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Master of Science |
| standard period of study: | 3 or 4 semesters (including a Foundation Semester) |
| ECTS credits: | 90 / 120 (including a Foundation Semester) |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Summer semester, winter semester (with a Foundation Semester) |
| Application period: December 1 through February 15 (summer semester), May 1 through September 30 (winter semester) | Start of studies: March, October |
| Admission restrictions: | No admission restrictions (no NC) Details |
| No prerequisite internship | Student Advisory Service |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
Course content
The three-semester master's program systematically builds on your foundational knowledge in the natural sciences, engineering, or business and offers you a flexible entry point into the program. With a 210-credit Bachelor’s degree, you can start directly in the summer semester; if you have 180 credits, you can earn the remaining credits through a preparatory semester in the winter or offset them with one year of professional experience. During the preparatory semester, you’ll gain an introduction to the topic of sustainable Corporate Management. The two semesters of study combine theoretical foundations with intensive practical application through project work, field trips, guest lectures, and an internship integrated into the program (Theory-Practice Transfer Module).
In the first semester, you’ll focus on the fundamentals of various management systems and choose from a wide range of compulsory elective modules, ranging from life cycle assessment to IT security and work design. The second semester deepens your knowledge of auditing and system integration. In the third semester, you’ll focus entirely on your Master's thesis and develop innovative solutions to current challenges in integrated management systems.
For the KIAdirekt track : Practical study phases at companies are completed during the lecture-free period.
- Lecture series and seminar on topics of ecological, economic and social sustainability
- Production-integrated environmental protection (PIUS) and environmentally friendly
- product design (Ecodesign)
- Fundamentals of energy and power plant technology
- Energy systems of the future
- Project seminar: Environment, occupational health and safety and energy
- Research, project planning, cooperation and presentation
- Integration of Management Systems
- Project Management: Methods and Processes
- Quality Management Systems / Fundamentals of Quality Assurance
- Environmental Law, Environmental Technology, and Environmental Management Systems
- Change and Learning Processes in Organizations
- Compulsory Elective Modules (at least 1 module)
- IT Security Management
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Resilient Supply Chains and Critical Raw Materials
- Business Software - SAP
- Occupational Safety and Health Law, Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems
- Corporate Energy and Climate Management
- Sustainability Management and Reporting
- Theory-to-Practice Application: Developing and Evaluating Management Systems (integrated internship)
- Compulsory Elective Modules (at least 1 module)
- Work Design in the Context of Industry 4.0
- Pharmaceutical Law/GMP
- Asset Management and Technical Diagnostics
- Sustainable Biomass Use in Defossilized Value Chains
Master's thesis
The Master's semester takes place in cooperation with companies.
As part of our program, you can not only obtain a Master's degree, but also valuable certificates from TÜV Rheinland CERT® GmbH at special conditions.
These are:
- Quality, environmental, energy, occupational health and safety, sustainability manager
- Internal Auditor
We also offer
- University certificates with confirmation of participation from TÜV Rheinland Akademie GmbH for
- Project management in theory and practice
- Officer for IMS
Prerequisite is the successful degree of the corresponding modules as well as an additional examination.
Career opportunities
Career areas where you can get started
Integrated management systems
You develop and implement integrated management systems in companies. You coordinate quality, environmental, energy and occupational health and safety processes and ensure their optimal integration. Your expertise combines various standards into efficient overall solutions.
Sustainability Management
You will manage sustainability strategies and coordinate related reporting. You will develop concepts for responsible Corporate Management, monitor key performance indicators, and communicate progress to stakeholders and the public.
Auditing and Certification
You conduct internal audits of various management systems. You evaluate processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and support certification procedures. Your comprehensive knowledge of all systems enables efficient, integrated audit approaches.
Energy management and climate protection
You optimize operational energy consumption and develop climate protection strategies. You plan renewable energy systems, analyze energy flows and implement measures to reduce CO2 emissions. Your work combines technical expertise with economic evaluation.
Consulting and Expert Services
You will support companies in implementing and optimizing management systems. You will prepare expert reports, assist with approval processes, and provide advice on legal requirements. Your interdisciplinary expertise enables you to take a holistic approach to consulting.
Regulatory supervision and enforcement
You monitor compliance with environmental, energy and occupational health and safety regulations in companies. You carry out inspections, evaluate permit applications and support the enforcement of legal provisions for sustainable business practices.
You might also be interested in the following degree programmes
- Bachelor's in Green Engineering
- Bachelor's in Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor’s in Sustainable Business Management
- Diplom in Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Master’s in Energy and Environmental Engineering
Still not sure? If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advisory Service. We’re here to help you choose your program.
What our students say about the Master's degree program in Integrated Management Systems
- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Program Flyer
- Flyer on the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course
- Information on TÜV Courses
- Application Information
- Faculty Website
- FAQ
First floor
First floor
Starting now, we're also offering our Student Advisory Service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message at: +49 173 2086748
Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz, the wild east, is unique.