Sustainable Transformation

About

Spend an inspiring summer in Cologne and explore how meaningful change can be created in today’s world. In the Sustainable Transformation module, you will dive into the key ideas, debates, and practical tools that shape modern sustainability efforts – from circular economy and climate justice to innovative business models and responsible consumption.

Guided by experienced lecturer, you will combine theory with practice through interactive discussions, case studies, corporate analysis, and, where possible, company visits. You’ll learn to spot real solutions, detect greenwashing, and understand how organisations across industries are reshaping their strategies for a more sustainable future.

Whether you study business, politics, environmental sciences, or simply care about how transformation happens, this course gives you a clear, structured, and hands-on introduction to one of the most relevant fields of our time – all while being part of an international learning community in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities

Course leader

Stephan Ley

Target group

The intense short-term programme is designed for bachelor and master students who are at least in their second year of studies with a solid Business, Management or Engineering background

Course aim

This course equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and critically engage with the concept of sustainable transformation.

By the end of the module, successful participants will be able to:
● Understand the origins, development, and key frameworks of sustainability.
● Analyse sustainability challenges from multiple perspectives, including ethical, societal, and economic viewpoints.
● Apply core concepts such as circular economy, climate justice, and alternative economic models to real-world cases.
● Use practical tools – including footprint calculators, stakeholder and materiality analyses – to evaluate sustainability strategies.
● Work individually and in teams to develop informed opinions and propose meaningful, evidence-based solutions.

Through a blend of conceptual foundations and hands-on approaches, the course prepares students to recognise credible sustainability practices, contribute to solution-building, and navigate the complex challenges of global transformation

Fee info