Economy - Sustainability - Transformation Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung (University for the Design of Society)
Overview and admission
Study Type
undergraduate
Admission semester
Winter Semester only
Area of study
- Economic Sciences, Economics
- Sustainability Sciences (Social)
Focus
Political Economy, Social Design, Personality Development, Sustainability, Transformation Studies, Plural Economics, Institutions, Understanding the system, Practical relevance, Crisis Understanding
Annotation
Study the major environmental, social and economic challenges of our time – at local and global level in the degree course "Economic Chance and Sustainability" (ÖNT)! On a broad and at the same time compactly structured, plural and interdisciplinary knowledge foundation, you will above all study a variety of approaches to thinking differently about economics and to sustainably embedding it in nature and society. You have a choice between two key areas: on the one hand, "new economic thinking" with a macroeconomic and social science orientation and on the other hand, "transforming the economy" with a practical and entrepreneurial orientation. Economy Because economics is probably the most important key to reshaping our society, you will study it thoroughly here: from diverse perspectives, thematically oriented, in plural and interdisciplinary form, and always close to the major crises of our age – climate crisis, species extinction, threats to democracy, global inequality… You will learn which economic structures and dynamics are at the root of the problems and how they are related to nature and society. You will acquire the tools to analyse them and draw on diverse traditions; You will also begin to understand the world as changeable and test the first concrete steps of change yourself – close to those people and organisations that are already actively working on sustainable changes and in dialogue with those concepts that guide them (post-growth, doughnut economics, circular economy, commons, economy for the common good, economy is care, etc.) Sustainability Sustainability means: transforming society in a way that is suitable for the future and the environment – also for future generations. At the same time, Sustainability is controversial, because the transformation to a sustainable economy and society encompasses different goals, resources and paths depending on world views and interests and because we are travelling through uncharted territory as a society. Here, you will study the central aspects of sustainability, learn about different concepts and decide which dimensions you want to fortify and put into practice. Transformation Whether today's economy ends in disaster or whether we are able to transform our economy and our ways of life to sustainably serve life will be determined over the next few decades. Change must be shaped both quickly and thoroughly and, above all, in a practical way. So that you can make an impact on this change, your studies with us will be theoretically sound and hands on, so you will learn how such shaping can actually be possible and effective. We will work on examples that are already driving forward a socio-ecological transformation today, and you will get to know key actors of change during the degree course. This degree course focuses on the major challenges and crises of our time as well as the diverse approaches for a socio-ecological transformation of the economy and society. The degree course qualifies you to assume responsibility in a science-based and ethically reflective manner.
Admission requirements
The general higher education entrance qualification or the intermediate school leaving certificate and completed professional training with relevant professional experience generally qualify you to apply for our accredited degree course. We expect you to want to shape the economy in a socially and ecologically responsible way. Voluntary work is part of our student profile and is actively encouraged by us.
Lecture period
Tuition fee
The Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung (University for the Design of Society) is committed to ensuring that all accepted applicants can study at the university, regardless of their financial background. Therefore, the university and the HfGG student community are committed to various options for financing your studies. The HfGG student community, for example, has developed its own scholarship model, which distributes the funds raised jointly.
Languages of instruction
Main language
German