Sustainability and Energy
Minor subject
Key facts at a glance
Type of programme
Minor, can only be studied in combination with a major
ECTS credits
30
Language of instruction
Predominantly English
Combinable with
Degree
Depends on the major
Start of study
After completion of the Introductory and Orientation Period in the major
Profile document (PDF, in German)
Key facts at a glance
Type of programme
Minor, can only be studied in combination with a major
ECTS credits
30
Language of instruction
Predominantly English
Combinable with
Degree
Depends on the major
Start of study
After completion of the Introductory and Orientation Period in the major
Profile document (PDF, in German)
Skills and perspectives
Sustainability and Energy is a minor that teaches you about the connections between sustainability and energy. You will learn how to assess the interactions between humans and the environment, recognise contradictions and goals in development, and understand technological innovations in the energy sector.
Develop sustainability strategies within the team
Working with international teams in English, you will acquire knowledge about smart grids and renewable technologies. With an understanding of the fundamental concepts that drive the energy industry and thus our everyday lives, you will be able to model and analyse relevant systems.
Understand socially relevant issues and think about the future
Because you understand the social and ecosystem dynamics at work in the areas of sustainability and energy, you have a wide range of career opportunities in all sectors that deal with these issues – for example, in sustainability management and energy consulting, but also in research and development acting as a link between technology and society.
Contact
Student Guidance Service
Programme Director
How is the Bachelor’s minor subject Sustainability and Energy structured
The minor in Sustainability and Energy comprises a total of 30 ECTS credits and is made up of five subjects:
Sustainable Development (10 ECTS credits) provides basic knowledge in the context of sustainability, while Energy Systems (8 ECTS credits) teaches you about the fundamental mechanisms of modern energy networks and the energy industry. You can apply this knowledge in the guided electives Sustainability (4 ECTS credits), Energy (4 ECTS credits) and Specialization (4 ECTS credits).
Programme structure of the Sustainability and Energy minor: tabular overview
| Designation | Course Type | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| Subject: Sustainable Development (10 ECTS credits) | ||
| Sustainable Development I | VI | 6 |
| Sustainable Development II | VI | 4 |
| Subject: Energy Systems (8 ECTS credits) | ||
| Smart Grids | VI | 4 |
| Energy Economics: Theory and Policy | VO | 4 |
| Guided Elective Sustainability (4 ECTS credits) | ||
| Courses from the specialization in Sustainable Development | 4 | |
| Guided Elective Energy (4 ECTS credits) | ||
| Courses from the specialization in Energy Management and Technology | 4 | |
| Guided Elective Specialization (4 ECTS credits) | ||
| Courses from subject 3 ‘Sustainability’ or subject 4 ‘Energy’ | 4 | |
| Total | 30 | |
Professional opportunities
- Sustainability management
- Energy consulting
- Collaboration in politics or NGOs
- Research and development
- Project management
- Sustainability strategy consulting
- Technology development
Prerequisites
If you would like to study Business and Economics as a minor in your Bachelor's degree programme, please note the following:
- You can only choose Sustainability and Energy as a Bachelor's degree minor if you are pursuing a Bachelor's combination programme at the University of Klagenfurt.
- Once you have successfully completed the Introductory and Orientation Period in your major, you can begin studying Sustainability and Energy as a Bachelor's degree minor.
- You can combine the minor in Sustainability and Energy with any Bachelor's combination programme.
FAQ
What is a Bachelor’s combination programme?
A Bachelor’s combination programme consists of one major subject supplemented by one or two minor subjects. A Bachelor’s degree programme comprises 180 ECTS credits. In a Bachelor’s combination programme, you combine one major worth 120 ECTS credits with one minor worth 60 ECTS credits or two minors worth 30 ECTS credits each. This flexible structure opens up even more opportunities for you to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Klagenfurt after completing your Bachelor’s degree.
How does a Bachelor’s combination programme differ from a traditional Bachelor’s degree?
In a traditional Bachelor’s degree programme, you choose one main subject – such as International Business and Economics.
In contrast, Bachelor’s combination programmes allow you to combine two subjects in a targeted way – for example, a language (German Studies, Slavonic Studies or Romance Studies) with a minor such as Management, Applied AI, or Ethics. This allows you to shape a personalised competence profile that reflects your personal interests while also allowing you to stand out on the job market.
You can find the complete list of our Bachelor’s degrees on our website.
What are the advantages of a Bachelor’s combination programme?
When you choose a Bachelor's combination programme, you can select specific minor subjects that match your interests or enhance your educational profile for the job market, in addition to your chosen major subject. Employers value your ability to grasp and combine different subject areas. Your versatile approach to work and your problem-solving skills are highly sought after in the professional world.
What's more, you will pave the way to a range of additional Master's programmes – going beyond your major subject – at the University of Klagenfurt.
When can / must I choose a minor subject?
Only after successfully completing the Introductory and Orientation Period of your major subject can / must you choose one minor subject (worth 60 ECTS credits) or two minor subjects (worth 30 ECTS credits each).
Can I switch my minor subject during the course of my studies?
Yes, it is generally possible to change your minor subject.
Please note, however, that if you have already successfully completed courses in your previous minor subject, you may find that the ECTS credits you earned will not be counted towards your new minor subject.
