Sustainability Reporting and Accounting: Certificate course

Degree: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Credit Points: 15
Length of study: 1 semester
Language: English
Start date: in October each year
Application deadline: 31 July
Costs: 3.980 EUR plus the current term contribution of 210 EUR
Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Schaltegger, Centre for Sustainability Management, and Prof. Dr. Patrick Velte, Institute for Management, Accounting & Finance (IMAF)

From obligation to choice: integrating sustainability information – that is what the Sustainability Reporting and Accounting certificate is all about. It is aimed at anyone who not only wants to tick off the corporate balance sheet, but also wants to shape it as a game changer for the future – e.g. in the areas of sustainability management, corporate development, risk management, controlling and accounting or communication. Become a certified expert in reporting and sustainability accounting in just one semester.

Your further education in Sustainability Reporting and Accounting comprises a total of three modules, each worth 5 credit points. You can also take each module individually.

The modules

Introduction to sustainability reporting: In module 1, you will learn the basics of sustainability reporting in accordance with EU regulations and work with standards and guidelines in a practice-oriented way, particularly on climate reporting. You will deal with integrated reporting, digital tools and gain insights into the audit perspective of sustainability reports.

Methods of sustainability accounting: In the second module, you will learn the basics of Sustainability Management Accounting (SMA), including accounting frameworks, environmental cost accounting and key sustainability indicators. You will deal with double materiality testing, stakeholder engagement and legal and social requirements of global value chains. You will develop approaches to measuring and evaluating sustainability parameters for key business processes.

Measuring and managing sustainability performance: In the third module, you will learn how to integrate sustainability and corporate goals in order to make positive contributions to global guidelines such as the UN SDGs. You will develop measures for sustainable transformations along different time horizons and use integrated management tools such as the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) to monitor their implementation and success. You will also explore concepts for steering sustainable behaviour and decision-making in companies.

Further information on the course content

Online to the certificate Sustainability Reporting and Accounting

The Sustainability Reporting and Accounting certificate takes place entirely online. A well-coordinated digital learning environment is created from a broad portfolio of e-learning formats and intensive student support create a digital learning environment that is tailored to you. Unlike traditional distance learning, there is plenty of room for personal exchange and collaborative learning.  

You can apply the knowledge, skills and experience you have acquired directly: As part of a transfer project accompanying your studies, you will tackle a sustainability challenge from practice. This form of challenge-based learning (CBL) enables you to analyze the challenge in a scientifically sound manner and to develop practical solutions in the course of the modules.

The degree for your certificate programme

You can choose whether to:

• take examinations as part of the certificate study programme and thus acquire a university certificate and proof of credit points at the end, or
• take the certificate without examinations and receive a certificate of attendance at the end

• Personal support and advice
• Practice-oriented qualification on a part-time basis
• Future-oriented qualification
• Innovative online didactics
• Only one semester
• Small learning groups
• High flexibility in terms of time and place
• Entry into the established MBA Sustainability Management programme - two modules can be credited
• Access to the Chrysalis Hub: exclusive online networking, reflection and training space for the Certificates of Corporate Sustainability Management.

Applications for the Sustainability Reporting and Accounting certificate programme can be made online at any time. Using our online application portal, you can simply complete your application online and upload your documents. You can also save your application and complete it later. After the application deadline, all documents will be reviewed and the admission process will begin.

Admission requirements for the certificate programme are a first degree and one year of professional experience.

It is also possible to participate in the certificate programme (graduation with a certificate of participation, i.e. without a university certificate) without a first university degree.

You can find further information on the participation options, their requirements, necessary documents and the admission process on the application page.