Social Transformation (M.A.)

The interdisciplinary Social Transformation degree program focuses on the complex processes of social change, their analysis from a historical, political science, economic and philosophical perspective and, on this basis, the development of methodological skills for the strategic planning and implementation of transformation processes. Graduates are able to develop, implement and evaluate sustainable business models and organizational structures, taking into account ethical aspects of digital and social transformation. Students can choose two of the electives Brands and Stories; Digital Media; Sustainability and Urban Development; Globalization, Governance and Trade; Human Resources and Diversity for their personal profile.

Social Transformation (M.A.)

Degree: Master (M.A.)

The Master’s degree program in Social Transformation has an interdisciplinary focus. Students acquire a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in order to understand and actively shape complex change processes in organizations and society.

They deal with theories and models of change, examine digitalization, globalization and sustainability as causes and drivers of transformation and develop a deep understanding of the complexity and dynamics of change processes. You will learn about examples of sustainable business models, work on the development of such models yourself and acquire methodological skills for the strategic planning and implementation of transformation processes, the promotion of innovation culture and innovation processes, change communication, conflict management and mediation. Upon successful completion of the degree program, students have leadership skills in change processes and communication strategies for change. They are able to develop, implement and evaluate sustainable business models and organizational structures, taking into account ethical aspects of digital and social transformation. They are familiar with scientific methods for analyzing transformation processes and have mastered consulting strategies and techniques for change management and project management for transformation projects.

Major subjects of study include Political Action, Philosophy of Action, Behavioral Economics, Political Practices, Social Movement and Civic Engagement, Relational Practices and Political Philosophy of Resonance, Resistance and Responsibility, Alternative Organizational and Socioeconomic Practices, Leading Others – Power, Conflict and Negotiation, Integral Political Institutions and Global Governance, Integral Practical Wisdom and Global Justice, Integral Pluralism, Global Economics, Leading Change – Creativity, Improvisation & Play.

In addition to the specific profiles, there are also opportunities for employment in organizational development, innovation management, strategy consulting and business development management.

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Head of degree program

Prof. Dr. Wendelin Küpers

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Contents of the Master in Social TransFormation – PPE

Students of the “Master in Social TransFormation – Politics, Philosophy & Economics” deal with topics such as the common good, social movements, migration, war and peace, power and conflict, multiple crises, sustainability or alternative ways of doing business and living. This includes being able to examine complex, even transnational contexts and problems.

At the same time, students should be qualified to gain well-founded knowledge and surprising insights as well as to develop creative solutions, to act in a sustainable and ethically reflected manner, to shape relationships, to take on leadership tasks and to actively assume roles and comprehensive responsibility in teams.

The structure

The first semester initially teaches the basics of the three subject areas at the micro level:

• Philosophy: Introduction Philosophy of Action
• Politics: Introduction Political Action & Agency
• Economics: Introduction Behavioral Economics

After this advanced introductory phase, the following topics follow at a meso level in the second semester:

• Philosophy: Relational Practices and Political Philosophy of Resonance, Resistance & Responsibility
• Politics: Political Practices, Social Movement & Civic Engagement
• Economics: Alternative Organizational & Socio-Economic Practices

This is followed in the third semester at the macro or mundo level:

• Philosophy: Integral Practical Wisdom & Global Justice
• Politics: Integral Political Institutions & Global Governance
• Economics: Integral Pluralist, Global Economics

Modules: Master in Social TransFormation – PPE

The main (compulsory) modules are like a backbone that is supplemented by two of the following holistic specializations , some of which are linked to the Master’s degree course as elective modules:

• Brands & Stories
• Human Resources & Diversity
• Digital Media
• Sustainability & Urban Development
• Globalization, Governance & Trade

It is aimed at anyone who wants to help shape the world we live in and become a game changer . Accordingly, the program serves both to develop the ability to think beyond current boundaries and to engage – theoretically informed and philosophically reflected – with developments in the real political and economic worlds .

Master in Social TransFormation – PPE Structure first year

• 5 ECTS – Specialization I
• 5 ECTS – Specialization II
• 5 ECTS – Introduction Political Action, Agency & Affect
• 5 ECTS – Introduction Philosophy of Action
• 5 ECTS – Introduction Behavioral Economics
• 5 ECTS – Leading Yourself – Personal Capabilities
• 5 ECTS – Specialization I
• 5 ECTS – Specialization II
• 5 ECTS – Political Practices, Social Movement & Civic Engagement
• 5 ECTS – Relational Practices and Political Philosophy of Resonance, Resistance & Responsibility
• 5 ECTS – Alternative Organizational & Socio-Economic Practices
• 5 ECTS – Leading Others – Power, Conflict and Negotiation

Master in Social TransFormation – PPE Development second year

• 5 ECTS – Specialization I
• 5 ECTS – Specialization II
• 5 ECTS – Integral Political Institutions & Global Governance
• 5 ECTS – Integral, Practical Wisdom & Global Justice
• 5 ECTS – Integral Pluralist, Global Economics
• 5 ECTS – Leading Change – Creativity, Improvisation & Play
• 5 ECTS – Special Issue (Transformative Research Project) or Internship (Transformative Practice Project)
• 2 ECTS – Research Colloquium
• 20 ECTS – Master’s thesis
• 5 ECTS – Personal Transformation – Lifelong Learning

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Study and examination regulations (SPO) of Karlshochschule

• Study and examination regulations: PreMaster & Master in Social TransFormation – PDF