Overview
This MSc programme examines ecosystem services—the direct and indirect benefits that ecosystems provide to people—and their growing importance for science, policy and society. You will study how biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation arise, how they alter ecosystem functioning, and how these changes affect human well‑being. The course emphasizes interdisciplinary methods for identifying, mapping and valuing ecosystem services, and for integrating that knowledge into public and private decision‑making in support of biodiversity and sustainability strategies at national, European and international levels.
Program structure and learning experience
Teaching is spread across several regional sites and combines theoretical, empirical and applied approaches. Core modules (offered in Zittau and Görlitz) provide foundations in ecosystem services concepts, applied ecology, key taxa, social research methods, intercultural and language skills, governance and ecological economics. Elective modules allow specialization in one of several focus areas—Environmental Social Sciences (mainly Zittau), Biotechnology (Zittau), Ecology and Collections (mainly Görlitz), Forestry (Tharandt), or Spatial Development and Natural Resource Management (Dresden)—covering topics from urban ecosystem services and resource management to environmental genomics, collection‑based biodiversity work, forest management in tropical and temperate systems, and integrated water and landscape management. Practical experience is an explicit part of the programme: students must complete a three‑ or six‑week internship, and many electives include fieldwork and lab‑based training.
Program requirements (summary)
This combination of interdisciplinary theory, methodological training and hands‑on experience prepares graduates for careers in research, environmental consultancy, policy, conservation organisations and resource management at local to international scales.
This master’s programme brings together expertise from research institutes and faculty across the region to offer interdisciplinary training in ecosystem services. In the first two semesters you follow core modules that establish foundational knowledge: the fundamentals of ecosystem services, empirical social research methods, biodiversity and ecosystem governance, and ecological economics. These are complemented by ecology-focused courses such as applied ecology and taxonomy, giving you both social-science and natural-science perspectives on how ecosystems function and how their services are valued and governed.
From the second semester onward you can tailor your studies by choosing optional courses to deepen specific interests. Elective paths include Environmental Social Sciences, Ecology and Collections, Forestry, Biotechnology, and Spatial Development and Natural Resource Management. Teaching is delivered across partner locations: primarily in Zittau and Görlitz during the first two semesters, with some courses in Dresden or Tharandt from the second semester onward depending on your chosen focus. There is also the option to take a mobility semester abroad in the third semester instead of local coursework.
The programme emphasizes practical and methodological competence: you gain hands-on experience through ecosystem‑services case studies and develop quantitative skills in empirical social research and ecological modelling. The fourth semester is devoted to the MSc thesis, where you integrate disciplinary knowledge and methodological tools into an independent research project. Graduates emerge with the ability to analyse, model and advise on biodiversity, governance and policy questions related to ecosystem services.
Key modules and programme requirements (concise)
Applicants should hold a completed bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in life or environmental sciences, geography, forestry sciences, or in economics, business management or social sciences provided they can demonstrate substantial knowledge or experience in environmental or conservation topics. Interdisciplinary backgrounds with clear, documented relevance to ecosystem services may also be considered.
You will need to submit standard application documents that allow the admissions team to assess your academic preparation and motivation. Prepare clear, legible copies of each item; if your documents are not issued in English or German, have certified translations ready (this is commonly required for applications to German master’s programs). A well-focused motivation letter explaining your interest in the program and how your background fits is particularly important.
Required application documents:
Optional/administrative note:
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require bridging ecological science and decision‑making: environmental consultancy, biodiversity management, natural resource and land‑use planning, urban and regional planning, ecosystem service valuation and policy advisory positions in public agencies, NGOs and international organisations. The programme’s mix of empirical social research, ecological methods and governance training is suited to positions that translate scientific findings into management and policy actions.
Alumni may also pursue research careers (e.g. PhD) or technical roles in research institutions, museums and laboratories where expertise in taxonomy, ecological monitoring and environmental genomics is valuable. The variety of focus areas supports both applied practitioner paths and academic specialisation.