This English-language Master's programme trains chemists to design processes, products and methods with sustainability at their core. You will study how environmental and social aspects — such as resource use, energy efficiency, climate protection, health and safety — influence the development and application of chemical technologies. Teaching combines classroom-based theory with practical laboratory work, and students are introduced to research projects early in the course.
The curriculum covers foundations of sustainability and specialised topics across inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Examples of advanced subjects include heavy-metal-free synthesis and catalysis, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and the application of circular-economy principles to chemical processes. Instruction is provided by internationally recognised researchers, giving both deep theoretical understanding and hands-on experimental skills.
The programme has an international orientation and is connected to the DigiChem network (a digital study environment for sustainable chemistry) in collaboration with partner universities in Padua (Italy), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Zagreb (Croatia). These links create opportunities for academic exchange and help prepare graduates for national and international career paths in research, industry or policy related to sustainable chemistry.
Admission and suitability — key points
Overview The MSc in Sustainable Chemistry is a two-year, 120 ECTS programme that blends taught coursework in the first year with an intensive research year. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable approaches across inorganic and organic chemistry, energy materials, circular economy concepts and the recovery of critical resources. Students select elective modules to tailor the course to their interests and also develop transferable competencies such as scientific writing, data dissemination and innovation management.
Structure and teaching approach Year one consists of lectures, seminars and exercises that cover compulsory core topics and a set of electives (three elective modules) from chemistry or related fields. Core modules introduce principles of sustainability, green-chemistry practices, sustainable energy technologies and circular-economy thinking. The entire second year is devoted to laboratory-based research: students join chemistry research groups for two research modules, complete a laboratory project in sustainable chemistry and finish the programme with a Master’s thesis, gaining hands-on experience with current methods in sustainable synthesis, materials development and resource recovery.
Key modules (examples)
Learning outcomes
Programme requirements and structure (concise)
This master’s programme requires a solid chemistry background. Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with at least 180 ECTS credits. The content and profile of your prior studies must align with the “Empfehlungen der GDCh‑Studienkommission zum Bachelorstudium Chemie an Universitäten” (recommendations of the German Chemical Society’s study commission); this alignment is reviewed by the programme’s examination board during the application process.
Degrees in other subjects may be considered, but acceptance is decided on a case‑by‑case basis. If gaps are identified, the examination board can require up to 30 CP (credit points; commonly equivalent to ECTS) of supplementary coursework to be completed within the first two semesters — these extra courses are mandatory preparatory work and are not counted as part of the Master’s curriculum.
Admission can also be contingent on passing an entrance examination. That test, organised and evaluated by the examination board, checks whether your knowledge and skills meet the GDCh recommendations for a chemistry bachelor education. If an entrance exam is required, you will receive an official notice at least three weeks before the exam date.
Admission requirements (summary)
Tip for international applicants: provide detailed transcripts and course descriptions (with ECTS or local credit equivalents) to help the examination board assess how your prior studies match the GDCh recommendations.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in research and development (industry and academia), sustainable product and process design in the chemical and materials sectors, and positions related to resource recovery and circular economy implementation. The programme’s research orientation and lab experience also position students well for pursuing PhD studies.
Because the course is international and taught in English, graduates can pursue national and global career opportunities, including sustainability consultancy, environmental technology firms, regulatory bodies, and interdisciplinary roles that require both chemical expertise and sustainability competence.