This interdisciplinary MSc programme addresses current challenges and practical solutions for sustainable land use and resource management. It trains internationally minded problem solvers who can assess complex, rapidly changing situations and make responsible decisions to help design resilient, sustainable landscapes. Teaching is delivered in English and emphasises applied, real-world learning that connects theory with practice.
A core feature is project-based learning: students work across disciplines in three large-scale group projects that tackle real sustainability problems in land use. These projects give hands-on experience in developing and testing solutions and in managing the social and technical aspects of landscape transformation. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies through six elective modules drawn from themes and intersections in Agriculture & Nutrition Security, Materials & Resource Management, and Land Use Planning & Spatial Design. There is also the option to spend the third semester abroad for study or an independent project.
The programme places strong emphasis on collaborative and cross-cultural skills needed to address global land-use challenges. Students build specialist knowledge while developing abilities in interdisciplinary communication, creative problem-solving, and project and stakeholder management—skills that prepare graduates for roles in research, public administration, policy, NGOs, consultancy, private-sector agriculture and food industries, and international planning offices. Note: the programme has applied for accreditation and is expected to start in the Summer Semester 2026.
Programme structure and key requirements (as stated)
This MSc is structured to be practice-oriented and flexible: you can begin in either the winter or summer semester, and the first three semesters each carry a standard 30 ECTS workload. A defining feature is the emphasis on transdisciplinary projects, which constitute half of the workload in semesters one through three (15 of 30 ECTS per semester). In these projects you work in diverse teams — across cultures, academic disciplines and different semesters — on real-world land-use challenges; project topics change each term to expose you to a wide range of problems and collaborative methods.
During the first two semesters you will complete three compulsory modules that build core knowledge and research skills: Governance and Transformation (seminar) to understand policy and institutional dimensions of change; Scientific Work (lecture) to develop academic research and methodological competence; and Sustainable Transformation (series lecture) to integrate concepts of sustainability and systemic change. Beyond these, the curriculum contains six elective modules that let you specialise according to your interests. Elective courses are drawn from three thematic areas — Agriculture & Nutrition Security; Materials & Resource Management; and Land Use Planning & Spatial Design — and some electives include laboratory work and field excursions to reinforce practical, hands-on learning.
You may opt to spend the third semester abroad (two mobility options are available and described in the programme materials). The fourth semester is reserved entirely for the Master’s thesis, which you undertake with guidance from a thesis advisor. Graduates leave the programme with competencies in collaborative, transdisciplinary problem-solving; applied research and scientific communication; governance and sustainability analysis; and specialised technical knowledge based on chosen electives, supported by practical experience from labs, excursions and (optionally) international study.
Program requirements (concise)
Admission overview
This master’s programme accepts applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in agricultural sciences, nutritional science and home economics, landscape planning, landscape development, open space planning, urban planning, geography, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, applied biosciences, or another closely related field. If your prior degree is in a different subject, the programme’s Selection Committee will review your transcripts and background to determine whether your previous studies are considered suitable.
If there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission is decided by a ranked selection list prepared by the Selection Committee. The applicant’s final Bachelor’s (or equivalent) grade is the most important factor. Additional points are awarded for relevant professional experience, any study or work abroad, higher levels of English proficiency, and receipt of merit-based scholarships.
Key admission points
Educational background required:
Selection process when places are limited:
Ranking and scoring breakdown (used to order applicants):
Tips for international applicants
Winter Semester (International)
1 April 2026
Summer Semester (International)
1 October 2025
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in research institutions, non-governmental organisations, public administration and policymaking, as well as consulting and advisory services (for example in climate management, water protection and biodiversity conservation). Private-sector opportunities include positions in agriculture, food production and trade, and international planning or environmental consulting offices.
The programme’s emphasis on collaborative project work, interdisciplinary communication and practical problem-solving also equips graduates to work in international teams, manage complex projects, and engage in policy or stakeholder processes related to sustainable landscape transformation.