This English-taught, research-focused master's programme on the Landau campus brings together environmental chemistry, geoecology and applied ecology with relevant social science and environmental economics perspectives. Its interdisciplinary structure covers environmental processes and problems at multiple scales — from molecular-level interactions to landscape dynamics — and explicitly treats human activities as integral components of ecosystems. Students deepen their scientific understanding while building advanced methodological skills across these sub-disciplines.
The course emphasizes research training and the ability to tackle complex, real-world environmental challenges. Graduates gain subject-specific expertise plus applied, job-related soft skills: working in interdisciplinary teams, communicating results clearly (both oral presentations and written publications), and developing integrative solutions to multifaceted problems. There is also an option to pursue the programme as a dual degree in cooperation with Brno University of Technology (degree titled Environmental Sciences and Engineering).
Key facts and what to check before applying
Admissions — important practical points (confirm details on the programme webpage)
This full-time, four-semester Master's programme (120 ECTS) combines a solid core foundation with flexible specialisation, hands-on experience, and an independent research project. Students complete five compulsory modules (28 ECTS) that build broad, interdisciplinary knowledge in environmental science. From there, learners tailor their studies by choosing nine elective modules (54 ECTS) from thematic areas such as Environmental Analysis, Socioeconomics & Environmental Management, Soil Systems, Chemicals in the Environment, Applied Ecology, Aquatic Systems, Landscapes & Scales, and Modelling—allowing for concentration in analytical, ecological, managerial or modelling-focused pathways.
Practical training is embedded into the curriculum through a six-week Research and Training Internship (8 ECTS) conducted at an external research institute or with an industry partner in Germany or abroad, typically undertaken in the second or third semester. The programme culminates in an independently conducted six-month Master's thesis (30 ECTS) during the fourth semester, where students apply research methods learned earlier to address a substantive environmental question.
Expected learning outcomes include:
Programme requirements (concise)
You should have completed a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences or a closely related undergraduate programme with a clear emphasis on the natural sciences. Admissions expect a strong academic record — at least a grade of "good" (for example, 2.5 on a 6.0 German scale, where 1.0 is best). Degrees from other systems will be evaluated for equivalence.
In addition to the degree and grade, the programme expects applicants to already have basic university-level coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics/statistics. These subject foundations are important for keeping up with core modules and for doing independent research during the MSc. Make sure your transcripts or course descriptions clearly demonstrate these areas of prior study.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental research, monitoring and assessment, environmental management, consultancy, industry roles related to environmental analysis and remediation, and positions in governmental and non-governmental organisations dealing with environmental policy and sustainability. The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary methods, data analysis, and communication equips graduates for technical and advisory roles addressing complex, cross-disciplinary environmental problems.
The research orientation and the six-month Master’s thesis also provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies and academic careers. Practical internship experience and training in teamwork and presentation/publication skills increase employability in both applied and research-intensive settings, including environmental labs, consulting firms, regulatory agencies, and international organisations.