Program overview Environmental Chemistry tackles the chemical causes and consequences of pollution across whole ecosystems—air, soil and water—and links scientific understanding to resource management, impact prediction and remediation. The programme takes an application-oriented, interdisciplinary approach to contemporary environmental problems that frequently cross environmental compartments and involve political and socio-economic dimensions.
What you will study and learn The two-year MSc is organised into modular units that examine the compartments air (A), soil (S) and water (W), alongside modules in chemical modelling, analytics and toxicology (C), experimental biogeochemistry (EB) and isotope geochemistry (ISO). Integrative and methodological modules (M) plus electives (E) allow you to tailor parts of your curriculum. Core content spans inorganic and organic chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, ecosystem analysis and human–environment interactions. Teaching combines small-group practical work using advanced analytical techniques in research groups with training in critical reflection, abstraction, logical argumentation, and scientific communication (oral and written).
Why this is relevant for international students The programme emphasizes real-world problem solving and interdisciplinary thinking, preparing you to evaluate contamination that affects multiple compartments and to contribute to sustainable resource use and site remediation. Learning alongside peers from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds helps develop an international perspective on environmental challenges. A detailed module handbook describes each module’s learning objectives, workload (credit allocation) and the assessment types required to earn credits.
Key facts & practical notes
This MSc programme is designed to be completed in four semesters of full‑time study (or eight semesters part‑time) and leads to a Master of Science (MSc). All courses run once a year and intake is limited to the winter semester. Students are expected to attend and actively participate in taught classes and practicals throughout the programme and to complete an independent MSc thesis at the end.
The curriculum is organised into 5‑ECTS modules that cover the major environmental compartments—air (A), soil (S) and water (W)—alongside specialised topics in chemical modelling, analytics and toxicology (chemistry and analytics, C), experimental biogeochemistry (EB) and isotope geochemistry (ISO). Integrative and methodological modules (M) plus electives or internships (E) round out the study plan. This modular design trains you to assess and interpret chemical processes across environmental media, apply analytical and modelling techniques, evaluate toxicological impacts, and use isotope methods and experimental approaches to address research questions.
Teaching shifts from lecture‑centred work in the first semester to increasingly practical, project‑based learning in the second and third semesters. Early practical courses help equalise different undergraduate backgrounds, while the third‑semester seminars emphasise scientific communication, critical discussion and presentation of research. The programme culminates in a 30‑ECTS thesis, enabling you to carry out an extended research project and demonstrate independent scientific competence.
Key requirements and facts
You should hold a relevant bachelor's-level degree (from Germany or abroad) in one of the listed subject areas or an equivalent qualification that demonstrates the required prior coursework. Your academic record must show sufficient credits in both core scientific subjects and environmental topics, and your final grade must meet the programme's minimum threshold. Additionally, all applicants take part in an aptitude assessment; details and procedures are available on the programme website. International applicants should ensure their transcripts clearly show course titles, credit allocations and final grades so equivalence can be assessed.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are equipped to work on environmental monitoring, contamination assessment, and remediation projects in public agencies, environmental consultancies, and private-sector firms focused on water, soil and air quality. The programme's strong analytical and modelling components prepare students for roles that require chemical problem solving, data interpretation and regulatory compliance work.
The interdisciplinary and international training also suits careers in research institutions, non-governmental organisations and international bodies addressing environmental policy and management. Graduates who wish to deepen their scientific expertise can continue into doctoral studies in environmental chemistry, geochemistry or related fields.