This English-language MSc trains students to analyze environmental change, assess its impacts on ecosystems and societies, and design measures to mitigate and prevent environmental problems. The degree covers global change and its effects on wildlife and biodiversity, as well as emerging approaches for a sustainable bioeconomy — including development of new biomaterials and improved use of bioenergy. Teaching combines conceptual work with practical, hands-on methods so you learn both theory and application.
Students choose one of four English-taught specializations (plus one additional major taught in German). The Climate Change Ecology track focuses on how climate change affects terrestrial ecosystems across scales, using laboratory, field and earth‑system modelling approaches to study processes such as carbon and water cycling. The Wildlife and Biodiversity track emphasizes ecology and conservation biology for terrestrial systems, from theory and research methods to field work, data analysis and scientific writing. Environmental Modelling and Data Sciences builds programming, statistics and modelling skills to handle large environmental datasets from remote sensing, omics and public data repositories. The Sustainability Assessment and Transformation track is an interdisciplinary programme that teaches systems thinking and advanced assessment tools — material and energy flow analysis, cost–benefit and life‑cycle assessment (LCA), and legal analysis — to evaluate technical, policy, business and behavioural solutions for sustainable transition.
Typical learning activities include laboratory experiments, fieldwork, data analysis, modelling and scientific communication. Graduates leave with methodological skills (field methods, lab work, programming, statistics, LCA and other assessment tools) and the ability to apply them in research, conservation, environmental consulting, policy, or roles in the bioeconomy. Note that one major is offered in German; most others are taught in English — check the course catalogue for language of instruction by track.
Requirements / practical notes (confirm exact details on the official programme page)
Overview
This two-year (120 ECTS) curriculum is organised into five parts that together build a solid foundation in environmental science while allowing for subject-specific depth and hands-on experience. Core modules (15 ECTS) comprise three compulsory courses taught in English that cover the essential concepts and methods of environmental sciences. The major subject area is developed through 10 mandatory major modules (50 ECTS), which provide in-depth theoretical and applied knowledge in your chosen specialisation. In addition, three elective modules (15 ECTS) let you broaden or deepen related topics connected to your major.
Practical training and research
Practical application is emphasised through a 10-ECTS internship, requiring at least seven weeks of work either in Germany or abroad, where you put classroom learning into practice and investigate career paths. The programme culminates in a 30-ECTS master’s thesis: an individual research project to be completed within six months that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent scientific work using appropriate research methods.
Delivery format and learning outcomes
Courses run in a weekly format during the winter semester and are offered in concentrated three-week blocks during the summer semester, giving flexibility for fieldwork, placements, or intensive study periods. Graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of environmental science, specialised knowledge in their chosen major, practical experience from internship work, and proven competence in independent research and scientific methods—skills well suited to careers in research, policy, consultancy, and environmental management.
Key facts / requirements
This master’s programme requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and proof of strong academic and language preparation. International applicants should be prepared to have their grades converted to the German grading scale and to provide documentation of coursework where subject-specific prerequisites are checked. There are also further, subject-related entry conditions for different major tracks—see the programme’s detailed requirements for those specifics.
Practical tips for international applicants: have your transcripts and course descriptions ready for grade conversion and subject-matching, and be prepared to provide accepted evidence of C1 English (e.g., recognized test scores or official documentation of prior instruction in English) as specified by the programme.
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in research institutes, environmental consultancies, government agencies and NGOs dealing with conservation, climate impact assessment, natural resource management and sustainability policy. Depending on the chosen major, typical roles include ecological researcher, conservation biologist, environmental modeller/data scientist, sustainability analyst or LCA specialist, and positions in the bioeconomy sector (biomaterials, bioenergy). The programme's blend of practical internships, field/lab methods and data-modelling skills also supports entry into industry roles that require applied environmental assessment and decision support.