The degree programme comprises four semesters (Two years), beginning in the winter semester and completed with a Master of Science degree. The Joint International Master's Programme in Sustainable Development takes an interdisciplinary and research-oriented approach to issues of sustainability, the environment and development and addresses the challenges in the transition to a sustainable society. More information about the contents of the degree programme, the course of studies and how to apply for this programme can be found on the following page.
Joint International Master’s Programme in Sustainable Development
This international, interdisciplinary and research-oriented degree programme addresses issues of sustainability, the environment and development and the challenges in the transition to a sustainable society. Students consider the possibilities and problems of change from different perspectives and thus acquire a high and broad level of expertise in current and future issues of sustainable development. The degree programme is characterised by its strong societal relevance and by a high degree of interdisciplinarity. It prepares students for doctoral studies and work in other academic fields, as well as for a wide range of professional activities, for instance in companies, organisations or public institutions.
A stay abroad of at least one semester forms an integral part of the degree programme. The joint and coordinated offer of the participating universities in Graz (Austria), Leipzig (Germany), Utrecht (Netherlands) and Venice (Italy) as well as the cooperation with universities in Basel (Switzerland), Hiroshima (Japan), Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and Teri University (India) ensures that students have the opportunity to study in different locations.
The Joint International Master's Programme in Sustainable Development is modularised and follows a clear structure.
In the first semester, students fundamentally address the subject of sustainable development. In addition to topics such as climate protection, urban geography and sociology, sustainability and environmental management in companies, selected economics courses and a module on globalisation research are completed. It is composed of the following modules:
- Basics in Sustainable Development
- Introduction to the social science theories of globalisation research
- Basics in Economic Sciences
In the second semester, students specialise during a semester abroad. Depending on the levels of prior knowledge, aptitude assessment and personal interests, the student chooses a specialist field from the diverse range of courses offered by the participating universities. Instruction is in English Leipzig University offers the foreign participants of the Master's programme two fields of specialisation, each with the following modules:
- Resources Management
- Sustainable Energy Economics
- Environmental and Biodiversity Economics
- Environmental Technology Management
- Water Resources Management
- Land Management
- Energy Engineering and Management
For information on the courses offered by the other universities, please visit the Page of the degree programme.
The third semester consists of a project work - a case study or a research project - and two modules on project management and on business management.
In the final semester, the Master's thesis is written and defended.
Application requirements
- First vocational university degree with predominantly economic, social, geoscientific or natural science content related to sustainability topics (this relationship can also be proven by corresponding professional experience).
- Language skills: English C1
Deadlines
Please refer to the Page of the degree programme for the relevant application deadlines.