Program Overview

Joint International Master's Programme in Sustainable Development

The Master's program in Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary and research-oriented program that focuses on questions of sustainability, environment, and development, as well as the challenges of transitioning to a sustainable society. The program is designed to provide students with a broad and high-level competence in current and future issues of sustainable development.

Program Structure

The program is modularized and follows a clear structure. The first semester provides a foundation in sustainable development, covering topics such as climate protection, urban geography and sociology, sustainability and environmental management in companies, and selected economic sciences. The second semester allows for specialization during an abroad semester, where students can choose from a variety of modules offered by the participating universities.

• Basics in Sustainable Development
• Introduction to social science theories of globalization research
• Basics in Economic Sciences

The third semester consists of a project work - a case study or research project - and two modules on project management and business management. The final semester is dedicated to the preparation and defense of the Master's thesis.

Program Details

• Degree: Master of Science
• Standard Period of Study: 4 semesters
• Scope: 120 credits
• Start: Winter semester

Specialization Options

The University of Leipzig offers two specialization options 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

Admission Requirements

• First professionally qualifying university degree with predominantly economic, social, geo-, or natural science content related to sustainability topics (this connection can also be proven through corresponding professional experience)
• Language skills: English C1

Research Areas

The program focuses on interdisciplinary and research-oriented questions of sustainability, environment, and development, as well as the challenges of transitioning to a sustainable society. The research areas include:

• Sustainability and environmental management in companies
• Climate protection
• Urban geography and sociology
• Globalization research
• Sustainable energy economics
• Environmental and biodiversity economics
• Water resources management
• Land management
• Energy engineering and management

Career Prospects

The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in companies, organizations, or public institutions, as well as for further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D.