Joint International Master's Programme in Sustainable Development Leipzig University

The aim of the Joint International Master’s Programme in Sustainable Development is to offer an international and interdisciplinary Master’s programme of the highest quality, enabling participants to make substantial contributions to the challenge of societal transition towards sustainability.

It places a strong emphasis on research as well as on intervention strategies, promotes the capability for scientific work, and, in particular, a methodologically sound approach to problem-solving, especially in inter- and transdisciplinary settings.

Students who complete the programme will be able to:

• understand the dynamics, complexity and interaction between natural, social and economic processes and systems with regard to sustainable development
• identify and analyse so-called "wicked problems" within the field of sustainable development by taking into consideration different disciplinary perspectives
• develop comprehensive competences from a scientific perspective
• know and apply adequate methods and instruments for scientific research
• apply their knowledge and scientific skills in inter- and transdisciplinary teams to address complex issues
• possess the necessary social skills, such as writing, debating, conflict management, teamwork and project management to make a substantial contribution to change within society
• conduct independent scientific research and present the results in scientific publications

The Master’s programme prepares students for a PhD, ultimately leading to positions in scientific research. 

The societal orientation of the Master’s programme also makes it a good starting point for positions that do not directly involve scientific research. Graduates might find employment in the private sector, the public sector (EU, national, regional and local government), consultancy firms and NGOs. Over the course of their careers, graduates should be able to fill managerial positions—notably in the integration of knowledge and policy, and in the field of change management (particularly in relation to complex processes of societal change).

The programme is currently undergoing a major revision. Check under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/ for updates.

The structure of the study programme has been developed jointly by the consortium of the participating universities. Check under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/ for updates on curriculum.

1. First semester: "Fundamentals in Sustainable Development" (30 ECTS)

This semester introduces the concept of sustainability and current sustainability issues from different perspectives, and presents research and intervention strategies.

• Students from Leipzig University take the mandatory modules "Basics in Economic Sciences", "Basics in Social Sciences" and "Basics in Sustainable Development".
• Students from Graz or Venice select classes offered at their respective home universities.

2. Second semester (at mobility university): "Specialisation" (30 ECTS)

This semester aims to deepen knowledge in a specific area of sustainable development and its related scientific strategies and methods.

• Outgoing students from Leipzig University must choose one specialisation track at the partner universities (Basel, Hiroshima, Graz, Utrecht or Venice).
• Incoming students from Hiroshima, Graz or Venice University coming to Leipzig for their mobility semester focus on Environmental and Resource Economics and Management: 
  • Sustainable Energy Economics
  • Environmental and Biodiversity Economics
  • Climate Economics
  • Water Resources Management
  • Energy Engineering and Management

3. Third semester: "Integration phase" (30 ECTS)

This provides students with the necessary scientific and social skills to work on inter- and transdisciplinary case studies.

• Interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary case study 
• Project Management and Communication Skills
• Further specialisation such as:
  • LCA and Sustainability Assessment of Bioeconomy 
  • Natural Resource Use and Conservation Economics 
  • Modelling in Resource Management
  • Socio-Economic Aspects of Urban Development

Students may also spend an additional mobility semester at any of the partner universities. (Additional tuition fees may apply.)

4. Fourth semester (at Leipzig university): "Master's thesis"(30 ECTS)

The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis.

Degree-awarding partners: University of Graz (Austria), Ca' Foscari University Venice (Italy),

Non-degree awarding partners: Basel University (Switzerland), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Hiroshima University (Japan)

The programme does not require the completion of an internship, but students are encouraged to gain work experience during the summer break or before starting their Master's thesis.

Mid-December to mid-March for the following winter semester

More information under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/application-and-selection/

Eligibility requirements

• Bachelor's degree in natural or social sciences, engineering or equivalent (i.e. economics and business administration, political science, development studies, urban/regional planning, earth science, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (C1)
• For Leipzig University only: At least 12 months of qualified and relevant professional experience after a Bachelor's degree

Selection criteria

• Previous academic performance (GPA or average mark)
• Academic background
• Motivation statement
• Relevant work experience (including internships)
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic supervisor)

The programme is currently undergoing a major revision. Check under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/ for updates.

The semester contribution in Leipzig amounts to approx. 312.20 EUR per semester and includes access to Germany-wide local public transportation.
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/current-students/study-affairs/re-enrolment-and-semester-fee

A semester contribution might apply during the mobility semester at the partner university.

Students in Leipzig should budget 1,000 EUR per month for living costs, including rent and health insurance.

Check under https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/getting-started-with-studies-and-life-in-leipzig for further details.

The following website lists student jobs at the university:
https://www.jobportal.uni-leipzig.de/.

Students of the Master's programme can also find research assistant positions at the university or one of the many research centres in the city.

Deutschlandstipendium for high-performing students who have demonstrated great potential or already achieved outstanding results at university or work:
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/student-finance/deutschlandstipendium

Further information on scholarships in Germany: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/student-finance/scholarships 

The Career Service of Leipzig University offers counselling and orientation services to prepare students for the transition from studies to the labour market.
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/guidance-and-services/career-service/

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market.

The cost for a single room in the dorms is approx. 250 to 400 EUR. More information can be found at https://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/en/housing.