Sustainable Development (MSc) Marburg University

The MSc course in Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary study programme with a clear research and international orientation. Organised by Marburg University's geography and economics departments, it provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability and transformation.

After a common introduction phase, students may specialise in project seminars in economics, human geography, or physical geography. The programme also involves elective modules on methods such as advanced statistics, empirical social research, environmental modelling, or remote sensing.

Students will learn to understand ecological systems, nature-society relations, and the potential for innovation and transition. They will also develop skills in conducting their own research projects as well as improving communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

Become part of the solution—study Sustainable Development!

Internships form part of the elective track in the course of study programme. An internship of 280 hours can be accredited for a total of 12 credits.

Additionally, there is a limited number of research internships with the working groups in the geography and economics departments.

The programme is open to students with a completed BSc degree in economics or geography (physical and/or human geography).

Additionally, students with other degrees are welcome if they can prove the following:

• at least 50 ECTS credits were from conceptual or academic modules. Of these, 30 ECTS credits must refer to economics or geography content. Up to 20 ECTS credits may be completed in another social science course.
• 10 ECTS credits were completed in the field of research methods.

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing