University of Koblenz-Landau
Institute for Environmental Sciences

Master's Program in Environmental Sciences

In order to cover the need for environmental specialists, the Master’s program Environmental Sciences" at the University of Koblenz-Landau provides a research-oriented, unique blend in the core disciplines of natural sciences (including environmental chemistry, landscape and applied ecology) complemented by selected aspects of social sciences such as environmental economics.

You can acquire advanced methodical skills, a profound understanding of environmental problems across different scales from molecules to landscapes, and the capacity to develop solutions for these complex, interdisciplinary problems.

The job-related training in soft skills (e.g., oral and written presentation) and the experience in interdisciplinary teamwork will enable you to communicate findings and solutions to scientists and the public efficiently. All mandatory courses are taught in English.

The interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences opens a wide range of career tracks. Graduates are excellently prepared for science-based careers in research institutions, governmental agencies, industry and political organizations.

The master's program comprises four semesters of full-time study with a total amount of 120 ECTS. The program features five mandatory modules that provide a solid knowledge and wide background of the main disciplines and methods of environmental sciences (28 ECTS).

Students then follow their preferred path by choosing five modules from elective subjects (54 ECTS): environmental analysis, socioeconomics & environmental management, soil systems, chemicals in the environment, applied ecology, aquatic systems, landscapes & scales, and modelling.

A six-weeks research and training internship (8 ECTS) at a research institute, governmental or industrial partner in Germany or abroad offers practical work experience and allows students to gather international experiences if they decide to undertake their internship abroad. The master's thesis (30 ECTS) in the chosen field of interest covers the final 6 months and completes the program.


Admission requirements

Applicants should hold/or be about to finish a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences (or an equivalent program focussing on natural sciences and applied mathematics) with a minimum final grade of good.

Good active and passive English language skills on a B2 level (CEFR) are required. German language skills are no pre-requisite to apply for the M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences.


Other courses offered by University of Koblenz-Landau

MSc in Chemistry and Physics of Functional Materials

MSc in Ecotoxicology

MSc in Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems

MSc in Web and Data Science

About University of Koblenz-Landau

The University of Koblenz-Landau is one of the youngest universities in Germany and has grown considerably in its relatively short history. Since its transformation from a teacher training college in 1990, numerous new departments and institutes have sprung up. In addition, a wide range of new degree programs and chairs have been created, and existing courses and research consistently expanded.

At the eight existing faculties on the two campuses in Koblenz and Landau, you can currently study Education, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Computer Science (Koblenz) and Psychology (Landau). Since 1990 the number of students has increased dramatically to about 16.000 enrolled students, with approximately 8.000 at each campus.

The Institute for Environmental Sciences is located at the campus in Landau and pursues both basic and applied research, in which the central theme is the complex interactions between humans and the environment. The Institute combines the expertise from ten research groups ranging from molecular to ecosystem scales, and also includes social sciences (environmental economics).

Landau lies in the so-called German Tuscany and is nestled in the Palatinate Forest, a trans-border biosphere reserve with France. This location does not only provide a charming place to live and study but also offers excellent possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking.