Professional Master in Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.)

Upcoming dates: January 11th, 2025: Online information day // January 31st, 2025: Extended Application deadline // March 2025: Next study start // March 10th - 14th, 2025: Attendance phase // July 2025: Second attendance phase of the 2025 cohort

Please note: Are you more interested in sustainable chemistry management? Find out more about our MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management here.

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Credit Points: 90
Length of Study: 4 semesters
Language: English
Study Places: 25
Start Date: in March, flexible entry opportunities all year round
Application Deadline: December 10th
Costs: 19,000 € total plus the current term contribution of 210 € per term, payment by instalments possible from 950 euros per month
Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer

The innovative Masters programme M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry teaches professionals with a background in chemistry to understand the relevance and opportunities of chemistry in the context of sustainability. This first of its kind interdisciplinary programme conveys a broad understanding of sustainable chemistry ranging from the molecular level of chemical products to global material and product flows, alternative business models, tools for assessing sustainability, international regulations and strategies for initiating and leading change towards sustainability. Extending much beyond the lens of green chemistry, the curriculum delivers uniquely novel perspectives on how chemistry can and must contribute to sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030.

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry is developed at the Institute of Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry (ISEC) of Leuphana University in cooperation with the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) (www.isc3.org). The ISC3 was established in 2017 by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU). It is an independent, international institution that contributes the international transformation towards Sustainable Chemistry in the context of the UN Agenda 2030 and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). An important aim of the centre is to support international implementation of education and capacity development for Sustainable Chemistry. It’s Research & Education Hub, which is located at Leuphana’s ISEC, screens, develops and offers such programs while also conducting research projects in Sustainable Chemistry. The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry offered at Leuphana Professional School is a first major milestone for the educational activities of the ISC3.

The Masters in Sustainable Chemistry is aimed at international students, with the majority of the curriculum delivered through online learning. In addition, two classroom sessions are offered on the Leuphana University Campus, each lasting five days. These sessions, held at the start of the programme and between the first and second semesters, include lectures, seminars, and laboratory classes, while they also provide valuable opportunities for students to network with their peers. 

The introductory on-site week of the Master's programmes in Sustainable Chemistry and Sustainable Chemistry Management is eligible for educational leave (“Bildungsurlaub”) for persons who live and work in Germany. In addition to your statutory or contractual leave, you have the possibility to take time off from work during this period to participate in this significant event – all while receiving your full salary!

To avail yourself of this opportunity, we recommend that you enquire with your employer in advance regarding the specific procedures and contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can apply for educational leave for you.

Visa required (if applicable): Tourist visa
Please note: In order to allow for sufficient time for visa applications to be processed, please arrange an appointment at your embassy as soon as possible. Appointments should ideally be scheduled around the beginning of February.

Read statements

Innovations in chemistry are often the cornerstone for other innovations. In the field of sustainability in particular, chemistry has a key role to play in halting climate change and ensuring sustainable development. This opens up a wide range of career prospects for interdisciplinary experts at the interface of chemistry and sustainability.

After completing the programme, you will be excellently qualified to meet the growing demand for specialists who can actively shape a sustainability transformation with in-depth knowledge. Relevant professional fields include science, (international) authorities, industry, environmental organisations and sustainability consultancies. 

Unlike for standard full-time or part-time Masters programmes taken at university, fees are payable for continuing education programmes such as the Sustainable Chemistry Masters. This is because the entire course has to be funded from fees as the state does not subsidise such programmes.

The fees for the professional Sustainable Chemistry Masters are 19.000 euros. A semester contribution, currently around 210 euros, is also charged each semester. Instalment payments are possible from 950 euros per month.

A range of funding options are available for professional programmes. Which ones are open to you will depend on your individual circumstances. We have put together a list of funding options for you on our website. You can also use our financial advisory service.

• Optimum preparation for the increasing demand for sustainability experts
• Best qualification for a leading role in shaping a sustainable future
• Ideal for working professionals: only 2 attendance blocks in the course of the programme
• Master of Science in just 4 semesters
• Forward-looking qualification
• Small learning groups and individual support
• Free and competent counselling

The following requirements apply for admission to the Master's degree programme in Sustainable Chemistry: 

• Academic qualification (Bachelor or Master, at least 180 CP) in chemistry, chemical, biological or environmental engineering, pharmacy, biochemistry or similar
• At least one year of professional experience in a relevant environment 
• Very good knowledge of English 

In case of a CP delta, extracurricular credit points acquired in a chemistry-related context can be credited to reach the score of 300 CP required to earn the M.Sc.

Successful completion of the Masters programme entitles to the pursuit of a PhD.

Applications for the Sustainable Chemistry Masters can be submitted online at any time up to December 10th each year. There is also the opportunity to use the early bird application until 31 October in order to secure a place in the next year's class early and make binding plans.

Our online application system allows you to complete your application simply and easily online and upload any accompanying documents. You can also save your draft application for completion later. Once the deadline has passed, all documents are reviewed and the admissions process starts.

For more information on admissions requirements, necessary documents and the admissions process, please see the Application page.

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