International Programmes 2025/2026

Sustainable Chemistry (MSc) Sustainable Chemistry (MSc)

Leuphana University Lüneburg • Lüneburg

Degree
Master of Science in Sustainable Chemistry
Course location
Lüneburg
In cooperation with

ISC3 – International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English only (100%).

Full-time / part-time
  • part-time (study alongside work)
Mode of study
More than 50% online
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Summer semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

Start in March

Application deadline

10 December for the following summer semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
4,750 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

Total tuition fees: 19,000 EUR

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The innovative Master's programme in Sustainable Chemistry teaches professionals with a background in chemistry, bioengineering, environmental engineering, pharmacy, biochemistry or related fields to understand the relevance and opportunities of chemistry in the context of sustainability. This interdisciplinary programme, which is first of its kind, 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.

International experts from academia, authorities, non-governmental organisations and industry offer elaborate training in Sustainable Chemistry, opening manifold options for graduates of the course to integrate acquired knowledge into practice, expand their network and explore new professional opportunities.

At a glance:

  • First and only professional Master's programme in Sustainable Chemistry
  • Classes and seminars taught entirely in English
  • Distance-learning classes with several two-week classroom sessions featuring lectures, seminars and laboratory work at Leuphana University Lüneburg
  • Application of learnt skills in individually chosen project work and Master's thesis
  • Establishing and expanding an international network with experts in Sustainable Chemistry

Are you interested in our modules, but do you not yet want to embark on the full Master's programme? We offer two certificate courses that allow you to take selected modules from the course.

Course organisation

The programme consists of lectures, seminars, and small group discussions taking place online as a distance-learning format. Additionally, there are several two-week classroom sessions (lectures, laboratory work, seminars). Students learn to apply their acquired knowledge in a project during the third semester as well as during their Master's theses.

Course Details:
The curriculum consists of eleven core modules, one project module and one interdisciplinary module. The programme uses a blended learning approach that links e-learning with classroom sessions. The majority of training is delivered online, framed by clustered on-site training at Leuphana University Lüneburg, where participants convene for lectures, seminars, laboratory work and networking. The curriculum is concluded by a Master's thesis in the fourth semester, which will be presented and discussed in plenary during the final on-site session in Lüneburg.

Eleven Core Modules:

  1. Concepts of Sustainable Chemistry
  2. Environmental Chemistry
  3. Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
  4. Modelling of Chemical Properties and Fate
  5. Green Chemistry
  6. Sustainable Chemistry and Renewable Energies
  7. Benign by Design
  8. Resources, Recycling and Circular Economy
  9. Sustainability Assessment
  10. Law, International Regulations and Chemicals Management
  11. Business Models and Strategies

Project Module
Project Work: “Chemistry, Sustainability and the 2030 Agenda”

Complementary Module
Society and Responsibility

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Certificates for specific modules are awarded
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
4,750 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

Total tuition fees: 19,000 EUR

Semester contribution

210 EUR

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements
  • A first university degree (e.g. Bachelor's) in che­mis­try, che­mi­cal enginee­ring, bioengi­nee­ring, en­vi­ron­men­tal en­gi­nee­ring, phar­ma­cy, bio­che­mis­try or a re­la­ted fiel­d
  • At least one year of relevant professional experience
  • Sophisticated English language skills

The following documents are required for application:

  • Application form, duly filled out and signed
  • CV
  • Certified copy of first university diploma
  • Proof of at least one year of professional experience
  • Proof of sophisticated English language skills

Where to apply:

For more information concerning the application process, you can visit the website: www.leuphana.de/sustainable-chemistry.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove a sophisticated level of English by an official English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, etc.). Details can be found here.

Application deadline

10 December for the following summer semester

Submit application to

Online application: www.leuphana.de/schem-application

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling

Leuphana University Lüneburg

Content Bild
Leuphana University Lüneburg central building © Leuphana/Jannis Muser

Leuphana University Lüneburg is one of Germany's landmark universities for higher education reform and innovation. With around 10,600 students and 160 full professors, the university has developed a highly recognised academic profile. Today, Leuphana University is regarded as a model institution for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, academic organisation, innovation in teaching, and academic transfer.

Leuphana University Lüneburg's mission derives from the very idea of academic education as enabling an individual to live in a self-determined manner and also to take part in shaping society. A university for civil society in the 21st century, Leuphana University Lüneburg follows the mission of being a humanistic, sustainable, and proactive university.

University location

Lüneburg is a 1,000-year old city of more than 79,600 inhabitants, located near Hamburg. Established as a salt mining community, it enjoyed great prosperity in its early years, supplying the whole Scandinavian and Baltic Sea regions with salt. Renowned for its opportunities and affluence, Lüneburg was the place to be for Germany's most wealthy inhabitants, which is still evident in the well-preserved city centre.

Today, Lüneburg is essentially a university town. The lavish 14th and 15th century churches, St John's, St Michael's, and St Nicolai's, the beautiful baroque main square, and the tranquil medieval monastery attract visitors from all around the world.

The pedestrian city centre invites visitors to linger; a great number of well-assorted specialist shops in historic buildings featuring steep gables provide extensive shopping opportunities, and many cafés and pubs open their doors to visitors every day. In particular, the bars situated at Stint and in Schröderstraße offer various possibilities for a vibrant nightlife. Lüneburg is also a very vivid cultural spot; numerous musicians, artists, and actors are active in the clubs, studios, and theatres of the town.

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