Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences at the University of Zurich offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address complex environmental issues. The programme combines natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to provide a holistic view of environmental challenges, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental conservation, and the impact of human activities on the planet. Students will explore various topics such as climate change, biodiversity, water management, renewable energy, and environmental policy, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, and project-based learning. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and scientific research skills, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy making, research, and education. Additionally, the programme encourages an international perspective, enabling students to understand environmental issues on a global scale and to develop innovative solutions collaboratively. The University of Zurich's state-of-the-art facilities and strong connections with research institutions and industry partners provide students with valuable networking and career development opportunities. With a focus on sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources, the Environmental Sciences programme aims to contribute to the development of environmentally conscious professionals who can make meaningful contributions to society and the preservation of our planet. Upon completion, graduates will be well-equipped to participate actively in shaping policies and practices that promote environmental health, resilience, and sustainability for future generations.

The 1.5-year program (3 terms) is structured as follows: In the first and second term the basic interdisciplinary knowledge will be obtained. In the second and third term the Master's thesis will be carried out in one of the research groups of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. During the first term the student develops and presents a personal research plan for the thesis project. 
A total of 90 credit points is required for the MSc in Environmental Sciences. 30 credit points are obtained for the courses and 60 credit points for the thesis work. The courses are grouped into modules UWW 220 - UWW 290. All modules are assessed according to ECTS-standards. One credit point equals 30 hours of effective work. 
All courses in the specialised Master's program in Environmental Sciences are organised and offered by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of Zurich. The thesis project must be supervised by a research group leader of the Institute but may physically be carried out at an external institution. 
The courses consist of lectures, seminars, exercises, and project-oriented assignments. A mixture of assessment modes will be used, e.g. written and oral examinations, term papers, and field-exercises.

• UWW 221 Species interactions and biodiversity (3 ECTS)
• UWW 222 Field course in biodiversity assessment and monitoring (2 ECTS)
• UWW 231 Analysis and management of biological populations (2 ECTS) 
• UWW 251 Global change and ecosystem ecology (2 ECTS)
• UWW 252 Spatial ecology and remote sensing (2 ECTS)
• UWW 261 Introduction into research methods and study design (2 ECTS)
• UWW 262 Presentation and discussion of master projects (2 ECTS)
• UWW 271 Contemporary analysis for ecology (2 ECTS)
• BIO 377 Introduction to R (2 ECTS)
• UWW 273 Introduction to theoretical ecology (3 ECTS)
• UWW 280 Special topics
• UWW 291 Classic papers in ecology and evolutionary biology (3 ECTS)
• UWW 292 Research seminar: BEES, SEBES (1 ECTS)
• UWW 200 Master thesis 60 ECTS

• Completed application form
• Copy of your secondary school-leaving certificate with a legalized translation if the certificate is in a language other than German, English, French
• Copies of your Bachelor’s degree diploma, Diploma Supplement and Academic Record (final transcript of records) with legalized translations if the documents are in a language other than German, English, French
• Copy of your university degree if it is not a Bachelor’s degree (Diploma, Master), with a legalized translation if the documents are in a language other than German, English, French
• Copy of transcript of records (if your university degree has not yet been awarded) stating: your current level of study, amount of credits earned and still outstanding, number of semesters studied, examinations taken, ECTS credits, grading scale, course hours; with a legalized translation of the transcript if in a language other than German, English, French Formal transcripts of your academic record (providing full details of the degree, grades you have obtained and modules you have taken. If these documents are not in English you should have them accompanied by a formal certified translation into English)
• Enclose your Curriculum vitae
• Ask two referees to fill in the recommendation form
• Finance plan

The University of Zurich offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Environmental Sciences degree programs. Tuition fees are generally structured to be affordable, with undergraduate and master's students benefiting from competitive rates compared to other Swiss universities. For incoming students, the standard annual tuition fee for bachelor's programs is approximately CHF 700 to CHF 1,000, while master's programs typically cost around CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500 per year. These fees are payable per semester and can be settled conveniently through bank transfers or online payment systems.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses. Living costs in Zurich are relatively high, with estimated monthly expenses ranging from CHF 1,200 to CHF 2,000 depending on individual lifestyles and accommodation choices. The university provides various scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing these costs. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the student's background or research interests.

International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government scholarships, private foundations, and international organizations that support studies in environmental sciences. The university also offers part-time work opportunities on campus, which can help students generate supplementary income. These jobs are usually flexible and suited to accommodate demanding academic schedules. Moreover, students can apply for student loans or financial support through Swiss government programs designed for international students, depending on their country of origin and eligibility requirements.

Students should plan their budgets carefully, considering all potential expenses and available financial support. Detailed information on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for scholarships and financial aid is available on the university’s official website. It is advisable to start the application process early, as some funding options have limited spots and require comprehensive documentation. The university’s student services and financial aid offices are also available to provide personalized advice and assistance throughout the application process.

Overall, while studying environmental sciences at the University of Zurich involves financial commitments, there are numerous resources and opportunities designed to make higher education accessible and affordable for both Swiss and international students. Careful planning and proactive engagement with available funding sources can significantly ease the financial burden and allow students to focus on their academic and research activities.

Expenses

Living expenses depend very much on the individual student. These figures should therefore be regarded as a guideline only (in CHF): 

The expected minimum cost of living for students therefore comes to a total of CHF 1,750 per month. Course fees come to around CHF 770 per semester.