Sustainability Science

A distinctive feature of the Sustainability Science programme is its balance between sustainable natural sciences and sustainable humanities. Our goal is to look at social-ecological systems in an academically grounded and interdisciplinary manner. We will examine the processes underlying the material and energetic basis of environmental sustainability problems and put forward potential practical solutions from the perspective of sustainable natural sciences. In complex social-ecological systems, these material processes are closely interlinked with economic, legal, political, and cultural contexts, as well as with the strategies and practices of important social actors. These immaterial prerequisites and conditions constituting environmental sustainability problems as well as the manner in which these problems are addressed form the core of sustainable humanities.

Educational organisation

The programme begins with an introduction to the many disciplines of environmental and sustainability sciences. A common foundations course in natural and human sciences is provided in the first semester's introductory modules. In the following semesters, students can select two modules to further specialise in individual disciplines of environmental and sustainability sciences.

In keeping with the profiles not only of Leuphana University of Lüneburg, but also of the Faculty of Sustainability, the Area of Integration widened up to include a transdisciplinary and problem-focused perspective. These two specialisation modules have been combined into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary modules in the form of project studies.

Course offerings are complemented by a cross-disciplinary Complementary Studies programme, in which students critically engage with fundamental academic concepts and by a series of modules called Research Perspectives where students learn to use methods of sustainability science in their own research.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants are encouraged to spend one semester - preferably the third - abroad. The International Office at Leuphana University of Lüneburg provides all necessary information. See: http://www.leuphana.de/en/services/io.html

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

• Invigilated written examinations
• Oral examinations
• Extensive term paper
• Combined scientific work
• Attainment of practical skills
• Master's thesis

Course objectives

The Master's Degree programme in Sustainability Science provides academically grounded education in environmental and sustainability research. Our goal is to provide the theoretical, methodological, organisational, and communicative skills needed to develop, realise, and reflect on one's own disciplinary and interdisciplinary research work and projects in the field of environmental and sustainability sciences. Depending on their individual academic profiles, graduates will have a wide range of career options in sustainability-focused research (particularly in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research contexts). They will also have access to leading positions in business and consulting, public administration, national and international third sector organisations as well as policy advising. In addition, they will have the competence to develop their academic skills. The accelerated fast track gives highly qualified Master's degree students the chance to take on courses in the doctoral programme from their third semester onwards.

Language requirements

You can prove your English language abilities in various ways:

• by passing the Internet-based TOEFL test with a minimum score of 85 points
• by passing the TOEIC test with a minimum of 785 points
• by passing the IELTS 5.5 test
• by passing the Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (CAE) exam at grade C
• by passing modules at a university (at least 30 credit points according to ECTS) with English as the exclusive language of instruction and exams taken in English
• by proving that you have successfully completed English studies
• by providing a school leaving exam of a school with English as the exclusive language of instruction, that qualifies for studying at a university in the respective country

These certifications (except for the school leaving exam) should not be older than four years.

Academic requirements

Admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent and at least 60 CP in modules relevant to the listed subjects / discipline:
Humanities (disciplines with regard to environment or sustainability)
Environmental Communication (Communication Science)
Environmental Economics (Economics)
Environmental Informatics (Computer Science)
Environmental Law (Law)
Environmental Management (Business Administration)
Environmental Planning (Planning Science)
Environmental Policy (Political Science)
Ethics of Sustainability (Philosophy)
New Media (Media Science)
Participation and Sustainability (Sociology)
Natural Sciences:
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Geoecology
Geography
Geology
Physics

Enrolment fees

Approx. 360 EUR per semester (subject to change)
Fee includes a semester ticket, covering public transport in Lüneburg and the surrounding area (e.g. Hamburg, Bremen, Lübeck) and almost all regional trains in Lower Saxony, plus rent-a-bike and free entrance to many cultural events in Lüneburg.

Costs of living

Approx. 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses:

• Accommodation: 350-450 EUR
• Food: 180-250 EUR
• Health insurance: 80 EUR (not applicable to EU students)
• Leisure activities, books, clothing: 120-200 EUR

Arrival support

Students who have given sufficient notice of their arrival time will be picked up either at Lüneburg train station or, if they travel by car, at an arranged meeting point. They will be The International Office offers an orientation programme for all international students before the start of every semester.
Students will receive assistance with all formalities, e.g. the registration with local authorities, and will be introduced to the services and facilities provided by Leuphana University of Lüneburg, e.g. enrolment, course choice and registration, sports facilities.

Services and support for international students

At Leuphana University, there are a number of services for students, like the Student Counselling and Advisory Service, Social and Legal Counselling, Psychological Counselling, Writing Centre, Studying with children etc. Additionally, the International Office provides advisory and social activities especially for international students. International student advisers and tutors will support the students during their stay. Furthermore, a variety of excursions and cultural events are offered. All international students are invited to reflect on their study progress in a confidential meeting at least once during each stage. In addition, extensive support is provided by faculty and staff of Leuphana Graduate School.

Accommodation

Websites and relevant addresses for finding accommodation in Lüneburg are listed on the International Office website. See: http://www.leuphana.de/international-office