Sustainability Science: Resources, Materials and Chemistry (MSc)
Overview
About this course
The M.Sc. in Sustainability Science: Resources, Materials and Chemistry at Leuphana University of Lüneburg equips students to rethink the role of chemistry, materials and resources in a world facing climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and chemical pollution.
The programme moves beyond the traditional linear approach to resources, training a new generation of professionals who can propose sustainable solutions across the full life cycle of chemical substances, materials and products. Topics include green chemistry, renewable and finite resources, circularity, recycling, life cycle assessment, safe and sustainable by design, and alternative business models.
Current themes such as digitalisation, AI tools, planetary boundaries and gender in chemical pollution are integrated throughout, alongside real-life case studies and interdisciplinary projects with national and international partners from industry, NGOs, educational institutions and tech hubs.
Only 25 places are available per cohort.
Taught entirely in English.
Starts October 1 each year.
Why this course
Rethink Chemistry for the Planet
Train to move beyond the linear economy and design sustainable solutions across the full life cycle of resources, materials and chemical products.
Interdisciplinary from Day One
Natural science, social science, ethics and economics combined, with real-world projects alongside companies, NGOs and tech hubs.
Only 25 Places Per Cohort
A small, intensive programme with close faculty contact, led by internationally recognized researchers in sustainable chemistry.
Optional Semester Abroad
Spend semester 3 at a partner university abroad, supported by Erasmus+ funding and full credit recognition.
Direct Path to a Doctorate
The Doctoral Track lets you start your PhD during the Master's, becoming part of Leuphana's Sustainability Science research community early.
Videos
Sustainability Science: Resources, Materials and Chemistry
Key features
Full time, on campus in Lüneburg, 2 years (4 semesters).
Taught entirely in English.
120 ECTS.
Optional semester abroad recommended in semester 3.
Starts October 1 each year.
Semester contribution approx. €450.
Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of chemistry, sustainability and innovation, in a field where interdisciplinary professionals are urgently needed.
Typical sectors:
- Chemical and materials industries undergoing sustainability transformation
- Research institutions and universities
- NGOs and international organizations working on chemical management and environmental policy
- Public authorities and government ministries
- Business and management consulting with a sustainability focus
Areas of work:
Sustainable chemistry and green product design Life cycle assessment and sustainability evaluation Resource and material flow management Circular economy and recycling strategy International chemical regulation and compliance
Graduates who wish to pursue an academic career can apply directly to Leuphana's Doctoral Research Group on Sustainability Science, with the option to start the Doctoral Track already during the Master's.
Testimonials
What I like most about the program is that I have learned to approach problems through the perspectives of colleagues from very different backgrounds.
Maria Júlia Schmitt, Student (Brazil)2026Working with people from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds helps you to see problems through a different lens, communicate better and learn from one another.
Afua Antwi, Student (Ghana)2026The interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach is one of the core strengths of the program at Leuphana. It enables students to integrate scientific knowledge with societal and policy related dimensions of sustainability.
Muhammad Umer, Student (Pakistan)2026Gallery
Admission & deadlines
October
EU
Online application for students with EU degrees directly at Leuphana University before 1 June Online application for students with non-EU degrees via uni-assist before 1 May
