About this programme
The aim of the Joint International Master’s Programme in Sustainable Development is to offer an international and interdisciplinary Master’s programme of the highest quality, enabling participants to make substantial contributions to the challenge of societal transition towards sustainability. It places a strong emphasis on research as well as on intervention strategies, promotes the capability for scientific work, and, in particular, a methodologically sound approach to problem-solving, especially in inter- and transdisciplinary settings. Students who complete the programme will be able to: understand the dynamics, complexity and interaction between natural, social and economic processes and systems with regard to sustainable development identify and analyse so-called "wicked problems" within the field of sustainable development by taking into consideration different disciplinary perspectives develop comprehensive competences from a scientific perspective know and apply adequate methods and instruments for scientific research apply their knowledge and scientific skills in inter- and transdisciplinary teams to address complex issues possess the necessary social skills, such as writing, debating, conflict management, teamwork and project management to make a substantial contribution to change within society conduct independent scientific research and present the results in scientific publications The Master’s programme prepares students for a PhD, ultimately leading to positions in scientific research. The societal orientation of the Master’s programme also makes it a good starting point for positions that do not directly involve scientific research. Graduates might find employment in the private sector, the public sector (EU, national, regional and local government), consultancy firms and NGOs. Over the course of their careers, graduates should be able to fill managerial positions—notably in the integration of knowledge and policy, and in the field of change management (particularly in relation to complex processes of societal change). The programme is currently undergoing a major revision. Check under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/ for updates. The structure of the study programme has been developed jointly by the consortium of the participating universities. Check under https://www.jointdegree.eu/de/sustainable-development/ for updates on curriculum. First semester: "Fundamentals in Sustainable Development" (30 ECTS) This semester introduces the concept of sustainability and current sustainability issues from different perspectives, and presents research and intervention strategies. Students from Leipzig University take the mandatory modules "Basics in Economic Sciences", "Basics in Social Sciences" and "Basics in Sustainable Development". Students from Graz or Venice select classes offered at their respective home universities. Second semester (at mobility university): "Specialisation" (30 ECTS) This semester aims to deepen knowledge in a specific area of sustainable development and its related scientific strategies and methods. Outgoing students from Leipzig University must choose one specialisation track at the partner universities (Basel, Hiroshima, Graz, Utrecht or Venice). Incoming students from Hiroshima, Graz or Venice University coming to Leipzig for their mobility semester focus on Environmental and Resource Economics and Management: Sustainable Energy Economics Environmental and Biodiversity Economics Climate Economics Water Resources Management Energy Engineering and Management Third semester: "Integration phase" (30 ECTS) This provides students with the necessary scientific and social skills to work on inter- and transdisciplinary case studies. Interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary case study Project Management and Communication Skills Further specialisation such as: LCA and Sustainability Assessment of Bioeconomy Natural Resource Use and Conservation Economics Modelling in Resourc
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source