Master What Matters

Sustainable development and social transformation are two of the most important challenges of our time. Global changes to social systems, political structures and institutional practices require specialised knowledge, critical reflection and scientific action. Simply describing existing problems is not enough; sound research is needed that analyses social realities, develops new questions, and generates reliable empirical findings in order to inform social change.

The programmes take on this challenging task by involving students in active scientific work, enabling them to develop their own research projects and encouraging critical reflection and inter­disciplinary collabo­ration. Rather than starting with a pre­deter­mined curricu­lum, the focus is on an in-depth explo­ration of complex social issues in the context of societal trans­for­mation pro­cesses.

Content, methods and research designs are flexible to accommo­date individual interests and current scientific discourse. This approach fosters an in-depth under­standing of empirical research, inde­pendent problem analysis, and reflection on theo­retical founda­tions.

The studies are inter­nationally focused and closely linked to an active research environ­ment. Students learn from experienced scientists, work with the latest research findings and develop their own scientific profile. The inter­disciplinary nature of the pro­gramme and its supple­mentary studies provide oppor­tunities to expand one's horizons and contribute thought­fully and effectively to science, politics and society.

Current and former students of Leuphana Graduate School about their research-oriented studies at Leuphana, their time in Lüneburg, and their future career paths:

At Leuphana Graduate School, studying and research are collabora­tive journeys.

Our Master's programmes foster critical inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on research—always in close exchange with faculty, peers, and international experts.

Together, we explore scientific questions, develop sustainable solutions, and tackle societal challenges. By combining expertise with team­work, we empower our students to think across disciplines, engage in meaningful dialogue, and shape the future—academically and beyond.

Be part of our Graduate Community!

At Leuphana, you can actively contribute and share your talents in various ways.

Become a tutor to inspire others, join university policy committees, or engage in student initiatives: from the campus magazine to social projects. Music lovers can join the big band or choir. The AStA (General Students Committee) offers cultural and political involvement, such as theatre, university cinema, radio, or event planning. Whether on campus or in Lüneburg, many institutions welcome fresh ideas and new participants.

It’s up to you to choose where to get involved!

The city of Lüneburg impresses with its student flair and a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. Whether theatre, cinemas, the lunatic festival on campus, exhibitions in the museums or galleries, there is hardly a wish left unfulfilled.

Lüneburg, situated between the Elbe and the heath, offers many worthwhile excursion destinations. And in the thousand-year-old salt town, the spectrum of leisure activities ranges from the Lüneburg salt thermal baths to numerous pubs and restaurants in the old town.

Another great advantage of student life in Lüneburg is that everything is close together: the university, the city centre with its numerous leisure activities, the inviting spa gardens, shopping facilities and student residences.

Shared flats in Lüneburg are still affordable – especially compared to the high rents in Hamburg. This way, you have more money left over to live on!

At the same time, major cities such as Hamburg or Hanover can be reached by train in no time at all.

Here you can find more reasons to choose Lüneburg.

You can apply for one of Leuphana's research-centered Master's programmes for the winter semester 2026/27. The application window is regularly open from 1 March to 1 June.

You can find out more on our Master's appli­ca­tion page. There you will find every­thing you need to know about entry re­quire­ments, selection pro­cedures and the appli­ca­tion pro­cess.

You want more in­forma­tion? Some coun­selling? A re­minder?

International applicants can find further information on the social aspects of studying in Germany on the following pages.