Professional Master in Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.)

Upcoming dates: January 7th - 8th, 2026: Online Information Day // January 31st, 2026: Extended application deadline // March 2026: Next study start

Please note: Are you more interested in sustainable chemistry management? Find out more about our MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management here.

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Credit Points: 90
Length of Study: 4 semesters
Language: English
Study Places: 25
Start Date: in March, flexible entry opportunities all year round
Application Deadline: December 10th
Costs: 19,000 € total plus the current term contribution of 240 € per term, payment by instalments possible from 950 euros per month
Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer

The Master’s programme Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.) equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to sustainable development and the UN Agenda 2030. You gain a holistic understanding of sustainable chemistry, ranging from molecular properties and chemical design to global material flows, sustainability assessment,international chemicals management and innovative business models.

Core subject areas include:

• Holistic Sustainable Chemistry
• Environmental and Risk Assessment
• Green, Circular & Benign-by-Design Approaches
• Sustainable Energy and Climate Solutions
• Life Cycle-Based Sustainability Assessment
• Regulation, Business Models & Innovation
• Ethics and Leadership 

Learn more about the curriculum

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry was developed at the Institute for Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry (INUC) of Leuphana University in cooperation with the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) (www.isc3.org).  Founded in 2017 by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), ISC3 is an independent international competence centre supporting global efforts in sustainable chemistry within the framework of the UN Agenda 2030 and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). 

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry is a continuing education programme specifically designed for international professionals and managers. The majority of the programme is delivered online, enabling flexible study alongside full-time employment. The online format is complemented by a 5-day laboratory phase on campus at Leuphana University Lüneburg.

An introductory week at the beginning of the programme is offered both online and on campus and provides orientation as well as networking opportunities.

Study phases:

• Introductory week with seminars and networking formats (participation online or on campus)
• Online study phase (main part): Flexible learning modules including live sessions, group work and self-study
• On-campus phase: Laboratory course at the Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University (usually in the second half of July) 

• Educational leave may be requested by employees working in Germany for the on-campus phase.
• Educational leave is granted in addition to statutory or collectively agreed annual leave.
• Please consult your employer early and contact us in time for support with the application process. 

• Required visa (if applicable): Tourist visa
• Student visas are not available for this programme
• We recommend scheduling an appointment with the responsible embassy well in advance, ideally at least 1.5 months before travelling to Germany. 

Read statements

The transition towards sustainable chemistry is reshaping job profiles, responsibilities and decision-making processes across industry, public authorities and organisations worldwide. There is a growing demand for professionals who combine solid chemical expertise with sustainability competence and can actively support transformation processes.

The part-time M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry is designed for international professionals and managers seeking to further develop their careers and qualify for responsible roles in sustainable chemistry. The programme provides practice-oriented competencies that enable you to assess sustainability requirements with confidence, develop innovative solutions and implement them effectively in your professional environment.

Graduates pursue careers, for example, in:

• Industry (e.g. R&D, product and process development, sustainability or environmental management)
• Public authorities and international organisations
• Research institutions
• NGOs, associations and sustainability consultancies

You acquire a clearly profiled interdisciplinary competence portfolio, enabling you to take on responsibility, lead transformation projects and strategically advance your career in sustainable chemistry. 

Unlike for standard full-time or part-time Masters programmes taken at university, fees are payable for continuing education programmes such as the Sustainable Chemistry Masters. This is because the entire course has to be funded from fees as the state does not subsidise such programmes.

The fees for the professional Sustainable Chemistry Masters are 19.000 euros. A semester contribution, currently around 240 euros, is also charged each semester. Instalment payments are possible from 950 euros per month.

A range of funding options are available for professional programmes. Which ones are open to you will depend on your individual circumstances. We have put together a list of funding options for you on our website. You can also use our financial advisory service.

• Excellent preparation for the growing demand for sustainability experts
• Strong qualification for taking a leading role in shaping a sustainable future
• Ideal for working professionals: Only one on-campus phase consisting of a single five-day laboratory block
• Earn your Master of Science in just four semesters
• Future-oriented qualification addressing global sustainability challenges
• Small learning groups and individual academic support
• Free and professional study advisory services 

The following requirements apply for admission to the Master's degree programme in Sustainable Chemistry: 

• Academic qualification (Bachelor or Master, at least 180 CP) in chemistry, chemical, biological or environmental engineering, pharmacy, biochemistry or similar
• At least one year of professional experience in a relevant environment 
• Very good knowledge of English 

In case of a CP delta, extracurricular credit points acquired in a chemistry-related context can be credited to reach the score of 300 CP required to earn the M.Sc.

Successful completion of the Masters programme entitles to the pursuit of a PhD.

Applications for the Sustainable Chemistry Masters can be submitted online at any time up to December 10th each year. There is also the opportunity to use the early bird application until 31 October in order to secure a place in the next year's class early and make binding plans.

Our online application system allows you to complete your application simply and easily online and upload any accompanying documents. You can also save your draft application for completion later. Once the deadline has passed, all documents are reviewed and the admissions process starts.

For more information on admissions requirements, necessary documents and the admissions process, please see the Application page.

Accreditation by ASIIN - more information on accreditation