M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry: Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions you may have regarding the M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry. On the following website you can find the most frequent ones. If you do not find your questions here, you are welcome to contact us directly.
General Information
Who is the Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry designed for?
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry is designed for professionals with a university degree in chemistry or similar fields, such as pharmacy, biochemistry and biological or environmental engineering, who wish to understand and applychemistry in the context of sustainability and contribute effectively to a sustainable future.
Do I have to learn German to study in the Master’s programme Sustainable Chemistry?
No, all classes are taught in English.
Is the Master’s Degree in Sustainable Chemistry?
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry is accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN) and was also awarded the label of the European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN). In addition, since 2022 the M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry has been listed in the SDG Good practices of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) for actively contributing to quality education and implementations of sustainable development (the SDGs 4, 9, 12 and 17. Therefore, the official Master of Science degree in Sustainable Chemistry from Leuphana University Lüneburg confers international recognition, qualifying graduates to pursue a PhD.
Is the Master's programme offered entirely online?
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry is mainly offered online. However, there are two onsite sessions at the Leuphana University campus: a) The introductory week at the very beginning of your studies, and b) a one-week lab phase towards the end of your first semester.
What is the role of ISC3?
Our study programme was developed in collaboration with the Institute of Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry (ISEC) of Leuphana University and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3).
Organisational
Where and when do the classroom (and laboratory) sessions take place?
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry is mainly offered online. However, there are two onsite sessions at the Leuphana University campus: a) The introductory week at the very beginning of your studies, and b) a one-week lab towards the end of your first semester, i.e. in the second half of July.
What will be taught during the 2 onsite attendance blocks?
The master’s programme begins with the first onsite attendance block, the introductory week, during which you will become familiar with the online learning platform and the library services, while you will also have the opportunity to network with your fellow students as well as several lecturers and alumni. Additionally, Prof. Kümmerer will introduce you to the concepts of Sustainable Chemistry. The second attendance block takes place in the institute’s laboratories, offering you a hands-on experience in the fields of environmental chemistry and toxicology & ecotoxicology.
Is it compulsory to attend both onsite attendance blocks?
Yes, as we consider them an essential part of the curriculum.
Does the programme include holidays?
Although there are no traditional semester breaks in this programme, there is a three-week winter break around Christmas and New Year's Eve, and a two-week autumn break at the end of the third semester.
Can I get a student visa if I am a student of this programme?
As this programme is offered mainly online, you are not required to move to Germany and therefore you are not eligible for a student visa. For the onsite attendance blocks you will only need a tourist visa (if applicable).
Is there an age limit for the programme?
No, there is no age limit. You can apply for the programme irrespective of your age.
What is the duration of the programme?
The standard period of study is 4 semesters.
Will the accommodation during the classroom and laboratory sessions be provided?
No, but the programme's coordination provides a list of suggested accommodations upon request. Booking an accommodation in advance is recommended since Lüneburg is a tourist hotspot.
Application
What are the admission requirements?
To apply for the Master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry you need to fulfil the following requirements:
- Academic qualification (Bachelor’s or/and Master’s degree) totalling 180 Credit Points (CP) in chemistry, chemical, biological or environmental engineering, pharmacy, biochemistry or similar.
- At least 1 year of professional experience in a relevant environment.
- Very good knowledge of English (equivalent to TOEFL of at least 92 points or IELTS Academic of 6.5)
What does "very good knowledge of English" mean?
We want to make sure you are able to understand the demanding and complex subject matters offered in our study programme. This is why we expect you to have a very good knowledge of English. Language certifications such as the Academic version of the IELTS (at least 6.5 points) or the TOEFL (at least 92 points) can be used to confirm your knowledge. Alternatively, we can accept as proof of your English skills a minimum of six months of documented residence in an English-speaking country, a minimum of twelve months of documented work experience in an English-speaking company, an English publication in an official scientific journal, or a minimum of one university semester with English as the teaching language of the courses taken.
Does admission to the Master's programme require a Bachelor's degree in chemistry?
An academic qualification (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) in chemistry or a chemistry-related field, such as chemical, biological or environmental engineering, pharmacy or biochemistry etc., is required to be admitted to the master’s programme.
For my bachelor's degree, I only received 180 ECTS. Can I nevertheless enrol in your master's programme?
Yes, however, to acquire the master’s degree you need a total of 300 credit points by the end of the Master's programme. As the MSc Sustainable Chemistry is equivalent to 90 CP, there will be a so-called “CP Delta“ of 30 CP. The missing CP can be earned either by completing extracurricular modules or by accrediting work experience acquired in a chemistry-related context before and during your Master’s programme.
What are ECTS points?
ECTS stands for “European Credit Transfer System”. It is a tool applied throughout Europe that enables you to transfer credits between the different universities. 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25-30 hours of work.
How are ECTS calculated?
To calculate ECTS for a subject in Germany, multiply the weekly credit hours by the total weeks of the subject, then divide by 30.
Which kinds of job experience earn extra credits?
You can earn up to 30 credits by working as a professional in a relevant field for more than two years. Learn more about acquiring more credits on our site.
Can I apply for the Master's programme without a bachelor's degree?
No, without a bachelor’s degree you cannot apply for the master’s programme in Sustainable Chemistry, but you might want to examine the option of module studies or a certificate programme “Professional School Individuale” offered on our booking portal.
Can I apply for the programme if I do not have any professional experience?
No, professional experience in a relevant environment is one of the requirements that have to be met for admission to the programme.
What is the current application deadline for the programme?
The deadline to apply is 10th December each year. Please, submit your application online at our website.
Is there an application deadline for the certificate programmes?
The application deadline for the certificate programmes “Sustainable Chemistry and Benign by Design” and “Sustainable Chemistry & Regulatory Affairs” is 10th December. For the “Professional School Individuale” certificate, which can be booked on our booking portal, there is no specific deadline, but applications should be submitted 4 weeks before the first module begins.
How do I apply to the Sustainable Chemistry Master’s programme?
The applications must be submitted via the online system before 10th December of each year.
Which documents do I need to upload for my online application?
Here is a list of all the documents required for an online application:
- Your Bachelor`s degree or Bachelor`s and Master`s degree (if you already have both)
- Optional: Transcript of records of your acquired degrees are optional
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- Evidence of at least one-year work experience (e.g.: letter from your employer, job reference, etc.)
- Verification of advanced English skills (only for non-native speakers - e.g.: internationally recognised English test such as TOEFL and IELTS Academic, a successful semester at a university with English as teaching language, at least one-year work experience at an English-speaking company)
What is the Master`s programme application process?
Applications and all required documents must be submitted digitally via our myCampus system. The programme coordination will then screen your application and contact you if there is anything missing. They will reach out to you once the admission committee has approved your application. Additionally, you will receive updates from myCampus via automatically generated e-mails when your application is being processed. Keep an eye on myCampus regularly!
When can I expect to hear about my admission?
The admission committee typically meets in December. The programme coordinator will give you a preliminary notice of admission. A few days later, you will receive an automatically generated e-mail informing you that the official notice of admission is available for download on myCampus. Please, read it carefully as it contains important deadlines concerning your enrolment in the study programme.
What should I do once I have been accepted into the programme?
After you have been accepted into the programme, you can register online. The enrolment procedure is complete once you have paid the semester fee (around €210) and accepted the study place. Please, ensure that you adhere to the deadlines stated in the notice of admission.
Programme Structure, Credit Points, and Study Requirements
How are the online sessions of the programme structured?
The study material is available for self-study on the online learning platform Moodle in the form of recorded e-lectures and course books, providing you the flexibility to adjust your study time to your life and work schedule. In addition, live sessions will be offered on Zoom where the lecturers will answer your questions and share interesting insights in their fields of expertise.
How long is each module?
Each module has a duration of 5 to 6 weeks and is typically divided into phases, with different lecturers teaching each phase. Modules usually commence on Wednesdays and conclude on Tuesdays. Unlike all other modules, the “F12 Project Work Chemistry Sustainability and the 2030 Agenda” module has a duration of 12 weeks and does not follow the typical phase structure, as it requires students to work individually on a project of their choice, deepening and extending the knowledge they gained during the programme.
How does the programme account for the needs of students living in different time zones?
When a module begins, you gain access to the study material on Moodle around the clock. This allows you to adjust your study time to your work and life schedule. Live sessions are recorded and uploaded to the Moodle learning platform and can be watched online at a later point of time.
Which language is the programme available in?
The entire programme is in English.
How many credit points are awarded for the "Sustainable Chemistry & Benign by Design" Certificate?
This Certificate programme is worth 20 CP.
How many credit points can be earned with the "Sustainable Chemistry & Regulatory Affairs" certificate programme?
By successfully completing this certificate programme, you will earn 20 CP.
How many semesters are required to complete the "Sustainable Chemistry & Benign by Design" certificate?
The “Sustainable Chemistry & Benign by Design” can be completed within two semesters.
How many semesters are required to complete the "Sustainable Chemistry & Regulatory Affairs" certificate?
Depending on your schedules and your study arrangements, the “Sustainable Chemistry & Regulatory Affairs” certificate can be completed within one or two semesters. Please, note that all modules are offered in the summer semester.
Is there a deadline for finishing the Master`s programme?
Yes, the regular study period is four semesters and can generally be extended for up to four further semesters. Additionally, official absences such as sick leave, parental or caregiver leave etc. may justify an extension for another four semesters. Therefore, the total maximum extension allowed could be up to eight semesters (four semesters for extensions plus four semesters for official absences).
How is a typical module exam structured?
Exams are usually structured as portfolio exams, meaning your final grade is determined by multiple graded assignments completed throughout the module. These assignments can take various forms, such as quizzes, essays, or presentations, among others.
Finances
Do you charge any application fees?
No, we do not charge any fees for examining your application. Only after accepting the study place, you will be required to pay the semester fees.
What is the cost of the Master's programme in Sustainable Chemistry?
A tuition fee of €19,000 in total is charged for the entire MSc in Sustainable Chemistry, which can be paid either at once or in instalments. Additionally, there is a semester fee of approximately €210 which has to be paid every semester.
Is paying in instalments possible?
Yes, Leuphana University offers several options for paying the tuition fees in instalments. Thus, you can choose between annual, 6-month, 3-month or monthly instalments.
Does the Leuphana University offer scholarships for this study programme?
Unfortunately, the university does not offer any scholarships. However, feel free to check our website, where some alternative funding options are presented.
Contact & Advising
Coordination
Anastasia Polyzou
Universitätsallee 1, C13.204
21335 Lüneburg
Fon +49.4131.677-4110
anastasia.polyzou@leuphana.de
Director
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer
Universitätsallee 1, C13.311b
21335 Lüneburg
Fon +49.4131.677-2893
klaus.kuemmerer@leuphana.de
E-mail contact
Please feel free to contact us via schem@leuphana.de.