Chemistry research is essential for global, sustainable development, and there is a high need for experts with the necessary chemical expertise, but who also are familiar with the criteria and specifications of sustainability.

In the international Master of Science programme Sustainable Chemistry you will learn to design chemical processes, products, and methods in a way such that they meet the requirements of sustainability. Thus, environmental and social aspects including resource consumption, energy efficiency, climate protection, health, and safety are considered regarding development and use of chemical products and processes.

Programme Overview:

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry is taught by internationally renowned experts in various areas of sustainable chemistry (such as (organo)catalysis, green chemistry, recycling, sustainable materials for, e.g., battery applications) of the Justus Liebig University Giessen.

The M.Sc. programme provides students with both, theoretical and practical in-depth knowledge of chemical concepts of synthesis, analysis, and evaluation from a sustainability perspective. Beside lectures and seminars, students will be involved early on in cutting edge research projects. On completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped with the following skill sets:

• Fundamentals of sustainability and sustainable chemistry,
• Advanced topics in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry such as heavy metal-free synthesis and catalysis, photochemistry, electrochemistry,
• Circular economy for chemical processes,
• Chemical research in the context of sustainability.

The Master’s programme is taught entirely in English. Together with the University of Padua (Italy), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the University of Zagreb (Croatia) of the network ”DigiChem - Creating a digital study environment for sustainable chemistry“, it offers various opportunities for international exchange.

Composition of the Degree Programme:

The study programme is research-oriented and can be started only in the winter semester.

The two years long course starts in the first year with taught modules (comprising lectures, seminars, exercises) including compulsory and elective modules. Students can choose the elective modules according to their interests (Energy Materials, Sustainable Water Treat­ment, Sustainable Materials Chemistry etc.). Likewise, soft skills (e.g., Scientific Writing and Data Dissemination) and professional skills (Innovation Management for Natural Scientists) can be enhanced. 

The second year of the programme is entirely devoted to research work. Students are directly involved in the current research of the chemistry working groups. They learn about the latest developments in sustainable synthesis and materials development, right through to the recovery of critical resources. At the end of the programme, students complete a Master’s thesis.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates have a wide range of career options from industry to academia to public service in the fields of chemical research, development and evaluation in the context of sustainability.

They may pursue roles in environmental regulations and organisations, public authorities, politics, and education. In addition to the potential to make a positive impact on the environment and society, the programme offers national and global career opportunities due to its international focus. These are fostered through international and networks with partner universities experts in the field.