Introduction to the Study Programme

Do you want to understand development and transition processes? Do you want to initiate social and technological changes in order to make economic activities more sustainable? Are you interested in natural sciences as well as current social, economic and political challenges and their interdependencies? Then join us in order to work on a more sustainable future and explore our international Master’s Degree Programme Sustainable Transition!

The Master Degree Programme Sustainable Transition is the first fully Online Degree Programme of Justus Liebig University Giessen, offered by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management (Faculty 09), a faculty with an acknowledged expertise in the scientific analysis of agricultural and food systems.

. The study programme has a standard period of study of four semesters. All courses and examinations are offered online and can be taken remotely. If you wish physical presence in Giessen during your studies, you can attend courses of the summer school.

Please note that we do not charge a tuition fee. Studying at JLU only requires you to pay an administrative fee of approximately 100€ per semester.

As a Student of the M.Sc. Programme Sustainable Transition you will ...

• analyse and understand the concept of sustainability and the involved trade-offs through the lens of different disciplines;
• comprehend the various areas of transition, including economic, legal, political, social, agricultural, and environmental aspects and their interlinkages with sustainability;
• possess knowledge as well as analytical competences in methods and strategies to enhance the transition processes towards a more sustainable economy;
• be skilled in evaluating transition processes from a sustainability perspective and developing solutions for sustainable transitions applicable to the private and public sector.

The programme is accredited ever since 2021 and will last 4 semesters in which you will gather 120 Credit Points (CP). You will be awarded with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) after the successful completion of the study programme.

Career Options

Globally, there is a high need for skilled people dealing with social transformation processes on a scientific basis and sustainably shaping those. This study programme qualifies for working in areas that are closely related to sustainable transition processes in agricultural and food systems, i.e. working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our graduates work in leading positions such as executive managers and consultants in private business, public authorities, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Moreover, the graduation also allows starting a career as (junior) scientist at universities and non-university research institutions.