Sustainable Chemistry
Overview
Contents of the subject Sustainable Chemistry
The English-taught Master's degree programme in "Sustainable Chemistry" at Bielefeld University provides the chemical know-how for the transformation to a sustainable way of life. The curriculum includes among other things energy conversion and storage, climate, sustainable materials, planetary boundaries and nutrition. Interships and projects ensure practical relevance. The degree programme at Bielefeld University is characterised by its clear focus on central issues of sustainability. The focus is on the development and application of chemical knowledge, supplemented among other things by life cycle assessment and courses from the social sciences, humanities and Law on social responsibility and ethics - for a reflective, holistic perspective.
Students are expected to have an interest in science, analytical thinking, the ability to work in a team, a willingness to take responsibility, curiosity about sustainable solutions and an awareness of ecological and social challenges.
During their studies, students acquire skills in research, environmental analysis, sustainable process development and interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.
Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, in environmental management, in research institutions and in consulting firms. The degree programme also enables graduates to actively promote sustainable development, for example in government agencies and non-profit organisations. The degree also qualifies graduates for a doctorate and a career in research at universities and non-university research institutions.
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject Sustainable Chemistry at Bielefeld University
Career prospects
The degree programme opens up a wide range of career prospects in various fields, for example:
Sustainable process development: The degree programme opens up opportunities in the development and optimisation of chemical manufacturing processes, taking into account resource and energy use. It combines fundamental chemistry with sustainability issues.
Industrial product development: Opportunities arise in the development and evaluation of chemical products, for instance with regard to their environmental impact and their entire life cycle. The programme’s interdisciplinary focus supports the tackling of complex sustainability issues in the chemical industry.
Circular economy and
recycling: Knowledge of material cycles and the sustainable use of raw
materials provides a foundation for roles in the circular economy and
recycling. The focus is on chemical solutions for a more
resource-efficient use of materials.
Environmental assessment and sustainability: The programme qualifies students to carry out scientifically sound assessments of chemical processes and products from a sustainability perspective. This opens up career prospects at the interface between Chemistry, the environment and sustainability management.
A PhD is recommended for many of
these career fields. Graduates with a PhD are frequently sought after in
the labour market, as they are regarded as particularly well-qualified
for many roles involving independent and research-oriented work.
International focus
English-language course
What are the access requirements?
Access to the Master programme is granted to those who can provide evidence that they have a first university degree which has a standard period of study of at least six semesters, qualifies for exercising a profession and is in accordance with the subject-specific regulations.
In any case, please read the specific Admission requirements for this Masters programme in the Subject-specific regulations (PDF).
Degrees from accredited Bachelor programmes at German ‘Berufsakademien’ are equivalent to Bachelor degrees from universities.
Applicants with a university degree obtained abroad are granted access provided that the degree they have acquired is deemed sufficient for this purpose and they can provide evidence of the required language skills.
Further information on the application process for prospective international students and the language requirements.
Alternatively, an unofficial English translation is available here: non official translation of the Subject-specific regulations (PDF)
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
What formalities are important?
Course start
Studies can be commenced only in winter semester.
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time.
The studies Sustainable Chemistry comprise 120 credit points.
Application, admission, and enrolment
The study places for this degree programme are subject to local admission restrictions (numerus clausus). You need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines.
As soon as you receive a positive response in the application and status portal (notice of access from the faculty) and receive your admission notice from the Student Office, you can submit your application for enrolment within the set deadline.
Step by step to a Master programme with NC
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
The courses
You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.
An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years