The Leuphana Campus building with students outdoors

Academic Education

Crafting Tomorrow: Careers in Chemistry for a Sustainable World

Implementation of Sustainable Chemistry requires a sound knowledge of executives, researchers and practitioners

ISC3 Research & Education Hub, in collaboration with Leuphana University is developing and implementing international study programmes in Sustainable Chemistry. Expertise on Green Chemistry, e.g., in synthesis, must be complemented by a much broader knowledge of chemistry (i.e., in science, the chemical sector and downstream users, the role of chemistry within a circular economy).

An inter- and transdisciplinary understanding of Sustainable Chemistry is needed to solve pressing sustainability challenges of our time (see key characteristics of Sustainable Chemistry). This is based on systems thinking and service and function are required as starting points. Therefore, it also includes knowledge of new business and service models as well as regulations, international chemicals management, environmental chemistry, toxicology, economics, and ethics related to the chemical sector aiming to enable the chemical sector to contribute sustainably to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are also linked to the concept of planetary boundaries.

With the establishment of highly innovative international study programmes in Sustainable Chemistry, a globally unique Professional Master of Science in Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc. SC) and a first-of-its-kind Professional Master of Business Administration in Management of Sustainable Chemistry (MBA SCM) have been developed.

Thereby ISC3 together with Leuphana University Lüneburg is leading the way by integrating Sustainable Chemistry into scientific and continuing education. Both programmes are tailored to the needs of international professionals and are offered primarily as online study programmes. A high degree of flexibility is provided. Almost all activities required for the studies can be done from home, since all study materials are provided via an online learning platform (e.g. e-lectures, seminars, case studies, literature, forum discussions, group work, assignments, quizzes). There are also many opportunities for networking both online and on-site.

Programme Overview

Professional Master of Science in Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.)

Launched in March 2020, the professional Master’s programme M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry provides expert interdisciplinary training in Sustainable Chemistry. The unique curriculum covers topics from the molecular level to global product flows, sustainability assessment and alternative business models for chemical products, how to understand and apply chemistry in the context of sustainability.

Chemistry is the key enabling science for products we use in our everyday lives. Every sector of our society, from agriculture, healthcare, mobility, and energy to the digital sector, has been, and continues to be, shaped by chemical innovations. While substantially contributing to our health and wellbeing, chemistry plays an important role in facing today’s challenges: resource depletion, climate change, and pollution, as well as in ensuring the sustainable development of our societies.

In 2021, the Master's programme was listed among United Nations SDG Good Practices (UN DESA) for its active contribution to achieving SDGs 4, 9, 12 and 17.Read more here

Young students enjoy working with chemicals in a sterile laboratory environment.

Professional MBA in Sustainable Chemistry Management

Following the successful implementation of the M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry, the MBA in Sustainable Chemistry Management at Leuphana Professional School is the second major milestone combining and integrating concepts of Sustainable Chemistry and transformative management practices into the higher education of executives, researchers, and practitioners.

Launched in March 2022, the professional Master’s programme MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management provides expertise on transformative management practices linked to Sustainable Chemistry. Our globally unique curriculum teaches fundamental sustainability management combined with operational knowledge in the field of the chemical sector within an inter- and transdisciplinary framework of Sustainable Chemistry. To foster a sustainability-oriented management, the programme offers a comprehensive training, including concepts such as Green Chemistry and Sustainable Chemistry, innovation management, ethics and leadership, as well as international policy frameworks for chemicals and waste management.

All sectors of the economy, from agriculture, housing, and healthcare to mobility, energy, and the IT sector, depend on the use of chemical products, and are facing an imminent necessity to shiftgear in response to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. Managing and reshaping the chemical sector as well as the broader socio-economic system towards sustainability is not only urgently required, but also promises new business opportunities for enterprises from various sectors to transform current models of value creation.

At a Glance

M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry

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 210 € per term

Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer

The programme aims at highly motivated international professionals with a degree (B.Sc. or M.Sc.) in chemistry, chemical, bio- and environmental engineering, pharmacy, biochemistry, or related fields who wish to integrate expertise in sustainability into their professional portfolio. Applicants should have a good command of English language skills as well as at least one year of relevant work experience.

By far most of the curriculum is delivered by online learning, so there is only little need to stay in Lüneburg for the studies. Two classroom sessions are held on campus at Leuphana University Lüneburg. During these onsite sessions, there will be lectures, seminars and laboratory classes, and students will be actively involved in presenting and discussing learning outcomes. The sessions take place at the beginning of the programme and between the first and second semester.

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry at Leuphana Professional School is an important milestone for the integration of Sustainable Chemistry into the higher education of researchers, executives, and practitioners. Successful completion of the Master’s programme entitles graduates to the pursuit of a PhD.

Please visit our website for more information or request information material to be sent to you.

See the ISC3 Event Calendar for upcoming Taster Courses & Online Info Sessions.

Start your Application here

MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management

Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Credit Points: 60

Length of Study: 3 semesters

Language: English

Study Places: 25

Start Date: in March, flexible entry opportunities

Application Deadline: December 10th

Costs: 14.850 € total plus the current term contribution of 210 € per term

Programme Director: Prof. Dr. Klaus Kümmerer

The programme is aimed at highly motivated international professionals holding a first university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) who wish to acquire and integrate expertise in Sustainable Chemistry into management and decision-making processes. Applicants must demonstrate fluent English skills as well as one or two years of professional experience, holding a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, respectively. Basic skills in management/accounting/human resources or law are required, evidenced by e.g., job profile descriptions, training certificates or university transcripts of records. In addition, foundational knowledge in chemistry to the equivalent of 5 ECTS must be demonstrated, which has been acquired via university module(s) or via the professional context (e.g., job profile descriptions, training certificates).

Since the MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management is addressed to international professionals, the majority of the curriculum is delivered via online learning and there is no requirement to stay in Lüneburg for longer periods. Two classroom sessions are held on campus at Leuphana University Lüneburg. During these on-campus sessions there will be lectures, seminars, workshops, and extensive networking opportunities. The on-campus sessions are scheduled at the beginning and end of the study programme. The study material (e.g., e-lectures, literature, seminars, group work, assignments, case studies, forum discussions) is provided via an online learning platform. Successful completion of the Master’s programme qualifies graduates to the pursuit of a PhD.

Please visit our website for more information or request information material to be sent to you.

See the ISC3 Event Calendar for upcoming Taster Courses & Online Info Sessions.

Start your Application here

The MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management starts once a year in March. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis to the online application system until December 10th of each year. Find out more and how to apply for the Master of Business Administration Sustainable Chemistry Management here.

Sustainable Chemistry in Academic Education

M.SC. & MBA Sustainable Chemistry

Your qualification in chemistry for a sustainable future: New career perspectives in the chemical sector

Chemistry is the key enabling science for the products we use in our everyday life. Every sector has been and is being shaped by chemical innovations. Chemistry, as a science and as an industry, is indispensable to secure a sustainable development of all our societies. To meet requirements set by political frameworks, e.g. the Transition Pathway for the Chemical Industry and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability towards a Toxic-free Environment, there is the need to understand and apply chemistry in the context of sustainability. For the chemical sector to play an active role in a changing world, in-depth knowledge of chemistry must be complemented by sound expertise on sustainability.

To help companies successfully go through this transformation towards sustainability, two worldwide unique extra-occupational study programmes are offered at Leuphana Professional School:

Sustainable Chemistry, MSc.
Sustainable Chemistry Management MBA

The Master's programmes combine the acquisition of sound expertise in the field of Sustainable Chemistry and its management with interdisciplinary competencies and soft skills to comprehensively prepare you for future leadership tasks. the curriculum goes far beyond green chemistry only and offers unique new perspectives on how chemistry can and must contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030. Hence, both programmes cover a wide range of topics and issues – concepts such as sustainable chemistry, green chemistry, benign by design and circular economy, international chemicals management, sustainability assessment and alternative business models for chemical products.

Group of international students resting in campus outdoors during break in classes, chatting and smiling

The M.Sc. Sustainable Chemistry provides expert interdisciplinary training to understand and apply chemistry in the context of sustainability. The MBA Sustainable Chemistry Management integrates transformative management practices connected to the chemical enterprise with sustainable chemistry. Whereas the M.Sc. targets chemists and closely related disciplines, the MBA is open for non-chemists, who have basic knowledge of accounting, management, personnel management or law.

The Master's programmes are accredited by external agencies and enable the acquisition of an internationally recognised university degree. Both professional Master's programmes are taught in English and are designed as distance-learning programmes with only a few on-campus classroom sessions offering practical experiences and opportunities for networking. The innovative online learning platform provides all teaching materials at any time and the Leuphana Professional School team will continuously support you during the online phases - for a flexible learning experience that adapts to your professional and private schedule.

You do not want to take the full study programme? Then, choose one of the three certificate courses or single modules.

Contact ann-kathrin.amsel@leuphana.de for more information. The next information sessions takes place on Friday, 26 April 2024. For registration, please see the websites below.

Apply now by 10 December for the next cohort starting in March 2026.

http://www.leuphana.de/sustainable-chemistry

http://www.leuphana.de/mba-sustainable-chemistry

Your Flexible Entry into Continuing Education in Sustainable Chemistry

Are you interested in one of the Professional Master’s programmes or would like to get a taste of one of the Master’s programmes without committing to the full course? Or would you prefer to customise your course of study in the Master’s programme, by completing individual modules in advance - thereby reducing your workload during the actual study period?

Then, take advantage of the flexible entry options for your continuing education in chemistry. Depending on the individual certificate pursued, there may be no or only minimal requirement to stay in Lüneburg for the studies.

Certificate Programmes

We offer the following English language certificates for your entry into the …

Professional Master Sustainable Chemistry (M.Sc.)

Professional Master Sustainable Chemistry Management (MBA)

Practices of Sustainable Chemistry (15 CP)

The programmes can be completed with a certificate of attendance, or upon completion of the examination with the university-issued Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), which serves as official proof of the credit points earned and can be used to transfer the achieved credits to other universities or towards the corresponding professional Master’s programme.

Module Studies

On the Continuing Education Portal, numerous modules from the Professional Master’s programmes are available for modular study. Here you can easily filter all available modules by degree and programme. It is also possible to take the modules without an examination, however, if you want to earn credit points for your future chemistry studies, taking the module with an examination is the right format for you.

Professional School Individual Certificate

Individual continuing education in chemistry

Would you like to design your own continuing education certificate from the chemistry modules or combine them with other subject areas? If the modules you choose have a total of 15 or more credit points, you have the option to pursue your individual certificate and graduate with an official university certificate.