MSc Ecosystem Services
An interdisciplinary master’s program that equips students to assess and manage ecosystem services for sustainable development.
Best for:Students with a bachelor’s background in life, environmental, geography, forestry, economics or social sciences who want interdisciplinary training in ecosystem services and sustainability.
Overview
The Master of Science in Ecosystem Services is offered by the International Institute (IHI) Zittau together with the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at TU Dresden, the Senckenberg Museum in Görlitz and the Leibniz Institute IÖR. The four‑semester, full‑time programme combines natural‑science core modules with social‑science methods to analyse biodiversity loss, ecosystem functioning and human well‑being. Students attend compulsory courses, choose electives in areas such as environmental social sciences, biotechnology, forestry or spatial development, and complete a compulsory internship and a master’s thesis. The programme is taught in English and expects graduates to be able to conduct interdisciplinary research and communicate findings to policy makers.
What you'll do
- Attend and successfully complete core modules on ecosystem services, applied ecology, empirical social research and ecosystem accounting.
- Select and complete elective courses in one of the focus areas (e.g., environmental social sciences, biotechnology, forestry, spatial development).
- Conduct a compulsory 3‑ to 6‑week internship to apply ecosystem‑services concepts in a professional setting.
- Develop and defend a master’s thesis that integrates natural and social science methods to address a real‑world sustainability challenge.
- Participate in optional mobility semester abroad and engage with international guest lecturers.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in life or environmental sciences, geography, forestry, economics, business management or social sciences with an environmental focus
Degree offered: MSc
Language: English B2; official certificate such as TOEFL iBT (minimum 80) or IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0)
Instruction: English
- Basic understanding of ecological and biodiversity concepts
- Fundamental quantitative research skills (statistics, data analysis)
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
- EU applicants: application period 1 April – 15 September for the winter semester
- Non‑EU applicants: application period 1 April – 15 July for the winter semester
- No minimum German language level required
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-09-15
Prepare a CV, motivation letter, school‑leaving certificate, degree certificate, academic transcripts and an English proficiency certificate. Submit the complete application online via the university portal and, if required, send the documents to the postal address of IHI Zittau. Follow the specific deadline for your citizenship status (EU or non‑EU).
- CV
- Motivation letter
- School‑leaving certificate
- University degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency certificate
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