- Degree
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Course location
- Gießen
- In cooperation with
- University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland
- Teaching language
- • English
- Languages
- Courses are held entirely in English.
- Full-time / part-time
- • full-time
- Programme duration
- 3 semesters
- Beginning
- Winter semester
- Application deadline
- Rolling procedure, early application is recommended (by 15 July for the following winter semester)
If you would like to apply at short notice, please enquire with the UCD programme director.
- Tuition fees per semester in EUR
- Yes
- Additional information on tuition fees
- Tuition fees in 2025/2026:
EU citizens: 9,890 EUR
Non-EU citizens: 29,100 EUR
The fees cover the whole Master's degree programme and also include the JLU semester contribution.
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- Yes
- Description/content
- Do you really want to make a difference in the world? Are you passionate about life sciences and already have a Bachelor's degree in this field? Do you like to travel, make international contacts and gain experience abroad? Then you've come to the right place!
The international Master's programme in "Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy" provides the perfect combination of science, data management and policy advice on global change, complemented by practical experience and one or more stays abroad. It is offered jointly by Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, in the heart of Germany, and University College Dublin (UCD), School of Biology and Environmental Science, in Ireland. The programme has a duration of 16 months and comprises 120 ECTS credit points. It is taught entirely in English.
Global change refers to planetary-scale changes occurring in complex socio-ecological systems. Understanding the intricate changes in our land, air and water requires advanced scientific knowledge in measurement, modelling and prediction. During your studies you will learn how best to tackle the global challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource consumption, etc.
After three semesters, graduates will receive a joint Master's degree (MSc) from both universities and will be able to build an important bridge between science and policy.
This programme is unique in that:
• You will be involved in active research groups in both universities and will get involved in their ecosystem experiments and field studies.
• You will learn to adapt your role as a scientist, dealing either with expert or citizen interest groups or lay audiences.
• You will acquire transferable skills during a work placement (six weeks minimum contact time) that will make you a sought-after and effective employee.