Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources

The MSc in Environment and Natural Resources will make you into an environmental expert and a sustainability specialist. Choose your specialisation from Agrofood Systems, Biodiversity & Ecosystems or Ecological Engineering.

Unique environmental Master's programme

Careful land use and a sustainable economy are the key societal challenges of the coming decades. How can we bring about change that leads to sustainable development? What strategies, methods and conditions will make this transition possible? These questions form the starting point for the inter- and transdisciplinary Master's in ENR programme.

The goal of the new consecutive MSc is to provide in-depth, disciplinary training. Simultaneously, graduates of this environmental Master's programme, which is unique among universities of applied sciences, possess strong skills in combining technical, scientific and social science disciplines.

10.03.2020

Curious? Visit our next info-event in Wädenswil.

«I chose this Master's program because it takes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing environmental challenges. The scientific modules allow me to strengthen my scientific skills, and I can bring my professional and academic experience into play when examining socio-economic questions. In my opinion, networked thinking makes it possible to take vital action in the field of sustainable development.»

Sebastian Bradford, Agrofoodsystems, Life Cycle Assessment Research Group

At a glance

Degree / Title: Master of Science ZFH in Environment and Natural Resources
Workload: 90 Credits (ECTS)
Duration: full-time 3 semesters, part-time possible
Study options: full- or part-time
Start of studies: autumn
Teaching locations: Wädenswil, depending on the timetable also at partner locations
Language: 1st semester: German, 2nd semester: English
Study fees: CHF 720.00 per semester + additional study-related expenses ...»
Cooperation: Double degree possible with the University Ljubljana (Slovenia), national co-operation with universities and universities of applied Sciences as well as research and business partners
Admission requirements: University of applied science degree in the field of natural resource sciences or a related field ...»

Registration deadline: until 30 April - apply here ...»

We offer

a unique course of programme which, thanks to the involvement in research units, strengthens your disciplinary skills and provides you with socio-economic and technological knowledge
an individual specialisation in your field of Expertise
a paperless study programme with diverse forms and applications of digital teaching
the possibility of a university degree thanks to the Double Degree with our partner university in Slovenia

«We need unconventional, interdisciplinary solutions to problems that manifest themselves at the interface between society, nature and technology. This why our Master’s programme, which trains environmental experts and sustainability specialists for this purpose, is so necessary.»

Martina Weiss, MSc Programme Director

Your career after graduation? Possible future working opportunities.

Study content

At the beginning of the programme you choose your personal specialisation (Master Research Unit, MRU):

Agrofood Systems: Explore the issues of sustainable food production and the associated challenges of climate change, landscape development and resource consumption.

Biodiversity & Ecosystems: Examine and explore interactions and connections in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological Engineering: Research and develop sustainable energy, sustainable mobility systems and the role of eco-technologies as key elements of a sustainable society.

Individual specialisation

For your MRU specialisation you choose a research unit from the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences or one of our partner organisations, where you complete your Master’s Studio (Project Work 1 and 2 as well as Master's thesis). This integration into a research unit, where half of your studies are completed, enables you to pursue an individual specialisation and provides you with an in-depth insight into research and development work. In addition, this model also provides you with the opportunity to develop a professional network of partners from industry and research during your studies.

To strengthen your methodological competence, you choose either the scientific or the socio-economic research profile in order to be able to analyse scientific questions from an appropriate perspective.

Module overview

Module overview
(PDF 526,1 KB)

Module table and descriptions

Modules in English (PDF 1,3 MB)

Annual plan (in German) (PDF 261,4 KB)

International mobility

Would you like to make your study international? We offer you an attractive environment for this: Whether you are attending an exchange semester at a partner university or completing a double degree with a fourth semester in Slovenia - we will be happy to advise you and provide you with unique experiences.

Outgoing students: Opportunities at the MSc ENR

Are you an incoming Student? Would you like to spend a semester in our Master's programme? Check out our brochure and get in touch with us.

Incoming students: Opportunities at the MSc ENR

Partnerships

The Master’s is based on close cooperation in the form of a double degree with the University of Ljubljana. This allows ZHAW students to complete a 4th semester in Slovenia, gaining a university degree (120 ECTS) and qualifying them to begin a Ph.D. programme.

There is also close cooperation with the following institutions:

Working with these collaboration partners makes for a more diverse curriculum. There is also collaboration in research and teaching with the Agroscope and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).