Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources
The world needs bold, innovative solutions at the interface between society, the environment and technology. This is something which requires environmental experts and sustainability specialists. With our master’s programme, you'll become a part of this!
Join us! Good reasons for pursuing a master's in Environment and Natural Resources in Wädenswil
How can we make the transition to a sustainable society? Which ideas, strategies, methods and solutions enable this transformation? These questions form the starting point of this unique master’s programme, which combines technological, natural and social science disciplines to address central challenges of our time.
You specialise in one of the following topics: Agroecology and Food Systems, Biodiversity and Ecosystems or Ecological Engineering and Renewable Energy, and thanks to a wide range of modules and diverse collaborations, you can set your own personal area of focus. Furthermore, by integrating into a research group, you will benefit from individual advice and support on this path. We work with you on real research and business projects.
- You specialise in your topic and are given individual support by our experts.
- The flexible design enables you to combine your studies with work and personal circumstances.
- You will gain a wide range of insights into the key sustainability and environmental issues facing society.
- As a university of applied sciences, we orientate ourselves on issues which are applicable practically in real life and develop future-oriented solutions in cooperation with partners from industry.
- You have the opportunity to complete a second university degree thanks to the double degree programme with our partner universities in Slovenia, Germany and Norway.
"I don't just want to watch our world change, I want to actively work for a future worth living in. In the master's program, I learn everything I need to do this and, as a career changer, I can combine what I have learned with my knowledge from other training programs."
Sarah Brühlmann, Student
Your specialisation
You decide on your personal major (Master Research Unit MRU): Agroecology and Food Systems, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, or Ecological Engineering and Renewable Energy.
As part of this MRU, you select a research group for your individual specialisation. The collaboration with your research group makes up half of the course and gives you in-depth insights into research and development work. During your studies, you will build up a professional network with our partners from industry and research. You can choose the regular option (30 ECTS) or the extended option (45 ECTS). With the extended option, you can specialize even more in your field of study.
Choose your specialisation:
Agroecology and Food Systems: We examine the complex relationships in the food system and develop innovative solutions for sustainable development based on agroecological principles.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: We examine and research the diverse interactions and networks in terrestrial and aquatic systems in rural and urban areas.
Ecological Engineering and Renewable Energy: We research and develop sustainable energy and mobility systems as well as eco-technologies as key elements of a sustainable society.
"After my bachelor's degree, I felt like broadening my horizons and expanding my knowledge in terms of the environment and sustainability. The master's offered me exactly this opportunity and so I was able to expand my knowledge from biology with technical knowledge. The diverse modules allowed me to gain all kinds of insights into various fields of my interest."
Alena Frehner, Graduate
Module overview
International Mobility
The double degree programmes enable you to obtain a university degree which can then open the door to doctoral studies. We offer the double degree with the following degree programmes:
- Master's degree in Water Science and Environmental Engineering at University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Master's degree in Applied Ecology at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
- Master's degree "Ökologische Landwirtschaft und Ernährungssysteme" (Organic Agriculture and Food Systems) at Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, Germany
Or you can do an exchange semester at one of over 60 partner universities of the Institute of Environment and Natural Resources.
«The double degree allows me to specialize in additional topics within a very short time and to get one step closer to my professional goals with the additional master's degree.»
Carmen Maria Burri, Graduate