TU Graz/ Studying and Teaching/ Degree and Certificate Programmes/

English Language Master's Degree Programme Environmental System Sciences / Climate Change and Environmental Technology

Sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting, vegetation zones are changing: The effects of human activity on the climate and the environment are becoming steadily clearer. In the Master's Degree Programme Environmental System Sciences / Climate Change and Environmental Technology (ESS / CCET), you will learn how to recognise and assess the complex interrelationships that take place in systems, such as the environment and climate, as well as how to develop solutions to problems. You will develop strategies and measures for environmental and climate protection and learn how to apply innovative and sustainable environmental technologies.

Quick Facts

  • Duration of study: 4 semesters
  • ECTS credit points: 120
  • Academic degree: Master of Science (MSc)
  • Language of instruction: English

The Master's Programme

In the Master's Degree Programme Environmental System Sciences / Climate Change and Environmental Technology (ESS / CCET), you will increase your competences in different areas of environmental system sciences, placing a specific focus on climate change and environmental technology.

You learn how to perform conceptual, mathematical, and computer-based system modelling and use state-of-the-art chemical and physical analysis methods.

You will broaden your knowledge of the origin, properties, and uses of inorganic raw materials and familiarise yourself with legal principles and regulations you will encounter in the environmental field.

The unique feature of this interdisciplinary NAWI Graz master's degree programme is the integration of systems sciences.

Curriculum

Semester plan

Focus Areas

In the following compulsory modules, you will gain fundamental knowledge of the field:

Systems Sciences: You will explore the subject area of data extraction, integration, and analysis in more detail and acquire knowledge about the resilience and sustainability of systems.

Climate and Environment: You will become familiar with the Earth's climate system and learn fundamental concepts, cycles, and general principles. You will learn physical mechanisms that occur in sustainable environmental technologies, such as raw material extraction and energy conversion.

Applied Environmental Technology: You will complete a practical task, such as those encountered in the fields of environmental analysis or process control. You will begin by conducting a simulation analysis in the laboratory and recording the data. Next, you will perform modelling using software-supported tools. Finally, you will go on an excursion related to the given task.

Ecological Process Design: You will learn methods that are used, for example, to evaluate technological processes with regard to sustainability aspects.

Environmental Management and Legal Basics: You will acquire basic knowledge in the field of environmental law and become familiar with the structure and dynamics of environmental legislation.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemical substances): You will learn about the principles, structures, and objectives of REACH. The REACH concept encompasses the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restrictions of substances.

Interdisciplinary Traineeship: Students define a project with a specific topic, such as the topic “Cement industry and CO2 emissions” and carry out this project under supervision and in teams.

Collaborations and Networks

A close cooperation that facilitates exchange with the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change plays a major role in the master's degree programme. Lectures, guest lectures, interdisciplinary traineeships, joint research projects, and networking are supported by this cooperation. Students also benefit from the interdisciplinary contact to the geosciences.

In cooperation with partners, relevant traineeships are offered (e.g. at KELAG-Kärntner Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft). This gives students a chance to gain practical experience and prepares them optimally to begin their career in this field.

The Environmental Sciences Coordination Office offers a platform with information on various topics such as interdisciplinary internships. The Student Representatives and Interest Group for Environmental System Sciences (USW) is actively involved in promoting further course development and informal exchange among students.

Admission

The prerequisite for admission is a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (see curriculum).

Additionally, you need to provide evidence of competence in the English language.

1. Admission Procedure

For the academic years 2023/24 and 2024/25 there will be no admission procedure.

You can go directly to the next step (2. Admission).

2. Admission

If you have already been admitted to a degree programme at TU Graz, or have studied at TU Graz before, please come to the Registrar's Office in person to complete your admission during the admission period.

Information and Advice

Contact studynoSpam@tugraz.at

Career Prospects

Professional Fields

Graduates are in great demand in the private sector, public service or NGOs and work in the following areas:

  • Evaluation and impact assessment of aspects of climate change.
  • Development of strategies and measures for climate protection.
  • Development, monitoring and optimisation of resource and energy-saving technologies.
  • Development of sustainable products, processes and services.
  • Development and implementation of strategies and processes for sustainable use of energy, raw materials, materials, waste and residual materials.
  • Environmental analysis, environmental monitoring and environmental protection.
  • Monitoring of geological and geoscientific projects.
  • Consulting and support of environmental protection institutions.
  • Implementation of environmental management.
  • Research and teaching at university level.