Master of Arts Environment and Society

About

Understanding the complex relationships between humans and their environment is more important than ever before. To tackle social and environmental challenges constructively, creatively, and equitably, practitioners and scholars across the world increasingly require interdisciplinary knowledge and humanistic understanding. The master’s program prepares students for a range of careers dedicated to fostering and creating an understanding of human–environment relations. It builds upon scholarship in the environmental humanities, an interdisciplinary field formed by histories of the (built) environment, studies in science, technology, and society, anthropology, philosophy, art history, literary studies, and other disciplines engaged with questions regarding the environment.

This cutting-edge program builds upon the international research and graduate teaching expertise of faculty at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). It familiarises students with key issues and methodologies that are relevant for working at the intersections of environment and society. Students learn to think across and beyond disciplines and to critically analyse and communicate challenges and solutions related to the environment. In their coursework that includes field trips and excursions, students explore environmental topics and challenges worldwide. Subjects include climate change, the transformation of urban and rural environments, biodiversity loss, conservation, environmental justice, pollution, and public health.

For prospective students interested in learning more about the program and the application process, there are two upcoming info sessions. Registration for the info sessions is free but required. The dates and links to register for attendance will be listed soon.

Previous sessions:

• 27 January 2026, 18:00 CET (GMT+1)
• 11 February 2026, 10:00 CET (GMT+1)

Program Overview

Why Should I Study This?

The master’s program is designed to educate and train intellectually curious students from a diverse range of academic backgrounds. It is open to domestic and international students. The program helps students build new career paths, take informed positions in discussions about environment and society, and communicate scholarly findings to decision-makers, media, and the public at large.

The program aims to impart the ability to understand, describe, critically analyze, interpret, and communicate complex environmental and societal challenges. Students gain the competence to:

• initiate, advance, and assess relevant transformational processes;
• conceptualize, reflexively evaluate, and pursue individual projects and professional goals;
• communicate and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary contexts.

On completion, students will have career prospects in a variety of fields, including positions in:

• entrepreneurial initiatives and public service;
• international organizations and NGOs;
• business consultancy and policy advice;
• journalism and (digital) media;
• art and curation;
• academia, including doctoral research positions.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

The program is potentially suitable for students holding bachelor’s degrees in a range of related disciplines (including, but not limited to, anthropology, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, literature, history, law, political studies, biology, and ecology) equivalent to at least 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points or a comparative qualification from a higher-education institution in Germany, the EU, or overseas.

As part of the application documents (CV, certificates), applicants will be asked to demonstrate their interest in environmental matters through a motivational letter (max. 800 words) and a writing sample (max. 2000 words). A high level of English language proficiency must also be documented.

German language skills are not required to obtain the degree. However, basic German language skills will enrich the student experience. Please also note that some program electives offered by other departments are taught in German.

For more information on the necessary language skills and other aspects of the program and the application process, please see the How to Apply page and read the FAQs.

How Is the Program Structured and What Is Its Focus?

Successful completion of the four-semester program awards 120 points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS points) and the degree title “Master of Arts.” Students take eight mandatory core modules (including the final module), adding up to a total of 84 ECTS points:

• Introduction to Environment and Society (9 ECTS);
• New Directions in Environment and Society (6 ECTS);
• Research Methods in Environment and Society (6 ECTS);
• Representation and Outreach (6 ECTS);
• Environment and Justice (9 ECTS);
• Critical Perspectives in Environment and Society (9 ECTS);
• Landscapes and Urban Environments (9 ECTS);
• and the Final Module (30 ECTS) in the last semester.

For the remaining 36 ECTS points, students may choose from a wide range of electives in areas including the political, social, and environmental sciences, listed in LMU Munich’s course catalogue. This way, students can explore various disciplinary perspectives depending on their interests.

The program’s detailed structure and more information on its electives can be found on the Structure & Courses page.