A new English-language master's degree programme will start at Friedrich Schiller University Jena in the winter semester 2026/27. The "Biogeoscience of the Antropocene" programme focuses on the consequences of human activity on the environment and the question of how biological, geological, physical and chemical processes influence each other. Applications are possible from 1 April 2026.

Degree programme deals with environmental processes in the "critical zone"

The new degree programme combines modern environmental research with innovative methods from Geosciences, Biology, Chemistry and Data Science. Over the course of four semesters, students learn to record and investigate complex environmental processes experimentally, analytically and based on data.

The programme focuses in particular on the so-called "critical zone": This comprises the uppermost area of the earth's crust, the soils, the groundwater space and the ?ration zone - i.e. the area of the soil in which the pore space is incompletely filled with water.

Among other things, the students deal with

• the concept of the Anthropocene and how land use changes, urbanisation and climate tipping points influence the stability of the Earth system,
• the role of microbes in important geochemical cycles and greenhouse gas fluxes as well as their genetic adaptability to environmental stressors,
• with mathematical modelling methods to describe and calculate flows in fluids, especially water, and
• the stability and dynamics of elements in natural systems as a basis for the development of remediation strategies.

Laboratory and field practicals right from the start

Right from the start, there are numerous practical courses such as laboratory and field practicals: These provide students with the tools they need to quantitatively record, model and scientifically evaluate complex environmental processes and their interactions. Students also have a wide range of opportunities to set their own focus and thus acquire an individual skills profile.

Diverse career prospects

Thanks to the interdisciplinary education, students have a wide range of career opportunities after graduation. Graduates are excellently qualified to work in research, but also in business, politics and administration. Possible fields include environmental analysis, groundwater and soil protection, remediation of contaminated sites, ecosystem management, environmental education and policy advice.

A degree programme for prospective students with a broad interest in natural and environmental sciences

The degree programme is aimed at students who already have a bachelor's degree in an environmental science subject. Candidates should also have a broad interest in natural and environmental sciences as well as experience with scientific working methods.

"With our new English-taught degree programme, we would particularly like to appeal to international prospective students as well as German candidates who want to prepare specifically for a career in the global working world," says Prof. Dr Kai Uwe Totsche, who played a key role in developing the new degree programme. Academic Advisory Service Dr Dirk Merten adds: "The degree programme is unique in Germany because it accepts processes both on the earth's surface and underground. This so-called 'critical zone' is often neglected, but it is enormously important if you want to understand the complex interactions in the Earth system and develop sustainable solutions for environmental and climate problems."

The degree programme at a glance:
Degree: Master of Science
Standard period of study|regular programme length: 4 semesters
Credits/ECTS: 120
Language of instruction: English
Programme start|start of studies: winter semester

According to the schedule, the programme will be available from the winter semester 2026/27, but is still awaiting approval from the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Status: 12 March 2026?