Environmental Science

The Master in Environmental Science is offered through University of Geneva's Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE). ISE pool distinct disciplinary expertise and backgrounds from various faculties, including the Faculty of Science, the Geneva School of Social Sciences, the Geneva School of Economics and Management, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Medicine.

This Master program aims at interdisciplinary teaching and research within current dynamic and fast growing environmental fields such as climate, energy, water biodiversity, environmental governance, ecological transition and health.

Bridging these fields is the cornerstone of the curriculum offered to students - committing themselves to environmental careers or to fundamental research - an interdisciplinary approach to environmental sciences based on natural sciences and economic as well as social sciences.

Ultimately the master's program, enable the students to professionally navigate within complex and interdisciplinary environmental context far beyond the usual sectorial approach. This broad understanding of fields in natural sciences and economic and social sciences entailed in environmental management is a unique academic offering in Switzerland.

AVAILABLE SPECIALISATION MODULES:

Biodiversity ecosystems and society
Climatic impacts
Energy
Water sciences
Ecological Transition and Society

COMPLEMENTARY TRAINING:

As a complement to the Master's in Environmental Science, students have the option of taking the Complementary Certificate in Geomatics (30 credits). The certificate is designed to provide students with training centred on new simulation technologies which use spatial referencing, in a practical, interdisciplinary setting. (www.unige.ch/cgeom).

Programme length

2 years (4 semesters)

Languages of instruction

French, English

levels B1

More information on this formation

Study Programme

4 semesters (max. 6 semesters) | 120 ECTS credits

Interdisciplinarity and immersion (15 credits)

Fundamentals (18 credits)

Methods (9 credits)

Specialized courses (27 credits)

Elective (18 credits)

Dissertation (33 credits)

Conditions of registration

www.unige.ch/conditions/MA

Admission Conditions

A Bachelor degree in Science, Economics, Social Science, International Relations, Medicine, Law or another degree deemed to be equivalent. HES (University of Applied Sciences) students who are specializing in environmental sciences are eligible for this programme, provided that their application is accepted and that they successfully complete additional courses, which may be equivalent to a maximum of 30 credits.

Merit-based admission.

Government policy analysis and decision making: implementation of Sustainability agendas ( eg. Agenda-21) urban, land-use, transport and energy planning
Private sector consulting for companies: resources management, carbon emission limitation, energy savings
International negotiations: post-Kyoto international negotiations (2012 and beyond), biodiversity, health, habitat
Sectorial opportunities: energy (renewable energy, energy savings, constructions), chemical lab analysis, used waters, environmental heritage management (biodiversity, etc.), health, natural and financial risks, urban and land planning
Consulting firm, administration, politics, scientific journalism, teaching, cooperation
Fundamental research: physics, biology, chemistry, climatology, the humanities and social sciences