Vanessa (34), B.Sc. Economic Psychology

Q: Compared to your former Bachelor - what difference does it make to be in this M.Sc. program now?
A: The program is very close to everyday environmental problems - theoretical content has good practical examples and topics are brought closer through interactive discourses and group works. In short, the Master's programme allows a good transfer to real life as possible.

Q: What does interdisciplinary work mean to you?
A: Interdisciplinary work makes it possible to view and work on multidimensional topics - such as environmental challenges - in a correspondingly multidimensional way. In my opinion, the different specialist perspectives contribute to a better quality of work on these relevant topics. I also enjoy learning new things, which is of course a given when you work with people with many different areas of expertise.

Q: What surprised you positively? 
A: The campus, like Landau as a city, has a pleasant cosiness without being boring. The place is especially nice in summer. One of my favourite places is at the university library right by the large window with a view of the greenery - simply a pleasant (learning) atmosphere!

Q: Have your expectations been met so far?
A: My expectations have been met so far, I am very happy with my choice of specialisation and the compulsory modules are also very well coordinated.

Q: An insight into the course of study: What did you specialise in and how would you like to use it in your (professional) future? 
A: I have chosen to specialise in Environmental Psychology, Societal Transformation and Environmental Communication - I keep different paths open, but many have at their core the appropriate and effective communication of relevant sustainability and environmental topics to different target groups. Be it research insights or recommendations for action for politicians, corporations or consumers like you and me!

Kim (23), B.Sc. Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Q: Compared to your former Bachelor - what difference does it make to be in this M.Sc. program now?
A: As I expect before, the master's programme differs from my bachelor's degree and is also a lot more theoretical. Nevertheless, I am positively surprised at how many connections there are and how well the bachelor's and master's programmes can be combined, especially in the field of environmental psychology. The many practical examples, group work and lively discussions in particular give me the feeling of being very close to the subject matter.

Q: What does interdisciplinary work mean to you?
A: Through interdisciplinary work, I have found a good way to combine all my professional interests. Working together with people who all originally come from different subject areas is also great fun and opens new perspectives. 

Q: What surprised you positively? 
A: The main positive surprise was the close collaboration with the lecturers. I am also happy how much Landau has to offer and feel very comfortable on campus. 

Q: Have your expectations been met so far?
A: So far, I really like the program, and I am happy to have found a master's degree that allows me to combine and deepen my specialisations and interests. Many topics are close to current events and issues, which I find very inspiring. 

Q: An insight into the course of study: What did you specialise in and how would you like to use it in your (professional) future? 
A: As a result of my bachelor's degree, I specialised in urban planning. Together with Environmental Psychology and Societal Transformation, I feel I can bring a more social point of view to planning and take people's needs more into account. I can also well imagine pursuing this subject professionally later, but I haven't finalised my decision yet. Additionally, I choose Environmental Policy Instruments and the Circular Economy as well as Environmental Communication to better understand sustainable processes and be able to mediate between different actors.

Svenja (24), B.Sc. Human and Environment: Psychology, Communication, Economics

Q: Compared to your former Bachelor - what difference does it make to be in this M.Sc. program now?

A: My bachelor’s already introduced me to interdisciplinary work. In the Master's program, I now experience firsthand what it's like to collaborate with students from different academic backgrounds. The diversity of perspectives greatly enriches our projects. What excites me most is the exchange and working together to solve complex environmental challenges.

Q: What does interdisciplinary work mean to you?

A: For me, interdisciplinary work means pursuing a common goal and combining knowledge and methods from different disciplines to tackle complex issues like climate change. Only collaboration across various fields can make sustainable transformation achievable. These diverse perspectives help develop solutions for environmental challenges and discover new approaches.

Q: What surprised you positively? 

A: I was impressed that many courses are taught collaboratively by lecturers from different disciplines. This already provides insights into various perspectives and how they interact to address environmental challenges. I especially appreciate the close collaboration between students and lecturers, which helps leading in-depth discussions and creating an engaging learning environment.

Q: Have your expectations been met so far?

A: I am very happy with my choice of study program. The elective modules allow me to focus on my personal interests. The close exchange with lecturers and collaboration with the other students create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, there is plenty of space to contribute my own ideas and initiatives.

Q: An insight into the course of study: What did you specialise in and how would you like to use it in your (professional) future? 

A: My focus areas are Environmental Policy Instruments and the Circular Economy, Water and Resource Management and Environmental Psychology. With this background, I can imagine contributing to creating sustainable and resilient cities. However, I have not decided on a specific path yet. Additionally, I am taking courses in Societal Transformation and Urban Planning and Development to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development. This combination provides me with a broad foundation to drive change in various fields.

Antonia (23), B.Sc. Biowissenschaften

Q: Compared to your former Bachelor - what difference does it make to be in this M.Sc. program now?

A: The Master's programme is very different to my Bachelor's. We have more seminars than I had in the BSc and the lectures are often interactive. This makes me learn a lot more and the content is easier to remember. I also feel like I'm dealing with really relevant topics and hope to be able to have a real impact / help shape change. As we all come from different backgrounds, the lecturers make sure to bring us all together and also ask us about our experiences from our disciplines.

Q: What does interdisciplinary work mean to you?

A: For me, interdisciplinary work means bringing together specialists from different fields and, despite differences in methods or interests, combining the skills and knowledge to achieve progress. It also means thinking outside the box. I am convinced that nothing in this world can change (or improve) without interdisciplinary collaboration. That is why we are here, to unite people and knowledge and work together to create a sustainable future for EVERYONE.

Q: What surprised you positively? 

A: The small group size makes it feel like a private study programme. We are given the opportunity to deal with topics that we find important/interesting, but for example the content of the compulsory modules has also taught me new aspects that I hadn't dealt with before but now recognise as very relevant. 

Q: Have your expectations been met so far?

A: I've already learnt so much in such a short time (1 semester), and I've really enjoyed it. All the lecturers are approachable and friendly, the atmosphere among the students, in the lectures and also at the university and in Landau in general is really positive and everyone feels motivated. That really gives me a boost and makes studying very enjoyable. I am very happy with my choice and am looking forward to the next semesters.

Q: An insight into the course of study: What did you specialise in and how would you like to use it in your (professional) future? 

A: I chose the focus areas Environmental Psychology, Societal Transformation and Environmental Communication. Within these, there are many exciting sub-topics that can also be combined well with each other. I'm most interested in Environmental Education and Communication, where I can learn a lot, do research and implement it directly in projects. Nevertheless, I am open to absorbing all the content of the degree programme first and then specialising in a particular direction. The advantage of interdisciplinary work is that you can look into and work in so many different subject areas without necessarily having to have a lot of prior knowledge of all the details and can learn a lot in the process.