Environment and Society

The following documents are required as part of the application process:

1. Fully completed digital application form.
2. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum).
3. Copy of a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS points or equivalent) from programs in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences with significant thematic overlap with the MA "Environment and Society" (for example, but not limited to: environmental studies, literature, cultural studies, history, sociology, anthropology, geography, political sciences, media studies, geology, biology, etc.). Students who have not yet finished their undergraduate studies may apply but can only be accepted on a provisional basis pending the completion of their degree.
4. Transcript of records showing a grade of at least 2,5 on the German scale (or equivalent)
   • In case the first degree is not yet completed, the transcript of records must show the successful completion of at least 150 ECTS points (or equivalent). The diploma (or equivalent qualifaciton) must subsequently be submitted immediately upon receipt.
   • To determine the grade equivalents for degrees obtained outside of Germany, you can use online guidelines or tools.
5. Proof of English language proficiency (see language requirements). Please note that the validity of most test results expires after two years. If English is your native language or you completed your first degree in English in an English-speaking country, you may submit a statement explaining why you should be exempt.
6. Proof of German language proficiency (see language requirements) to be submitted with the application or within a year of admittance into the program at the latest. If you do not yet hold a C1 certificate at the time of application, please submit proof of your current level of German proficiency, including a statement supporting your ability to demonstrate C1 within a year of entry into the program.
7. An original argumentative essay in English, no longer than 2000 words (excluding bibliography). This essay should not be an overview or a summary of the issue, but an argumentative essay that also points to your personal relation to the picked topic (for example in terms of your personal passions or career goals) and includes why you think an interdisciplinary program such as the MA Environment and Society is the right framework to engage with this issue. The essay should address one of the two following prompts:
   • Coming from your own discipline, discuss a pressing contemporary environmental issue or promising innovation to an environmental challenge and explain what an interdisciplinary perspective to this issue might add. If possible, please pick an issue less overarching than climate change or micro plastics, or focus on a specific aspect or dimension of these large-scale issues rather than discussing them in the broad sense.
   • Choose an environmental issue embedded in a particular place and discuss it from a historical perspective, including its relationship to nature and human society in that context. Examples include but are not limited to toxic pollution in a concrete context, the work of an influential environmentalist, issues of environmental justice relating to a specific event or place, the practice of conservation in a specific region/country, the development of environmental policy in a specific country, etc.
   The essay will be assessed based on:
   • Writing quality and strength of argumentation
   • Proficiency of writing language
   • Demonstrated research ability, including robust academic referencing practices (minimum eight secondary academic sources, correctly and coherently attributed citations)
   • Relevance to environmental concerns
8. A writing sample in English or German demonstrating research ability in an environmentally relevant topic (max. 2000 words). This can be, but does not have to be, from your previous study program.

If you are an international student, you will additionally need to submit an application with the LMU International Office. Please note that deadlines may differ.