Environmental ethics is a philosophical discipline that deals with the current ecological challenges of our time in connection with social, societal, and moral questions. On the one hand, to meet these challenges comprehensive expertise from various academic disciplines is needed. On the other hand, different issues and questions need to be brought together in order to assess ecological problems from an overall ethical perspective: How can we ensure the just and fair treatment of our environment?

Social-ecological competence also depends on inter- and trans disciplinarity. The search for adequate solutions to social-ecological problems needs – even when already based on an interdisciplinary perspective – a strong ethical orientation in order to understand, assess, and communicate complex alternatives for action. Acquiring these competencies is the fundamental aim of the Environmental Ethics M.A. With a focus on the normative-ethical dimensions of environmental education, the M.A., based at the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Augsburg, is a unique degree programme in Germany.?

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The M.A. includes courses on the philosophical, theological, and historical dimensions of environmental ethics, as well as lectures and seminars on societal, political, educational, economic, legal, and scientific aspects of social-ecological problems. Students can therefore choose to specialise on what they already have some knowledge of or what interests them.

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To gain practical experience, it is highly recommended that students complete an internship during their studies. There is the possibility to undertake an ERASMUS+ supported internship abroad with the NGO Friends of the Earth in Estonia or Malta.?

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Aims of the Environmental Ethics M.A.:

The M.A. aims to develop the following competencies:

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• Well-rounded and multifaceted knowledge and reflective skills on the topic of sustainability and familiarity with various specialist disciplines and the problems they seek to address, as well as the questions, solutions, and strategies for action they have developed.
• Possession of well-founded and justifiable environmental ethics criteria, as well as familiarity with principles and concepts that enable one to adopt an inter- or transdisciplinary perspective on different issues.
• Ability to develop social-ecological strategies for action that consider issues of social-ecological risk management.
• Ability to develop environmentally friendly approaches to the future, particularly as they concern societal and socio-economic aspects and the holistic transformation of society in terms of sustainability.
• Ability to analyse the ecological orientation of institutions and organisations and their sustainable use of resources in order to initiate reflection and consultation.
• Ability to carry out ecological or sustainability based public relations work for government authorities, institutions, companies, international and civil society organisations, educational institutions, political parties, churches, the media, and other civic associations.

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Career prospects:

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Career prospects depend on previous studies and experience as well as the areas of specialisation undertaken in the latter semesters of the Environmental Ethics M.A. Potential career prospects include:

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• Research and other academic work
• Environmental education for sustainable development
• Sustainability consultancy and management
• Public relations work
• Political work / political consultancy

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Future places of work for graduates of the M.A are therefore universities, educational organisations, churches, government authorities and institutions, consultancy firms, companies, political parties, and other organisations, including NGOs.