Welcome to IMES – the International Master of Environmental Sciences

Understanding and solving environmental challenges requires more than one perspective.

Human activity has left a mark on every part of the planet — from chemical traces in Antarctica to depleted soils and polluted rivers across continents. The overuse of natural resources and disruption of ecosystems threaten the very basis of our survival.

At the same time, there is growing global interest in understanding and protecting the environment. Addressing environmental problems requires more than specialized knowledge — it calls for a broad, interdisciplinary perspective that connects science, society, and policy.

The International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES) at the University of Cologne offers exactly this approach. The program combines natural science, legal and policy frameworks, social and economic dimensions, public health perspectives, and environmental education.

IMES prepares students to analyse the complex interactions between human activity and natural systems — and to develop informed, practical solutions for environmental challenges worldwide.

If you're ready to explore the science behind global change — and be part of shaping a more sustainable future — IMES welcomes your curiosity, commitment, and perspective.