Joint Master's in Responsible Consumption and Production
Master of Science (MSc) Degree
120ECTS | 4 Semesters
2-Year Programme
Taught entirely in English
7 Partner Universities
Study at a minimum of 2 European institutions
Specialise in Responsible Production
Tailor your curriculum with unique electives
Master of Science (MSc) Degree
120ECTS | 4 Semesters
2-Year Programme
Taught entirely in English
7 Partner Universities
Study at a minimum of 2 European institutions
Specialise in Responsible Production
Tailor your curriculum with unique electives
Are you a natural sciences or engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a passion for making a bigger impact?
Then the international joint master’s programme in Responsible Consumption and Production (RCP, United Nations), part of the New Science and Technology master’s, is exactly the right next step for you!
Tailor your international and interdisciplinary study journey to your liking!
Key Facts
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Total ECTS: 120
- 8 universities
- 25 unique study paths – 3 core specialisations
- Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
- Language of instruction: English
- Home University: Technical University of Leoben, Austria
- Partner Universities: TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany); Technical University of Crete (Greece); Silesian University of Technology (Poland); University of Lorraine (France); University of León (Spain); Hasselt University (Belgium); Hochschule Mittweida (Germany)
Discover the details of your future study programme!
Academic year 2026/2027
Are you interested in using tech, business, and sustainability together to make real change? The Joint Master’s in Responsible Consumption and Production (RCP) at EURECA-PRO is built for that. Taught entirely in English, this 4-semester Master’s allows you to study across a number of European higher education institutions.
Dive into the technical, economic, and social dimensions of the circular economy and acquire the competencies to drive innovation in responsible consumption and production. You will explore big topics like recycling, life-cycle assessment, remediation of mining sites, and how people consume differently in different places. You’ll get both technical and managerial skills: environmental engineering, stakeholder management, consumer behaviour, and resource economics.
Expect to learn hands-on: case studies, summer schools and a thesis that tackles a real sustainability problem. By the end, you’ll be ready for roles like Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Manager, or to continue into PhD research.
What is RCP? / Purpose
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) is one of the United Nations’ global goals for a better future. It focuses on Responsible Consumption and Production – in short, RCP – making sure the way we produce and use goods protects people and the planet. This means designing smarter, wasting less, reusing more, and creating fairer, more sustainable systems worldwide.
This joint master’s is built to help you respond to this global challenge.
By combining natural sciences, engineering, and business, you’ll learn how to:
- Analyse production systems and consumer behaviour
- Design recyclable and circular systems
- Work across the full value and consumption chain using interdisciplinary methods
This programme prepares you to take on urgent issues like resource depletion, environmental impact, and inefficient material use — and to play your part in achieving the United Nations’ vision for a sustainable future through SDG 12.
EURECA-PRO universities
Your studies, your choice!
Discover the various specialisations of our joint programme. Your first semester will be at the Technical University of Leoben. From thereon, it is all up to YOU. Fancy a semester in Leon, Spain or maybe a summer school in Belgium? It is all up to you.
You choose among three specialisations (speciality tracks), depending on your interests:
Resource Supply
Focus on:
- Sustainable resource management;
- mining;
- corporate sustainability;
- Industry 5.0;
- responsible consumption.
Materials
Focus on:
- Sustainable materials engineering;
- advanced manufacturing;
- energy technologies;
- processing and innovation methods.
European Business
Strategy & Management
Focus on:
- Business strategy with sustainability;
- sustainable industrial processes;
- supply chain management;
- integrating socio-economic and environmental dimensions.
1st Semester
Common Foundation – 30 ECTS
Build your foundation in Responsible Consumption and Production through core modules. Start at the home university (TU Leoben) or one of the partner institutions. Courses may vary depending on your chosen starting point.
2nd Semester
Mobility & Specialisation – 30 ECTS
Continue at a partner university, deepening your expertise in your chosen track (Resource Supply, Materials, or Business Strategy & Management). Experience new academic cultures and expand your international network.
3rd Semester
Advanced Modules & Interdisciplinary Learning – 30 ECTS
Personalise your degree by selecting electives or research‑based modules at a second partner university. Take part in interdisciplinary projects linked to real-world sustainability challenges.
4th Semester
Master Thesis Project – 30 ECTS
The final semester is dedicated to your Master’s Thesis, which will be carried out at your starting university, showcasing the expertise and research skills you developed throughout the programme.
Resource Supply
Focus on:
- Sustainable resource management;
- mining;
- corporate sustainability;
- Industry 5.0;
- responsible consumption.
Materials
Focus on:
- Sustainable materials engineering;
- advanced manufacturing;
- energy technologies;
- processing and innovation methods.
European Business
Strategy & Management
Focus on:
- Business strategy with sustainability;
- sustainable industrial processes;
- supply chain management;
- integrating socio-economic and environmental dimensions.
Requirements
- Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree (in natural sciences or engineering)
- Proficiency in English
- Submission of required documents (transcripts, motivation letter, etc.)
How can I apply?
Apply via the Technical University of Leoben website. More information on how to apply for a master’s degree can be found here!
Mobility & Joint Diploma
Students will study at TU Leoben and at least one EURECA-PRO partner university abroad. Mobility is embedded in the programme, ensuring exposure to 2–3 academic environments. Upon completion, graduates receive a Joint Diploma, issued by the consortium of participating universities.
Resource Supply
Focus on:
- Sustainable resource management;
- mining;
- corporate sustainability;
- Industry 5.0;
- responsible consumption.
Materials
Focus on:
- Sustainable materials engineering;
- advanced manufacturing;
- energy technologies;
- processing and innovation methods.
European Business
Strategy & Management
Focus on:
- Business strategy with sustainability;
- sustainable industrial processes;
- supply chain management;
- integrating socio-economic and environmental dimensions.
Career Opportunities
This joint study programme has strong ties with industry, policymakers, and sustainability organisations, opening international career paths in sustainable finance and ESG, green tech and circular economy start-ups, and governmental and international bodies such as the EU Commission, UN, and environmental NGOs.
Graduates can work in corporate sustainability, impact investing, policy advising, and cleantech innovation.
Nicole Bunting
Professor and international relations director at Polytech Nancy (UL)
Ainhoa Villán Vallejo
“Attending the EURECA-PRO Summer School on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Crete was an unforgettable experience.
Beyond expanding my knowledge in new areas, I gained a deeper appreciation for international collaboration and its impact on education and research. Programs like this not only enhance our academic and professional skills but also foster personal growth, cultural exchange, and lifelong connections.”
Student from Universidad de León
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees at the Technical University of Leoben can be found here!
More information on the topic of mobilities and funding will follow shortly.
We are happy to take your questions:
- Contact: study.rcp@unileoben.ac.at
- Programme Director: Univ.-Prof. Clemens Holzer
- Study Support Centre (Leoben) ‒ includes application & admission info, deadlines
Student Support
More info on admission and the application process can be found at the Technical University of Leoben website.
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New Master
New Science & Technology, Specialisation RCP
This master is a study path within the international master degree New Science and Technology
