Global Change Ecology (MSc)

Elite master's programme on global environmental change that links natural-science and social-science approaches to climate, biodiversity, land use, water, ecosystems, policy, and economic responses.

Academic requirements

Applicants must successfully pass an aptitude assessment test consisting of two parts. There is a pre-selection by means of the application documents (motivation letter and Bachelor's transcript of records) and, in case of a positive result, a colloquy.

Minimum GPA

No fixed minimum GPA is published.

English requirements

Applicants must be fluent in English. English skills are evaluated during the aptitude assessment, especially through the motivation letter and interview; certificates such as TOEFL or IELTS are recommended but not mandatory.

German requirements

Proof of knowledge of the German language at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for international applicants is required by the end of the second semester at the latest. The Language Center ("Sprachenzentrum") offers German courses for the students free of charge.

Accepted bachelor fields

Requires a qualifying degree in biology, geography, geoecology, environmental science, international economics and development, philosophy and economics, physics, law, or a related field such as hydrology, meteorology, environmental informatics, landscape ecology, forestry, or agricultural science.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Mandatory internship

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

165.84 EUR per semester as of Summer Semester 2026.

ECTS credits

120

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 165.84 EUR per semester as of Summer Semester 2026.

Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental policy, climate and biodiversity research, sustainability strategy, and ecological analysis in public and private sectors.

• 1

  Culture, Ecology, Change (CEC)

  University of Rostock

  Rostock · Master of Arts · English

• 2

  Ecosystem Sciences (BSc)

  University of Göttingen

  Göttingen · Bachelor of Science · English

• 3

  Ecology and Environmental Change

  Bielefeld University

  Bielefeld · Master of Science · English

• 4

  Water Science and Engineering

  Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

  Karlsruhe · Master of Science · English

• 5

  Environmental and Recycling Technology

  Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

  Nordhausen · Master of Engineering · English