Environmental Earth Sciences

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Earth Sciences at Free University of Berlin offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the Earth's processes and the environmental challenges facing our planet. The program combines rigorous coursework in geology, geography, ecology, and environmental sciences to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for tackling complex environmental issues. Throughout the programme, students explore topics such as land use, climate change, natural hazards, water resources, mineral resources, and sustainable development. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, analytical methods, and fieldwork, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of Earth's systems and human impacts.Students benefit from close collaboration with experienced faculty members, innovative research projects, and state-of-the-art laboratories. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating scientific principles with policy and management strategies to promote sustainable solutions. Graduates of this programme are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, earth observation, resource management, conservation, and further academic research. With the increasing demand for experts in environmental and earth sciences, this programme aims to provide students with a strong foundation to contribute effectively to environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives worldwide. The flexible structure of the programme allows students to choose electives aligned with their interests, fostering specialization in areas such as geoinformatics, hydrogeology, or climate science. Upon completion, graduates receive a recognised Bachelor's degree, enabling them to pursue advanced Master’s programmes or entry into professional fields. The programme’s integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that students are well-prepared to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

In the master's program, evidence of study and examination performance totaling 120 credit points (CP) has to be provided, comprising

• 60 CP in modules  at Freie Universität Berlin and 30 CP in course units of the study period abroad at Nanjing University (China)
• 30 CP for the master's thesis with defense and accompanying colloquium.

For admittance to the master’s program applicants need to fulfill the following admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographical Sciences, Geological Sciences, Meteorology, Biology, Environmental Geology or in a different degree in Science including 15 credits from the area of  Geographical Sciences, Geological Sciences, Meteorology.
• Proof of English language skills (level C1 CEFR) for applicants whose native language is not English and whose degree was not obtained at an institution where English is the language of instruction.

The admission is limited.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Environmental Earth Sciences program at the Free University of Berlin is primarily supported through a combination of federal and state funding, university resources, and student tuition fees. As a public university in Germany, the Free University of Berlin benefits from governmental financing schemes designed to promote higher education and research activities. The program itself is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of national initiatives to advance environmental and earth sciences research. Additionally, the university allocates internal funds to sustain its academic programs, including laboratory facilities, fieldwork activities, and staff salaries.

Students enrolled in the Environmental Earth Sciences program typically pay semester contributions that cover administrative costs, student services, and public transportation tickets but generally do not include tuition fees for bachelor's degrees, as they are free of charge for EU and non-EU students in Germany. However, students may incur additional costs for study materials, excursions, and optional internships. Funding opportunities for students are also available in the form of scholarships, grants, and research assistantships offered either by the university or external organizations. These financial aids aim to support students with academic excellence, financial need, or specific research interests aligned with environmental sciences.

The program encourages international students to seek funding through various scholarship programs such as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships, which provide financial assistance for outstanding students from abroad. Furthermore, the university promotes participation in research projects and external grants, potentially enabling students to gain stipends or fellowships during their studies. The university's strategic focus on sustainability and environmental research enhances opportunities for students to engage in funded projects that combine academia and practical application.

Overall, the financing structure of the Environmental Earth Sciences program is designed to maintain high-quality education and research while minimizing direct financial burdens on students. The German higher education system's model ensures that education remains accessible, with most costs covered or offset by publicly funded programs, scholarships, and university resources.

The Environmental Earth Sciences program at the Free University of Berlin is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's environment, including its physical processes, ecosystems, and the impact of human activity on natural systems. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, offering coursework in geology, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology, and environmental chemistry. Students will explore the Earth's surface, subsurface, atmosphere, and oceans to understand the interconnected systems that sustain life and influence climate change. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental protection, preparing graduates for careers in research, environmental consultancy, natural resource management, and policy development. Students undertake fieldwork as part of their training, gaining hands-on experience in environmental monitoring, sampling, and data analysis. The program also includes modules on remote sensing, GIS technologies, and environmental modeling, equipping students with modern tools for environmental assessment and decision-making. Collaboration with governmental agencies, research institutions, and the private sector is an integral aspect of the program, providing opportunities for internships and joint research projects. The program is suitable for students interested in understanding and addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles that require an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems. The program's faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners who are actively involved in scientific projects, ensuring that teaching remains current and relevant. Upon completing the program, students will have developed analytical, research, and communication skills essential for careers in environmental earth sciences and related fields. The duration of the master's program is typically two years, and students can expect to be involved in a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, field excursions, and independent research projects. Overall, the Environmental Earth Sciences program at the Free University of Berlin offers an academically rigorous and practically relevant education for those committed to understanding and protecting our planet for future generations.