Environmental Governance

The Master of Science in Environmental Governance at the University of Freiburg offers students an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing our environment today. This program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop effective policies, manage natural resources sustainably, and promote environmental justice across local and global contexts. Throughout the course of study, students explore key topics such as ecological economics, environmental law, governance theory, climate change mitigation, conservation strategies, and participatory decision-making processes. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, including case studies, project work, and field research, enabling students to analyze real-world environmental issues critically. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in policy development, environmental consultancy, advocacy, or further academic research. The University of Freiburg's commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in this program's pedagogical approach, which encourages students to think critically about the ethical and societal implications of environmental governance. With access to a vibrant academic community and extensive networks with environmental organizations and policymakers, students have ample opportunities for internships, seminars, and collaborative projects. Graduates of this master's program will be well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development efforts worldwide, leveraging a thorough understanding of governance mechanisms and environmental challenges to promote positive change. The program's duration typically spans four semesters, culminating in a master's thesis that allows students to deepen their research on a specific environmental governance issue of their choice. Overall, the Master in Environmental Governance at the University of Freiburg prepares future leaders to navigate and shape the evolving landscape of environmental policy and sustainability.

Educational organisation

All teaching modules are divided into blocks of three weeks to facilitate in-depth coverage and exploration of the topics. The modules are classified as either core or elective. In addition, students can take up to two selected topics instead of a regular elective to conduct individually supervised research projects. Students earn five ECTS credits upon successful completion of each module. In total, 120 credits are required. Included is a practical training of at least seven weeks (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of six months (30 ECTS).

Modules of the first semester:
Sustainability and Governance
Global Environmental Changes
Global Societal Changes
Managing Human-Environment Interaction
Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning
Regional Studies (Integrated Case Study I)

Modules of the second semester:
Economics, Institutions and the Environment
Environmental Policy Analyses
Sociology and Psychology of Environmental Knowledge
Ecosystem Management
Sustainable Planning and Assessment (elective)
Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (elective)
Urban Transformation and Planning Responses (elective)

Semester break: Internship

Modules of the third semester:
Research Skills
Rural Development (Integrated Case Study II)
Environmental Conflict Management and Participation (elective)
Environmental Movements and NGOs (elective)
Technology Assessment and Sustainable Development (elective)
Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (elective)

Study abroad unit(s)

None, but most of the students go abroad for their internships.

Internships

An internship lasting for a minimum of seven weeks is to be completed during the summer break between the second and third semesters (10 ECTS credits). The MEG internship supervisor will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Written exams at the end of each module and/or papers and oral presentations (5 ECTS credits per module)
Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits)

Course objectives

Graduates will be in a position to reflect critically upon the manifold relationships between humans and the natural environment, as well as on the various methods and approaches for careful handling of natural resources as the basis of feasible development for the future. Where appropriate, graduates will be able to work towards enhancing these natural resources. They can plan, implement and evaluate social negotiation and decision-making processes in a context-sensitive manner, i.e. they are sensitive to space, structure and culture. The objective is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain an exceptional education in the field of environmental governance. Upon their return to their native countries, the acquired knowledge can be implemented in concrete actions, exercised from central positions.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL iBT 100 (internet-based); IELTS band 7 or Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (CAE)

Academic requirements

BSc (or equivalent first degree) well above average in the fields of social sciences, environmental sciences, economics, law, or engineering. At least some of the courses taken in the aforementioned degree must be relevant to Environmental Governance.
Applicants for DAAD scholarships from developing countries must have two years' of work experience.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

As a student, you are allowed to work up to 120 days per year and 85 hours per month. A limited number of positions as a student research assistant or tutor are available in the department.

Arrival support

Pre-departure information available on the programme's website
Pick-up service on request
Buddy programme
Support in finding accommodation and with administrative procedures
Three orientation days prior to the start of the programme (introduction to the programme, administrative issues, workshop on intercultural communication and German culture)

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de).