Forest Sciences

The Forest Sciences Bachelor’s program at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles and practices related to forest ecosystems, sustainable management, and conservation. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare graduates for diverse careers in forestry, environmental protection, research, and policy development. Throughout the course of study, students explore a wide array of subjects including forestry science, ecology, biology, geography, and forest economics, gaining a multidisciplinary perspective on the sustainable use and preservation of forest resources. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory exercises, and internships, enabling students to develop essential skills in forest inventory, mapping, and resource management.

Students will also learn about the impacts of climate change on forest environments, modern technologies in remote sensing and GIS, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks governing forest use. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, environmental awareness, and problem-solving skills needed to address current and future challenges faced by forest ecosystems globally. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and active research projects, students are empowered to contribute innovative solutions to forest management and conservation issues.

Graduates of the Forest Sciences Bachelor's program at Freiburg are well-equipped to pursue careers in forest administration, environmental consultancy, research institutions, or further academic studies. The program’s interdisciplinary approach aims to foster responsible stewardship of forest ecosystems while promoting sustainable development. Upon completion, students will have gained a solid scientific background, practical experience, and the analytical skills necessary for effective management of forest resources in a changing world.

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. A module usually comprises lectures, practicals, tutorials, preparation, reading, independent learning and assessment.
Students earn 5 ECTS credits upon successful completion of each module. In total, 120 credits are required. Included in this is an internship of at least seven weeks (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of six months (30 ECTS).
An important feature of the modularised course system is that it facilitates the active involvement of students in the learning process. The structure and contents of each module are flexible. In most cases courses are taught by more than one lecturer.
Students also have the opportunity to conduct guided research on selected topics instead of some elective modules, which provides them with the opportunity to further train their scientific writing skills.
In addition to conveying specialist knowledge, students are trained to handle scientific methods and solve management problems with confidence. The acquisition of key qualifications is supported through a wide range of teaching and learning techniques.
In view of the requirements of the career market, particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition of:

• Key competences including strong analytical and monitoring skills
• A sound understanding of ecological systems at multiple scales and their response to environmental changes and management
• In-depth knowledge of sustainable management systems and the competence to develop and implement them

Students of the MSc Forest Sciences can choose between two English-taught elective tracks:

• International Forestry
• Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity

Modules of the track International Forestry
First semester:

• Global Environmental Changes
• Research Skills
• Managing Human Environment Interactions
• Forest Resources & Wood Production
• International Forest Governance
• Tropical Forest Ecology

Second semester:

• Spatial Information Systems
• Ecosystem Management
• Plantation Forestry
• Integrated Land Use Systems
• Close-to-Nature Forestry

Semester break: Internship (minimum of seven weeks)
Third semester: five elective modules
Fourth semester: Master's thesis

Modules of the track Wildlife, Vegetation and Biodiversity
First semester:

• Global Environmental Changes
• Research Skills
• Managing Human Environment Interactions
• Biodiversity
• Conservation Ecology
• Research in Wildlife Ecology

Second semester:

• Spatial Information Systems
• Ecosystem Management
• Population and Community Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• Wildlife and Landscape Ecology

Semester break: Internship (minimum of seven weeks)
Third semester: five elective modules
Fourth semester: Master's thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

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

Internships

A seven-week internship is an obligatory part of the programme (10 ECTS).

Forms of assessment

Written exams at the end of each module and/or papers and oral presentations
Students earn 5 ECTS credits upon successful completion of each module. In total, 120 credits are required. Included in this is an internship of at least seven weeks (10 ECTS) and a Master's thesis of six months (30 ECTS).

Course objectives

The competencies students acquire equip them for positions in forest and ecosystem research and management, environmental planning and analysis, as well as for sustainable development at national and international level.
The study programme aims to convey:

• an understanding and analysis of the direct and indirect effects of humans on forested landscapes
• an in-depth understanding of ecological and environmental processes at various levels: cells, individuals, populations, ecosystems, landscapes and global systems
• methodological knowledge and competence to design and evaluate management plans and accompanying research

To achieve this, the MSc course features a wide range of learning environments to impart the theoretical knowledge and the resources to apply this in practical situations through excursions, case studies and internships.
The MSc Forest Sciences prepares students for management positions within the forest, wildlife and conservation management sectors, and at the same time provides the starting point for a scientific career, continuing with a PhD thesis.
Graduates can find employment in public and private organisations or in companies dealing with:

• forest and environmental management
• wood production, timber management and processing
• research
• wildlife and biodiversity conservation
• development aid

Language requirements

English language skills: English language on the level C1 according to the European Frameworks. You must prove your English proficiency by submitting either TOEFL internet-based 100, IELTS band 7, Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English or equivalent tests. Language course certificates from language schools are not accepted.

Academic requirements

BSc degree or equivalent, above-average, in forestry, ecology, natural resources management, environmental sciences, agriculture, biology, botany, or a related field

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 student research assistants or tutors are available in the department.

Arrival support

Pre-departure information available on the programme's website
Support in finding accommodation and with administrative procedures
Orientation days prior to the start of the programme (introduction into 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).