Governance of Risks and Resources

The Master of Science in Governance of Risks and Resources imparts knowledge about problem-oriented interrelations between humans and nature and focuses on the government and management of risks and resources. The courses in the module "Theory and Environmental Policy" teach different theoretical and conceptual relationships between society and environment. Effects of environmental change in society are highlighted.
The module "Governance of Risks" introduces theoretical concepts related to hazards management. The objective is to generate knowledge of scientific methods for risk assessment, modelling its natural, economic and political aspects. The module "Governance of Resources" provides an analytical framework for tackling the economic, political and environmental points of view of resource management. A central part of the Master's programme is dedicated to the practical use of knowledge. Courses in qualitative and quantitative data surveying and analysis as well as applied courses for geographical information systems are combined with problem-oriented guided fieldwork.

Educational organisation

The programme has a duration of three semesters. The first two semesters constitute teaching periods with courses held in Santiago de Chile. The third semester is scheduled for preparation of the Master's thesis. The first two semesters consist of compulsory and optional modules, which must be approved before work on the thesis begins. The compulsory modules take place at the Heidelberg Center for Latin America and are taught by professors from Heidelberg University, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (PUC) and the University of Chile (UC). The elective modules are part of the Master's programmes in Geography offered by PUC and UC. All courses will be taught in Spanish or English.
This is a double degree programme. Part-time studies are possible.

Organisation:
Semester one
-Teorías y Políticas Ambientales 6 ECTS
-Gobernanza de riesgos naturales 6 ECTS
-Métodos de Investigación 6 ECTS
-Optional courses 12 ECTS

Semester two
-Gobernanza de recursos naturales 6 ECTS
-Seminario de Investigación 6 ECTS
-Optional courses 18 ECTS

Semester three
-Master's thesis 30 ECTS

Optional courses
-W1: Gestión sustentable de recursos naturales
-W2: Medio Ambiente y Sociedad
-W3: Recursos hídricos y energéticos
-W4: Riesgos climáticos y sísmicos

Forms of assessment

Assessment will take place in the form of written tests (exams, essays, and reports). The Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis (30 ECTS) which is scheduled for the third semester and must be presented and defended.

Course objectives

The overall objective of the Master's programme is to train specialists with the ability to integrate and apply scientific knowledge in the field of resource management and risk planning. The Master's programme offers an interdisciplinary dialogue between different perspectives from the social, economic and natural sciences. Participants acquire conceptual and theoretical knowledge, develop an understanding of scientific and practical problems, and acquire the methodological tools to elaborate and evaluate development plans and programmes.

Language requirements

Applicants must have English and Spanish skills.
Proof of excellent knowledge of Spanish:

• Spanish native speaker
• secondary education and/or higher education completed in a Spanish-speaking country
• Spanish test conducted by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• certificate of approval of the DELE test from the Institute Cervantes Intermediate Level

Academic requirements

(1) Certificate of high school approval/secondary school completion
(2) Bachelor's degree certificate (or a professional qualification equivalent to a university degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, University of Chile or Heidelberg University, obtained from a university recognised by the Chilean State, or in the case of foreign institutions by the government of the country), which should have been granted in any of these areas: geography, geology, economics, agronomy, engineering, political science, law or other
(3) Record of corresponding grades for undergraduate courses (or equivalent)
(4) Proof of excellent knowledge of Spanish:

• Spanish native speaker
• secondary education and/or higher education completed in a Spanish-speaking country
• Spanish test conducted by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• certificate of approval of the DELE test from the Institute Cervantes Intermediate Level

(5) Letter of motivation
(6) Two letters of recommendation
(7) Curriculum vitae
(8) Other university degrees that may be relevant

Costs of living

Approx. 600 EUR per month

Funding opportunities within the university

The programme will consider granting scholarships in special cases.
http://www.hcla.uni-hd.de

Accommodation

The Heidelberg Center offers apartments for its students. Alternatively, students can rent a private apartment or a room in a private home, or look for a shared apartment.