Chinese Law and Comparative Law

While the world population has tripled during the past 50 years, water demand has increased six-fold. Today, more than one billion people worldwide still lack access to clean drinking water. Due to increasing water scarcity, climate change effects and uncontrolled water pollution from non-sustainable development, serious water crises are to be expected in the near future.
The sustainable management and protection of groundwater resources with innovative strategies is increasingly gaining importance. The complexity of water resources management requires highly qualified and interdisciplinary experts.
The international Master's programme "Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience (HEG)" at the University of Göttingen conveys modern know-how in the fields of the hydrogeology of georeservoirs, groundwater resources and contaminant transport in the subsurface. Special courses are offered in water resources planning and management, groundwater modelling, environmental monitoring and remediation, surface water modelling, and geothermal energy. Attention is given to quantitative and practical approaches and the course materials comprise, next to the theory and exercises laboratory and field experiments as well as field trips. Master's thesis and assigned projects are generally linked to research projects in the field of fractured and karstified rock hydrogeology, water resources issues in semi-arid regions, characterisation of geothermal reservoirs and contaminant transport in groundwater, in order to get the students involved into research at an early stage.
The programme aims to prepare its participants for professional work as hydrogeologists, water resource or environmental experts in research, consulting or administration in the public or private sectors.

Educational organisation

The programme includes introductory theoretical and practical courses on surface and groundwater hydrology, as well as specialised modules on the above topics. The curriculum comprises eight compulsory modules, followed by four advanced modules to be selected from a total of six advanced modules. The course is divided into three semesters of lectures and practicals, followed by one semester during which the Master's thesis is written.

Compulsory Modules
First semester: General Tools, Hydrogeology I, Hydrogeochemistry
Second Semester: Hydrology, Hydrogeology II, Groundwater Modelling and Geophysics
Third Semester: Projects

Elective Advanced Modules:
Third semester: choice between A and B, A and C, or B and C
(A) Systems Modelling and Integrated Water Resources Management
(B) Georeservoirs I and Georeservoirs II
(C) Water Pollution Control & Remediation and Environmental Monitoring

Type of lectures:
Lectures, seminars, field and laboratory studies, software/GIS applications, exercises, field trips and a few block courses during the semester break.

The organisation of the programme is subject to change.

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional: Master's thesis project can be done abroad.

Internships

Optional

Forms of assessment

Types of examinations vary: written or oral exams, project case studies, reports or essays.

Course objectives

The international Master's degree programme "Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience" (HEG) at University of Göttingen qualifies professionals for the water resource and environmental technology sector. With a modern, interdisciplinary and international approach to teaching and learning, the course provides state-of-the-art knowledge together with practical skills.

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English.
The following tests and levels are accepted:
a) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
b) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
c) International English Language Testing System (IELTS): at least 6.0
d) Test of English as a Foreign Language (paper-based TOEFL): at least 550 points
e) Test of English as a Foreign Language (computer-based TOEFL): at least 220 points
f) Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-based TOEFL): at least 80 points
g) UNIcert - Level III
h) CEF (Common European Framework) - C1 certificate
A certificated copy of the official document must be submitted with the application documents.

Academic requirements

Prerequisite for subject relevance of the undergraduate degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) is proof of at least the following components:
Components from the fields of geosciences, chemistry, physics, hydrogeology, geography, geoecology, environmental sciences, mathematics, or biology in an accumulated scope of at least 60 credits, acquired within the framework of a degree programme in natural sciences or in a degree programme in engineering sciences with close affiliation to natural sciences
For applications, please use only the application form which can be downloaded at http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/57178.html

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.
Numerous research projects at the Centre for Earth Sciences at the University of Göttingen may offer opportunities for student collaboration.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g. international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
An orientation week is also organised by senior Master's students.

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.