Integrated Natural Resource Management

The INRM programme is an interdisciplinary Master's programme which systematically combines knowledge from natural and social sciences. A modular curriculum has been developed, integrating modules from several areas of knowledge in a systematic and coherent manner: ecology, crop production, livestock production, production technology, environmental management, resource economics, institutional and policy analysis. The overall course structure reflects the spectrum of tasks involved in the management of natural resources.
The objective of the INRM programme is to train experts who are able to apply integrated approaches to the management of ecological and social systems, taking into consideration the complex interaction of these systems and recognising the requirements for sustainable use of natural resources. Graduates of this programme will be able to identify problems in a transdisciplinary way and to develop solutions which integrate findings and methods from different branches of science.

In addition, the INRM programme offers opportunities:

• to gain knowledge in further specific areas such as bioenergy, recultivation of landscapes, agroforestry, technology risk assessment, project planning, agricultural policy, cooperatives, science systems and communication
• to study the international dimension of resource management, e.g. international treaties on resource protection, environmental organisations, etc.
• to learn about institutional issues, such as rules and organisation of intra-company environmental management
• to explore institutions and governance structures for the use and protection of natural resources at regional, national and supranational level

Educational organisation

The INRM study programme features six compulsory modules (CM):

• Ecosystems of Agricultural Landscapes and Sustainable Resource Use
• Environmental and Resource Economics II: Strategies and Policies
• Soil and Water Protection
• Institutional Economics and Political Economy I: Basic Concepts and Applications
• Basic Methodology: Epistemology and Methods in Empirical Social Research and Econometrics
• Master's Thesis

All compulsory modules are taught in the first semester of the study programme, except "Environmental and Resource Economics II: Strategies and Policies", which is taught in the second semester. The modules represent a workload of 6 ECTS each.

The INRM study programme defines four knowledge areas (KA):

• Natural Science
• Social Science
• Methodology
• Management

These knowledge areas integrate the compulsory modules (CM) with elective compulsory modules (ECM) which are to be taken in the second and third semesters. For selection of these elective compulsory modules (ECM), students must choose two from the six priority areas (PA) listed below:
I Methodology and Modelling of Sustainability
II Sustainable Production Processes
III Sustainability Institutions and Policies
IV Land and Water
V Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
VI Climate Change and Renewable Energy

Selection of these priority areas (PA) and their respective elective compulsory modules (ECM) serves to build each student's profile and expertise.
Depending on the student's choice, a study project (SP) - a small research project - can be conducted, which will be credited and will reduce the number of ECMs required.
To allow for freedom of choice in the context of the variety of lectures, seminars, etc., offered at the university, free choice modules (FCM) are included in the study programme.
A Master's thesis with a workload of 30 ECTS credit points must be written in the fourth semester and concludes the study programme.

Internships

Internships are not compulsory, but are encouraged by the Faculty. Support in the search for internships can be provided.

Forms of assessment

Oral examinations, written examination, oral presentations, term and seminar papers, a study project (optional), group work

Course objectives

The objective of the INRM programme is to train experts who are able to apply integrated approaches to the management of ecological and social systems, taking into consideration the complex interaction of these systems and recognising the requirements for sustainable use of natural resources.

Language requirements

Proof of English proficiency: any certificate equivalent to level C1
Proof of German proficiency: basic level A1

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in a study programme relevant to the use and protection of natural resources, for instance:

• agricultural sciences
• horticultural sciences
• silvicultural sciences
• food sciences
• environmental sciences
• ecology
• biology
• geography
• economics and social sciences

In addition, other study programmes can also be accepted as a qualification if certain additional requirements are met.
All study programmes must meet either the "special knowledge 3 and 5" or the "special knowledge 4 and 5" requirements. For more detailed information, please consult the information on the website of the study programme.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 290 EUR per semester (including public transport ticket)

Costs of living

Approx. 700 EUR

Job opportunities

Some jobs may be available for students either at the university or at nearby research institutes, including:

• The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
• The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
• The Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
• The Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys)
• The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering, Potsdam (ATP)

Services and support for international students

International Office of Humboldt University Berlin, Studis4Studis-Programme (studis4studis@uv.hu-berlin.de), see website: http://www.aia.hu-berlin.de/orbis/studis4studis

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Organisation (http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen/index.html) or on the private accommodation market.
For more details see "Guide for International Students" at: http://www.international.hu-berlin.de/an_die_hu-en/wegweiser