International Nature Conservation

The course of study provides students with a basic understanding of conservation biology and offers insights into international conservation problems.
The compulsory and elective courses at the University of Göttingen (International Nature Conservation, Nature Conservation Inventories, Population Viability Analysis, Assessing Wildlife for Conservation) focus on basic theories and research approaches in conservation biology, reasons for biodiversity loss, the role of population biology. Furthermore, they deal with methods of describing biodiversity and wildlife populations and practical strategies for recovery.
At Lincoln, a combination of modules is compulsory, including courses in advanced ecology and environmental sciences for environmental policy, research methods in ecology, and aspects of sustainability.
The degree is a double degree offered jointly by the University of Göttingen and Lincoln University, New Zealand. A Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation (MSc/MINC) can be awarded.

Educational organisation

The programme consists of four parts:
1. one semester in Germany at the Workgroup Endangered Species Conservation, University of Göttingen (25%, 30 Credits)
2. one semester in New Zealand at the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation at Lincoln University, Canterbury (25%, 30 Credits)
3. one internship semester including a practical project (25%, 30 Credits)
4. Master's thesis (25%, 30 Credits)

Study abroad unit(s)

Compulsory semester at Lincoln University

Internships

The internship semester with its practical project is an important component of the programme. Students will acquire practical skills by assisting in fieldwork and projects at a scientific host institution or at international nature conservation organisations or NGOs. The practical project will cover a minimum of three months.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations

Course objectives

Upon graduation students will

• have learned to contrast and evaluate nature conservation issues and solutions in countries with different bio-geographical, human, geological, political, cultural and historical backgrounds.
• have gained first-hand practical experience of contemporary conservation issues in a new setting, enabling them to think flexibly outside their home environment and to formulate innovative and novel but practical approaches to solving conservation problems.
• benefit from the academic complementarity of different universities and lecturers, providing them with a unique range of knowledge about different conservation issues. Students will have been exposed to a broader range of course subjects and will profit from the special subjects of the host countries.
• be able to give broader ranges of interpretation and enriched alternative views on common and unique conservation issues.
• have taken part in nature conservation research training based on international collaboration and experience in different countries.

Language requirements

One of these internationally recognised tests of English as a foreign language must be passed (if English is not the native language of the applicant):
a) "Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE)": at least 4, or
b) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: at least with the grade "B"; or
c) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: at least with the grade "C", or
d) CEF ("Common European Framework"): at least Level C1, or
e) IELTS Academic ("International English Language Testing System"): at least Band 6.5 (and in each part at least 5.5 points), or
f) Internet based test of the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" TOEFL iBT: at least 94 points, or
g) UNIcertF: at least level III;
h) at least a two-year stay abroad for studying or working in an anglophone country within the last three years.
i) successful graduation of an anglophone Bachelor's programme
The test of English must have been passed during the last three years.

Academic requirements

Admission to the programme at the University of Göttingen is limited to a maximum number of 10 students each winter semester. Admission criteria are as follows:

• six-semester Bachelor's degree in biodiversity and ecology or equivalent fields
• sufficient knowledge of the English language
• personal motivation
• previous special experiences and expertise in international nature conservation

Applicants will be ranked according to ranking scales found in the admission regulations (http://www.uni-goettingen.de/minc), and the best candidates will be selected. Application deadline for admission is 15 May for the winter semester beginning in October.

• the result of an internationally recognised test of English as a foreign language (if English is not the native language), see language requirements;
• examination transcripts and certificate of the Bachelor's degree (original or certified copy, with an English translation if the original is not in English or German);
• curriculum vitae (in German or English);
• written explanation about the student's motivation to study nature conservation/expression of research interest;
• publications or referee's reports or other documents which highlight the applicant's expertise in the field of international nature conservation

Applicants who fulfil the admission criteria will be ranked, and the best applicants will be selected for a 20-minute interview within one month of the application deadline. The interview focuses on the applicant's background in the field of nature conservation, previous knowledge/expertise, concrete ideas on the content of the programme, and the self-assessment of the working attitudes of the applicant.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.
There is one additional enrolment fee for Lincoln University of about 500 EUR.
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.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university has a scholarship programme called "Deutschlandstipendium" ("Germany Scholarship") for excellent students. Recipients receive approx. 300 EUR per month.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/218085.html

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.

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.