Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering (NHRE)

The Master's program in Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering (NHRE) at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex phenomena of natural hazards and their impact on civil structures and infrastructures. This program is designed for students who are eager to deepen their knowledge of how natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and storms influence the built environment and how to develop resilient engineering solutions to mitigate these risks. Throughout the course, students will explore advanced topics in structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, material science, and hazard assessment, integrating these disciplines to evaluate and improve the safety and sustainability of engineering constructions under extreme natural conditions. The program emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work, case studies, and project-based learning, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges faced by engineers and policymakers. With a strong focus on risk management, this Master’s program prepares graduates for careers in research, consulting, designing disaster-resistant infrastructure, and contributing to policies on disaster preparedness and resilience. Collaboration with international experts and engagement with ongoing research projects ensures that students are at the forefront of developments in hazard modeling, early warning systems, and innovative structural solutions. Graduates of NHRE will be equipped with the scientific rigor, technical expertise, and strategic thinking necessary to minimize the impact of natural hazards on society, making a meaningful contribution towards creating safer and more resilient communities worldwide. The program is suitable for individuals with a background in civil engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, or related fields seeking specialized knowledge in natural hazard risk assessment and structural resilience. Upon successful completion, students will earn a recognized Master of Science (MSc) degree, opening opportunities for advanced research, academic careers, or leadership roles in industry and public agencies involved in disaster risk reduction.

Educational organisation

The curriculum (four semesters) consists of a total of 59 compulsory hours (66 credits), 15 optional required hours (18 credits) and at least 10 elective hours (12 credits). Students must select and successfully complete a project as one of their optional required modules, and their Master's thesis (four months or 24 credits). Upon request, students may be permitted to participate in this degree programme on a part-time basis.

Forms of assessment

During the semester, academic progress is assessed on the basis of homework assignments, semester papers and project work. At the end of each semester, academic progress is evaluated through examinations.

Course objectives

The increasing occurrences of natural hazards all over the world, as well as their various effects on individuals, societies and modern economies, is one of the major challenges for decades to come. The Master's course in Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering confronts this challenge by providing indispensable tools for dealing with these phenomena in various civil engineering design processes. The Master's course combines practical structural engineering with state-of-the-art concepts in the fields of computational mechanics, dynamics and probability theory/stochastic analysis. The Master's course thus provides key qualifications for innovative work in the field of earthquake, flood and wind engineering, as well as offering an international context in which students can achieve both technical success and personal advancement.

Language requirements

Candidates must provide proof of English language proficiency equivalent to level C1 (European Framework) by submitting either:
1. Proof of English proficiency as a native speaker (certificate of higher education entrance qualification or first-level professional qualification [i.e. undergraduate degree] from an English-speaking country), or
2. Proof of English proficiency at level C1 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, certified by one of the following internationally recognised certificates:

• TOEFL (Internet: 79, computer: 213, paper: 550)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, Grade C
• IELTS, band 6.0

or another equivalent certificate

Academic requirements

The minimum qualification for admission to this programme is either a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or an equivalent professional qualification with a final grade of minimum 2.5 (according to the German system). The Examination Committee must ensure that the candidate's prior degree is equivalent to that of the BSc programme in civil engineering. If not, the Examination Committee may admit students under conditions which the candidates must fulfil at a later point. In such cases, candidates are not legally entitled to gain admission to the programme.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 160 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services and the student council. It further includes free regional transport, student discounts for meals at the university cafeteria, and theatre and museum tickets as well as many other activities. The additional fee for the student ID ("Thoska") is 20 EUR (one-time only fee).

Costs of living

In Weimar, living expenses tend to be lower than in larger German cities. We recommend that students budget at least 700 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

The graduate programme of the Faculty of Civil Engineering offers up to three positions for graduate assistants per academic year, awarded to international students of the NHRE Master's programme. The workload is an estimated twelve hours per week, adding up to a remuneration of about 400 EUR per month.
Contracts are initially drawn up for one year but can be extended for the duration of the second year if so agreed by both parties.
As well as providing opportunities for academic assistantships, student services and the student council assist students in finding jobs. We still recommend that students plan their finances well ahead and not rely on additional earnings.

Funding opportunities within the university

• University Scholarship Programme for International Students
• Scholarship Programme of the Association for Sponsorship of Students of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
  http://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/international/to-weimar/scholarships/

Arrival support

International Office
international-office@uni-weimar.de
Phone 1: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 63
Phone 2: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 73
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 75
http://www.uni-weimar.de/international
Address for visitors:
Campus.Office
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15
99423 Weimar
Germany

Weimar International Network (WIN)
Information, services, and buddy programme for international students prior to arrival
http://www.uni-weimar.de/projekte/win/

Services and support for international students

Academic support and counselling office: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Mrs Birgit Bode
birgit.bode@uni-weimar.de
Phone: +49 (0) 36 43-58 45 68
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 45 65

International Office
international-office@uni-weimar.de
Phone 1: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 63
Phone 2: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 73
Fax: +49 (0) 36 43-58 23 75
http://www.uni-weimar.de/international
Address for visitors:
Campus.Office
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15
99423 Weimar
Germany

Weimar International Network (WIN)
http://www.uni-weimar.de/win
WIN is an online platform of services for international students in Weimar. It offers useful information and events, fosters contact between international and German students, and provides orientation for newcomers to Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
WIN offers helpful advice, links, and contact information. You can also register to participate in cultural exchange programmes and subscribe to the monthly newsletter "curious@bout Weimar." The calendar contains information about upcoming international events in Weimar and the surrounding region.
WIN is a project of the International Office of Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, coordinated in cooperation with student services Thüringen and the student initiative Bauhaus Internationals.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk Thüringen" (student services Thuringia) administers approx. 1,100 apartments in Weimar. Monthly rates vary from 105-280 EUR. The university itself does not provide accommodation.

E-mail: wef@stw-thueringen.de
Phone: +49 (0)3 61-7 37 18 21
Visiting address: Weimar, Marienstraße 15 a
Website: http://www.stw-thueringen.de
Application: https://tl1host.de/SWJ/?lang_id=2

Typically, up to five students share living quarters. Students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and a bathroom. Most rooms are furnished (bed, desk, chair, cupboard, shelf), but kitchenware and appliances are not included. Mentors for international students provide assistance in settling in during the first couple of days and also organise events.

Students advertise private and shared flats on the university website ("Pinnwand"): http://www.uni-weimar.de.