SUFONAMA — Sustainable Forest and Nature Management

SUFONAMA — Sustainable Forest and Nature Management at the University of Göttingen is an interdisciplinary master's program designed to prepare students for the complex challenges of preserving and sustainably managing forest ecosystems and natural resources. This program combines advanced coursework in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, and management, enabling graduates to develop innovative solutions for conservation, sustainable utilization, and ecological restoration. Students will acquire comprehensive knowledge of forest ecology, biodiversity, climate change impacts, and socio-economic aspects influencing natural environments. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through fieldwork, project work, and internships, ensuring that students are well-equipped to address real-world environmental issues across various geographical contexts. The program encourages an integrated approach, blending scientific research with sustainable practices and policy development, fostering responsible environmental stewardship. Students will also learn about ecosystem services, forest policy, GIS technologies, and sustainable resource management strategies. The international orientation of the program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, governmental agencies, international organizations, and private sector companies focused on environmental management and conservation. Graduates will gain the ability to assess environmental impacts, develop sustainable management plans, and contribute to policy-making processes to promote ecological balance and sustainable development. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, essential for effectively tackling environmental challenges in a global context. Upon completion, students will obtain a master's degree recognized internationally, opening pathways to pursue doctoral research or specialized professional roles in forest and nature management. With a focus on sustainability and responsible resource use, SUFONAMA offers a comprehensive academic experience that prepares students to become leaders in the field of environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Educational organisation

The course of study consists of a first study year at one of three institutions (Bangor, Copenhagen, Göttingen) and a specialising second study year with different topics offered by each of the five universities. Students are required to spend their second year at a different university than their first year.

First year
The aim of the first study year is to provide a thorough and broad introduction to sustainable forest and nature management. The learning outcomes are similar at the three first-year institutions and allow students to choose freely among the five specialisation options in the second year. The year ends with a joint summer module, conducted as a two-week excursion to a consortium country.

Second year
In the second year, students can specialise in one of the following topics: (I) Conservation Biology and Land Management (Bangor), (II) Management of Forests and Nature for Society (Copenhagen), (III) Forest and Nature Management in Changing Climate (Göttingen), (IV) Forest Management in Scandinavia and the Baltic Region (Alnarp), and (V) Mountain Forestry and Watershed Management (Padova). The specialisation includes a Master's thesis based on research and fieldwork inside or outside the EU. When students have acquired 120 ECTS by studying at two consortium institutions (at least 60 ECTS at each), they will obtain a SUFONAMA double degree consisting of certificates from both institutions.

Study abroad unit(s)

One year (60 ECTS)

Internships

This study programme includes the joint summer module where all students meet after their first year. Additionally, the faculty offers an internship during the Forestry in Germany course to give the students the possibility to gain practical experience in the German forestry sector.

Forms of assessment

Various

Course objectives

The overall objective of the SUFONAMA programme is to provide a top-level and up-to-date education which qualifies graduates to cope with the huge challenges in contemporary forest and nature management in countries where the forest-nature paradigm has shifted in recent years. This goal is achieved by imparting a broad knowledge of the new paradigm in forest and nature management to students in the first year of studies and giving them the opportunity to specialise in one of five well-defined fields in the second year. The research-based thesis should be in the student's field of specialisation.
The five institutions of the consortium all have significant experience in research-based teaching on forest and nature management. They have complementary focus fields in their research and thus advantages in different areas of teaching. SUFONAMA provides students with a single entry point access to the best of forest and nature research-based teaching. The consortium will increase European competitiveness in the area of forest and nature management by providing the best teaching for each field of specialisation, by increasing the transparency of forest and nature management teaching in Europe and by establishing easy access. To further increase the quality of the teaching, the consortium will continue to collaborate with colleagues in non-European countries.
During their studies, students are extensively exposed to the reality and practice of the relevant countries - during course work, thesis work and the joint summer module. Through a top-level, research-based education, graduates will gain the required competencies for working with sustainable forest and nature management issues: a significant theoretical foundation, practical and international experience and a cross-disciplinary approach. Successful students will be able to apply to high-level PhD programmes or pursue a career in international and government agencies, consultancies, private companies and NGOs.

Language requirements

Good English language proficiency

Academic requirements

The main selection criteria for applicants are:

• a good BSc degree in forestry, biology, or related fields such as environmental science or geography, alternatively in economics, management, or political science
• good English language proficiency
• curriculum vitae
• personal statement of motivation
• recommendations from two referees
• relevant work experience may be an advantage

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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

No enrolment fee - covered by tuition 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

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job in order to fund their studies, as German students are also looking for jobs. Non-EU students are allowed to work on a maximum of 120 days (240 half days) per year.

Funding opportunities within the university

ERASMUS MUNDUS (EM) scholarships
Approx. 10 EM scholarships are available for third-country students and students from outside the EU and EEA/EFTA countries. The scholarship amounts to 48,000 EUR for two years. Another 5-7 scholarships are available for EU students, amounting to 20,000 EUR.
The SUFONAMA Commission will recommend the best applicants for EM scholarships. Grant holders are selected according to academic potential and in observance of geographical criteria determined by the European Commission. For further information, please see: http://www.sufonama.eu.

Arrival support

At Göttingen, the Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology provides a pick-up service from the railway station and an orientation week for the students.
The International Office also 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.
Full support and service is provided at the Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology, including registration for German language courses and help at the town hall, the bank, etc.

Accommodation

The Faculty of Forestry and Forest Ecology guarantees and handles accommodation in residence halls. The residence halls have single apartments and communal flats and are located near the Faculty of Forestry. The rent for these apartments is approx. 170 EUR per month.
Of course, it is also possible to find private accommodation, either in single or shared apartments. Private accommodation can be found on the internet, e.g. at the following websites: http://www.studenten-wg.de or http://www.wg-gesucht.de.