Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution

The Master's programme is organised by the Centre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL), Section for Biodiversity, Ecology, and Nature Conservation of the University of Göttingen. The MSc programme (120 ECTS) is characterised by high-level interdisciplinary studies covered by the faculties of biology, agricultural sciences, earth sciences, and forestry. The leading faculty is the faculty of biology. Therefore, students who enrol in this MSc programme will primarily receive a biological education with a special profile in biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and nature conservation from the scientific point of view.
Students select the focus of their studies (30 ECTS) from plant or animal ecology, plant systematics and physiology, zoological systematics, morphology, and behaviour or evolution of plants and animals. Additionally, forensic biology can also be studied in this programme (30 ECTS). Biodiversity represents an obligatory umbrella module (12 ECTS) for all MSc students.
Students combine their focus of study with five modules of choice (30 ECTS) out of a pool of twenty modules offered by the contributing departments of the faculties named above. Thereby, synergisms of scientific education from different faculties are induced, which provide the basis for interdisciplinary knowledge and further progress in education in the PhD programme. The MSc thesis (30 ECTS) has a duration of six months, and must be written in English. Key competences (12 ECTS) and scientific project management (six ECTS) will provide further skills for the students.

Educational organisation

Consecutive modular Master's programme based on Bachelor's degrees in the fields of ecology, biology and related environmental sciences (e.g. geoecology) with basic knowledge of biology; admittance for students from the international community is possible on the condition of proficiency in the English and German languages; evaluation of modules by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS); the Master's thesis must be completed within six months after successful participation in a two-month research training course (project management and research methods); admittance to the PhD programme is possible before completion of the Master's thesis. For further information please refer to http://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/123968.html

Study abroad unit(s)

Studies abroad are possible under specific conditions; the Master's thesis can also be written abroad.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examinations, written reports and lectures

Course objectives

Master of Science in biodiversity, ecology and evolution with high-level international acclaim

Language requirements

English language skills:
a) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, minimum grade "B"
b) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, minimum grade "C"
c) IELTS: "User Band 6"
d) TOEFL PBT: minimum 550 points
e) TOEFL CBT: minimum 215 points
f) TOEFL iBT: minimum points
g) UNIcert III

German language skills: level B1 (CEFR)

Academic requirements

At least six semesters of study at a university with an academic qualification (BSc degree) in the field of biodiversity, ecology, evolution or systematics or in the field of life and environmental sciences or related disciplines; basic knowledge of biology and natural sciences is required. For the online application procedure (31 March - 15 May) BSc students must have reached the 150 ECTS credit points level, comprising 50 credit points in biological modules, and 125 credit points in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics/statistics) at least. The BSc thesis need not have been completed at the time of the online application.

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.

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.
Programme support is provided by the coordinator of the Göttingen Centre of Biodiversity Research and Ecology (GCBE) within the framework of the MSc programme.

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.