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The MSc "Physical Geography: Environmental History" focusses on the reconstruction of environmental and climatic history, as scientific expertise in this field is paramount today. The programme provides physical-geographical knowledge and skills that will enable students to analyse, interpret, and evaluate the complex effects of natural and anthropogenic environmental changes on nature and society. Global environmental changes are one of the biggest social, political, and cultural issues of the 21st century. In order to cope with their complexity, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches in teaching and research have been developed to qualify students for linking natural and anthropogenic phenomena. This Master's programme is unique in Germany. It includes courses in physical and human geography, archaeology, geosciences, paleobiology, and environmental physics. To ensure high academic quality and practical orientation, the programme draws on both expertise within the University of Bremen as well as on partnerships with regional scientific institutions in Bremen and Lower Saxony. All classes are taught in English. Students holding a BSc degree in Geography with a focus on Physical Geography, in Geo or Earth Sciences with a focus on Sedimentology or Quaternary Geology, or in Archaeology focussing on Geoarchaeology are welcome to participate in the programme.
The first semester (introductory phase) takes into account the different levels of knowledge and provides basic courses in the form of compulsory lectures and seminars in the Consecutive Core Subjects, which encompass the disciplines of climatology, environmental physics, geosciences, limnogeology, prehistoric archaeology, vegetation history, and archaeobotany. Students elect three out of six Consecutive Core Subjects starting in the first semester and ending at the end of the second semester.
In the second semester (advanced study phase), the Consecutive Core Subjects are continued. They are closely interconnected and consolidated by means of research-based and hands-on training, particularly in the framework of field and laboratory exercises. Furthermore, computer-based analyses and visualisation techniques of spatio-temporal data and processes are conveyed.
The third semester (individualisation phase) involves project work as well as additional electable modules with specialised lectures, exercises, and field trips in the disciplines of marine environmental archives, soil science, and regional environmental history. Students can combine these options with a study abroad or with an internship to gain a deeper insight into the research practice of environmental and climate reconstruction. Participation in ongoing research projects fosters an intensive interdisciplinary research experience and allows for the combination of the project module, the internship, and the final Master's thesis in a meaningful way. These options enable students to develop their own individually tailored study profile in order to support their intended professional careers.
In the fourth semester (final phase), students work on their Master's theses.
The first semester (introductory phase) takes into account the different levels of knowledge and provides basic courses in the form of compulsory lectures and seminars in the Consecutive Core Subjects, which encompass the disciplines of climatology, environmental physics, geosciences, limnogeology, prehistoric archaeology, vegetation history, and archaeobotany. Students elect three out of six Consecutive Core Subjects starting in the first semester and ending at the end of the second semester.
In the second semester (advanced study phase), the Consecutive Core Subjects are continued. They are closely interconnected and consolidated by means of research-based and hands-on training, particularly in the framework of field and laboratory exercises. Furthermore, computer-based analyses and visualisation techniques of spatio-temporal data and processes are conveyed.
The third semester (individualisation phase) involves project work as well as additional electable modules with specialised lectures, exercises, and field trips in the disciplines of marine environmental archives, soil science, and regional environmental history. Students can combine these options with a study abroad or with an internship to gain a deeper insight into the research practice of environmental and climate reconstruction. Participation in ongoing research projects fosters an intensive interdisciplinary research experience and allows for the combination of the project module, the internship, and the final Master's thesis in a meaningful way. These options enable students to develop their own individually tailored study profile in order to support their intended professional careers.
In the fourth semester (final phase), students work on their Master's theses.
Educational organisation
You will participate in interdisciplinary lectures, seminars, and projects. You will also gain experience through laboratory and field courses. Lecturers are leading experts in their respective fields and will provide you with information about up-to-date research questions. Thus, you will participate in ongoing research by working on your own projects while preparing your Master's thesis.Study abroad unit(s)
You can study abroad at the University of Bremen's partner universities around the world. This is especially possible during the third semester. You can also complete an internship abroad.Internships
There is no mandatory internship. However, you are highly welcome to complete an internship around or during the third semester to deepen your individual profile for your professional career.Forms of assessment
Written and oral exams in accordance with the guidelines, Master's thesisThe programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.
Course objectives
Interdisciplinary projects combined with methodological training in the field, in the laboratory and on the computer (including geographical information systems - GIS), qualify you for different applied labour markets. These include jobs in public administration, planning offices, adult education, media sectors, and information technology. An academic career is also possible.Language requirements
Applicants must provide proof of English skills at the C1-level.German language skills are desirable but not mandatory.
Academic requirements
Students holding a BSc degree in Geography with a focus on Physical Geography, in Geosciences or Earth Sciences with a focus on Sedimentology or Quaternary Geology, or in Archaeology with a focus on Geoarchaeology are welcome to apply. Admission requires a letter of motivation with a total length of 1,000 words, explaining your interests as well as your academic or professional background. In addition, a CV in tabular form and either a Bachelor's certificate and report or a preliminary transcript of records attesting at least 135 ECTS credits are mandatory. The Bachelor's certificate and report must be in English or German; certificates in other languages have to be translated.During the selection process following the application deadline, you can earn points based on the average of your grades, your letter of motivation, and the technical relation of your Bachelor's programme to this Master's programme. Depending on your score, a ranking is set up and applicants are selected accordingly. No responsibility is taken for the correctness of the admission requirements. The information shows an excerpt of the admission regulations from 24 June 2015. Please be aware, that the requirements may change from year to year. For updated information, please visit http://www.uni-bremen.de/master.
Enrolment fees
Fee of about 280 EUR per semester (includes ticket for public transportation)Costs of living
From about 600 EUR per monthJob opportunities
Depending on your visa, you may apply to work as a student assistant in ongoing research projects.Services and support for international students
Course coordinators as well as special trained staff within the "Kompass Programme" for international students offer supervision and mentoring.The University of Bremen won the "International University 2012" award for the best and most innovative support of international students.
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