Environmental Challenges and Human Responses RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

This cross-locational, research-based Master's degree programme combines knowledge from basic research in environmental sciences on complex environmental systems with basic research on the interaction of environmental systems with society and individuals (human-environment interactions). The methods course provides you with the tools to model such complex systems between people and the environment and to relate them to various fields of application (psychology, communication, economics, spatial planning, civil engineering). This enables you to work out scientifically based options for action and to develop solutions on the basis of interdisciplinary analyses that are both technically possible and socially acceptable as well as practicable.

In addition to courses on the basic knowledge of the various application disciplines, your curriculum includes advanced introductions to the interdisciplinary integration of theoretical knowledge and scientific methods from different subjects. Furthermore, there is a specific focus on research-based learning: through the close connection to ongoing research projects, case studies and empirical Master's theses, you will consistently evaluate options for action on the basis of scientific knowledge.

The programme has a standard period of study of four semesters and leads to a Master of Science degree. A total of 120 ECTS are required for the degree, of which 30 ECTS are for the Master's thesis (including colloquium). The following modular content is taught during the course:

Seven compulsory modules:

• three basic modules
  • Environmental Challenges with Global Impact (8 ECTS)
  • Human-Environment Systems (8 ECTS)
  • Human-Environment Interactions (8 ECTS)
• three method modules
  • Methods in Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research (8 ECTS)
  • Modelling of Ecological Communities (8 ECTS)
  • Social-Ecological Systems Modelling (8 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinary Research Project (6 ECTS)
• Internship (eight weeks; 10 ECTS)
• Individual Studies (8 ECTS)

Seven elective modules (each with 6 ECTS), from which three modules must be chosen:

• Environmental Psychology
• Environmental Economics and Circular Economy
• Environmental Communication
• Societal Transformation
• Urban and Regional Development
• Basics of Urban Mobility
• Urban Water and Resources Management

A mandatory eight-week full time external internship in a professional field that addresses environmental challenges with global impact and possible human responses, from an interdisciplinary perspective of natural, technical and social sciences as well as perspectives from the humanities is integrated as a compulsory module. The internship can also be done in internal research units (research internship).

The programme adviser and lecturers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship drawing on their international network in companies, public administrations, universities, and NGOs.

Application via uni-assist already starts in December for the following winter semester.
Application deadline for non-EU-applicants is 15 June, for EU-applicants 15 July.

All application requirements are already fulfilled if you have or are aiming to complete a degree in one of the following programmes:

• Mensch und Umwelt, BSc at RPTU
• Psychologie, BSc
• Umweltwissenschaften, BSc
• Sozial- und Kommunikationswissenschaften, BA at RPTU
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre, BSc at RPTU
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre mit technischer Qualifikation (BWL tQ), BSc at RPTU
• Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, BSc at RPTU

If you have or are aiming for degrees other than those mentioned above, please note the following application prerequisites.

1. General requirements according to the enrolment regulations of the RPTU must be fulfilled.

2. First professionally qualifying university degree from a state or state-recognised university

3. At least a Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS credits or comparable, of which:

• At least 14 credit points (CP) according to ECTS in empirical research methods and/or statistics, including at least 10 CP in quantitative methods or
  • a) at least 8 CP in empirical research methods and/or statistics and
  • b) at least 6 CP in computer science.
• At least 20 CP in social, political or economic sciences and/or law and/or psychology (excluding methods and statistics) and/or natural or environmental sciences

Students or graduates from specifically named degree programmes are not required to provide proof.

As proof, we recognise the certificate or the certified transcript of records, which clearly shows the number of credit points earned in relevant courses for the respective prerequisite. In addition, individual certificates stating credit points that have been stamped and signed by the university examination office or examination board or by lecturers at a university are also recognised.

Furthermore, please provide us with official module or course descriptions in digital form (direct links) or as a PDF to check the content of the courses listed in your sheet of equivalence. If you do not submit the required module or course descriptions, your application for a place on this degree programme cannot be considered.

SOCIAL FEE RPTU in Landau: 160 EUR per semester

Includes student prices in RPTU canteen, Uni Sport, museums, etc.
For transportation we recommend the "Deutschlandticket".

ASSESSMENT FEE to uni-assist: 75 EUR

MONTHLY COST OF LIVING
including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.
approx. 950 EUR

More information:
https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students-landau/why-rptu-landau/fees-living-expenses

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.) or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these jobs are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

Moreover, the university offers a student assistant job portal:
Hiwi-Stellenbörse — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

International Affairs RPTU and the Welcome Centre Landau support international students in preparing for the German job market by setting up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and info sessions focusing on skills & competences needed to settle down in the German (business) culture.

ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in LANDAU

Apartments are available in the student halls, operated by the Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz. The student halls are located close to the campus so you can get there easily by bike, bus or on foot.

The apartments come furnished with a bed and mattress, a wardrobe, desk and chair. They also include a kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. A starter package provides you with a pillow, a blanket, a cup, a plate, etc.

There is a laundry room with washing machines and tumble dryers in the student halls. Bikes can be stored in the lockable bike garage.

The monthly rent is around 440 EUR to 500 EUR and includes all bills.

Contact the Welcome Centre if you would like to apply for an apartment in the student halls or if you need information on finding accommodation on the private housing market: welcomecenter-LD@rptu.de.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students-landau/travel-accommodation/accommodation