Environmental Sciences (MSc) RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

The "Master of Science in Environmental Sciences" programme at the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau (on the Landau campus) is an interdisciplinary programme combining concepts of environmental chemistry, geoecology and applied ecology, and it includes social sciences and environmental economics.

The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences is a research-oriented programme. The goal of the programme is to develop students' depth of understanding and expertise and advanced methodological skills in the sub-areas of environmental science across different scales from molecules to the landscape. Human activities are considered as ecosystem components. Graduates are expected to gain in-depth, job-related soft skills, experience interdisciplinary teamwork and be proficient at communication (presentation and publication) in order to find solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems.

The Master's programme comprises four semesters of full-time study with a total amount of 120 ECTS.
The programme consists of five required modules to obtain a broad knowledge in the field of environmental sciences (28 ECTS). Students then complete nine elective modules (54 ECTS) from the following subjects: Environmental Analysis, Socioeconomics & Environmental Management, Soil Systems, Chemicals in the Environment, Applied Ecology, Aquatic Systems, Landscapes & Scales, Modelling.

A six-week Research and Training Internship (8 ECTS) at an external research institute or industry partner in Germany or abroad provides practical work experience in the second or third semester. Finally, the degree is to be completed in the fourth semester with a six-month Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

A six-week internship related to environmental sciences (Research and Training Internship) is to be completed during the second or third semester, or even before you start your studies.

Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences (or equivalent programme with a focus on natural sciences) with a minimum final grade of "good" (e.g. 2.5 on a 6.0 scale with 1.0 being the best grade)

We expect at least basic university-level training in biology, chemistry and maths/statistics.

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 students need to integrate into 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

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is a top-ranked German research-oriented university (first place among 146 international universities in nine categories, such as learning, living, support services, and cost in the International Student Barometer 2023). Our university offers high-quality graduate education and (post)doctoral research training in innovative fields of the high-tech world, many of them as international (English-taught) study programmes. Our main features:

• International study environment highly affiliated with research  & industry
• “Science & Innovation Alliance” of high-profile research institutes on the nearby campus, offering (student assistant) job opportunities
• Zero tuition fees & low cost of living
• “University of Teaching Excellence" award for outstanding student-teacher ratio & efficient support structure for international students, including visa support
• Safe, modern & healthy study environment surrounded by beautiful nature
• 25 international graduate programmes (with more than 40 specialisations)

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau offers over 140 study courses in the following 16 departments:

• Architecture
• Biology
• Business Studies & Economics
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cultural & Social Sciences (Landau)
• Educational Sciences (Landau)
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical & Process Engineering
• Natural & Environmental Sciences (Landau)
• Physics
• Psychology (Landau)
• Spatial & Environmental Planning
• Social Sciences

By virtue of its internationally renowned faculties and their top-ranked international study programmes, RPTU attracts students from all over the world. Our extraordinarily high ratio of postgraduate and doctoral students underlines the university's focus on research, Master's studies, and doctoral research training.

With a current enrolment of approx. 16,000 students, 19% international students overall (and 29% international students at RPTU's campus in Kaiserslautern), the university has a manageable size and therefore ensures excellent guidance and close contact with professors. Thus, the university offers an outstanding support ratio of students per lecturer, e.g. three students per lecturer in the Department of Physics (national average: 12).

International Affairs RPTU has profound experience with international students and supports them in every phase of their studies or research. Besides effective pre-arrival communication, administrative support, and social services, International Affairs RPTU offers professional training for PhD students and postgraduates as well as qualified career counselling. Helping international students "feel at home" in a new (academic) culture at RPTU is of major importance within our service portfolio for incoming international students.

More information on why to choose RPTU: https://rptu.de/fileadmin/isgs/pdf/07_Flyer_und_Broschueren/Why_RPTU.pdfhttps://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-studentshttps://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students-landau

LANDAU – Mediterranean flair and full of history

Around 49,000 people plus around 7,000 students live in the southern Palatine city between the Rhine River plains and the Palatinate Forest. The region, shaped by viticulture, is also called the "German Tuscany" because of its mild climate with 1,800 hours of sunshine per year.

Landau and the surrounding area have a rich history. The influence of the Celts, Romans and French has shaped the region into what it is today. Ruined castles and medieval towns and villages offer visitors the chance to delve into the region's history. Notable sites include Hambach Castle, considered the cradle of German democracy, and the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Speyer.

The Palatinate Forest, the largest forest in Central Europe and part of a transborder biosphere reserve with France, provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking. It is a paradise for nature lovers. Larger cities like Heidelberg or Frankfurt are within easy reach, and France is only 20 km away.