Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security University of Bonn

This two-year Master of Science programme provides postgraduate students with detailed knowledge, critical understanding and the tools required to better understand the complex emergence of environmental risks and natural hazards, their implications for human-nature relations (vulnerability, resilience, adaptation), and how to deal with them in practice.

It offers great visibility and exposure to international organisations, federal agencies, research organisations and private companies involved in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, humanitarian aid, international relations, research on climate change, food security, spatial planning and policy.

Fields of study include:

• geographical approaches to risk, vulnerability, and resilience
• new approaches to development geography
• Earth system science
• qualitative & quantitative methods, as well as GIS & remote sensing
• social-ecological systems, risk & technology
• risk management and governance, forecast & prediction
• disaster management, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and humanitarian response

For additional information incl. the curriculum, module handbook, application FAQ, and more, please visit the programme's websites of the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS.

The international MSc programme is taught equally by lecturers from the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn as well as researchers from the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University. Fields of expertise include vulnerability assessment, ecosystem services, sustainable development, disaster management, climate change adaptation, human-nature relationships, science & technology studies, development geography, geomorphology, socio-hydrology, future studies, GIS, and remote sensing. The programme consists of 11 on-site modules as well as a compulsory eight-week internship and the Master's thesis.

United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)

An internship of at least eight weeks is a compulsory part of the programme. The internship usually takes place in the second half of the third semester.

The students find their internship placements with organisational support of UNU-EHS at UN organisations and other national, international or internationally-active organisations worldwide. Intensive contacts already exist with a large number of organisations involved in international cooperation in the areas of climate change, sustainable development, risk management and disaster prevention, and students are regularly involved in projects as part of the internship. Over the more than ten years of the Joint Master's programme, a diverse network of potential internship providers has been established.

Applicants must possess a first higher education qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Geography or a related/relevant academic field. Out of all achieved academic performances (Bachelor’s, Master’s, additional coursework, etc.) the majority of attended courses (as reflected in the transcripts) must be related to the three following areas:

1. human geography and social sciences with a focus on spatial patterns, society, development;
2. science methodology and empirical research methods;
3. physical geography, geosciences and environmental sciences with a focus on earth system science.

(Hint: The programme is not designed for graduates in engineering-related subjects.)

A strong motivation to contribute to the area of human security and management of risks related to environmental change is a prerequisite to study in the Master’s programme. Applicants should be highly motivated to learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.

A minimum of two years of related professional experience is additionally required for candidates from developing countries who wish to apply for a scholarship under the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

• University of Bonn: approx. 350 EUR per semester (includes public transportation ticket and statutory accident insurance)
• UNU-EHS: 100 EUR per semester (first three semesters of studies only)

• Average monthly rent (Bonn): dormitory room: approx. 300 to 400 EUR | room in shared flat/”WG”: approx. 400 to 500 EUR | apartment: > 550 EUR; costs not necessarily including utilities (study-in.de)
• Average total monthly living expenses for students (Germany): 1,150 EUR (source: study-in.de)

Bonn is a hub of development organisations and a conference city. It is also an attractive tourist destination that welcomes international guests. Student assistant positions at the University of Bonn and at UNU-EHS as well as within their partner networks are routinely shared. The Master's programme offers good visibility and exposure to academic and non-academic research organisations, where short-term employment opportunities may arise.

Students of the Joint Master's programme are supported throughout their studies through individual counselling, career-related workshops, networking opportunities, and more. Through these activities, students learn to prepare and apply for student positions, internships as well as for future employment or PhD opportunities.

Moreover, the University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany.

Student accommodation is available through the Student Services Bonn (Studierendenwerk Bonn, StWB). Further assistance is provided by the programme coordination as well as the University of Bonn's International Office. For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit the following website.

International applicants who are admitted to a Master’s programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room as these are in short supply.