M.I.N.C. – Master of International Nature Conservation (MSc) University of Göttingen

The course of study provides students with a basic understanding of conservation biology and offers insights into international conservation problems.

The compulsory and elective courses at the University of Göttingen (international nature conservation, population viability analysis, assessing wildlife for conservation, data analysis for field biologists) focus on basic theories and research approaches in conservation biology, reasons for biodiversity loss and the role of population biology. Furthermore, they deal with methods of describing biodiversity and wildlife populations and practical strategies for recovery.

At Lincoln, a combination of three modules is compulsory, including courses in advanced ecology and environmental sciences for environmental policy, research methods in ecology, and aspects of sustainability.

The degree is a double degree offered jointly by the University of Göttingen and Lincoln University, New Zealand. A Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Science / Master of International Nature Conservation (MSc/M.I.N.C.) can be awarded.

The programme consists of four parts:

1. one semester in Germany at the Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen (25%, 30 credits)
2. one semester in New Zealand at the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation at Lincoln University, Canterbury (25%, 30 credits)
3. one internship semester including a practical project (25%, 30 credits)
4. Master's thesis (25%, 30 credits)

At Lincoln University in New Zealand, students choose three courses, e.g.

• ECOL 631 - Animal Behaviour
• ECOL 608 - Research Methods in Ecology
• ECOL 609 - Conservation Biology
• ERST 601 - Advanced Theory in Resource Studies
• ERST 606 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
• ERST 620 - Advanced Environmental Management Systems
• ERST 630 - Environmental Policy and Planning
• ERST 631 - Environmental Sciences in Environmental Policy
• ERST 632 - Economics in Environmental Policy
• ECOL 612 - Wildlife Management
• ECOL 630 - Advanced Ecology
• ENSC 601 - Advanced Climate Change and Land Use
• ERST 621 - Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment

Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

The internship semester with its practical project is an important component of the programme. Students will acquire practical skills by assisting in fieldwork and projects at a scientific host institution or at international nature conservation organisations or NGOs. The practical project will take place over a minimum of three months.

Admission to the programme at the University of Göttingen is limited to a maximum number of 10 students each winter semester. Admission criteria are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree from a six-semester programme in biology, biodiversity, ecology, agricultural sciences, forest sciences, geography, nature conservation, wildlife management, environmental sciences or equivalent fields
• Applicants must provide evidence that at least 34% of their achievements from their previous studies have been in the fields of nature conservation, biology, ecology, biodiversity, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, agricultural science, and/or geography.
• sufficient knowledge of the English language
• personal motivation
• previous special experience and expertise in international nature conservation

Applicants will be ranked according to ranking scales found in the admission regulations (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/home/661069.html), and the best candidates will be selected. Applicants must provide the following:

• The result of an internationally recognised test of English as a foreign language (if English is not the native language) – see language requirements
• examination transcripts and certificate of the Bachelor's degree (original or certified copy, with an English translation if the original is not in English or German)
• curriculum vitae (in German or English)
• written explanation about the applicant's motivation to study nature conservation/expression of research interest
• identification document
• publications or referee's reports or other documents which highlight the applicant's expertise in the field of international nature conservation

Applicants who fulfil the admission criteria will be ranked, and the best applicants will be selected for a 20-minute interview within one month of the application deadline. The interview focuses on the applicant's background in the field of nature conservation, previous knowledge/expertise, concrete ideas on the content of the programme, and the self-assessment of the working attitudes of the applicant.

Fees at Göttingen University are either 75 EUR for each semester spent abroad, or approx. 500 EUR for the semester(s) in Göttingen. For the one semester at Lincoln University, M.I.N.C. students pay an administration fee of about 700 NZD plus full tuition fees of about 9,800 NZD. The fees for the semester at Lincoln University can change from one semester to the next. So far, if there had been a change, the increase would have been about three percent.

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 are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

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. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/653539.html

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job.

Enrolled students can apply for:

• the "Deutschlandstipendium" (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/information+for+students/218535.html)
• the Lower Saxony Scholarship (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html)
• the Promos Scholarship for studies abroad (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/164293.html)

The Career Service offers individual support whether you want to work in Germany or abroad.

Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany there are workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.

If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.