Landscape Ecology (LandEcol) University of Hohenheim

Become an ecological problem solver

Global environmental change poses pressing questions. To answer these questions, landscape ecology examines the dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystems. In this English-language degree programme, you will learn about the relationships between biodiversity, climate, soils, land use, and nature conservation. The programme includes hands-on experience through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computer-based activities, with a focus on project and team-based work.

What you can expect

• Collaboration in cutting-edge research projects
• Understanding of the scientific principles of environmental management and nature conservation
• Solution strategies for ecological problems

Objectives

You will acquire the ecological knowledge, quantitative skills, and practical experience to be able to investigate ecological dynamics in changing environmental conditions. This will enable you to assess the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystems and develop concepts for the sustainable use of natural resources.

You will also learn:

• to work in a team in a structured and goal-oriented manner,
• to lead teams, and
• to systematically develop problem-solving approaches.

As a graduate, you will be able to answer fundamental and applied research questions dealing with modern ecology in a creative and scientifically sound manner:

• How can we preserve biodiversity in times of global environmental change?
• How can we preserve nature's contributions to mankind?
• How can we sustainably use natural resources in a changing environment?

Occupational fields

Graduates are qualified for jobs that require ecological understanding, quantitative skills, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to work independently.

Possible fields of work include the following:

• research in ecology and biodiversity science
• agencies and organisations dealing with nature conservation and environmental protection at regional, national, and international levels
• companies and organisations working on sustainable resource use, geographical analysis, and landscape planning
• research communication and environmental education

In the first year of studies, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of ecology, biodiversity dynamics, and nature conservation. There will also be a focus on addressing ecological questions through experiments, field studies, and statistical analyses. You can take courses in animal ecology, vegetation ecology, agroecology, ecological modelling and prediction, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing. At the core of this degree programme lies project and team-based work, complemented by numerous excursions, field trips, laboratory sessions, and computer exercises.

In the second year of studies, you can choose from a wide range of elective modules, for example from the fields of global environmental change, animal and vegetation ecology, agricultural and molecular ecology, soil sciences, agricultural sciences, and transformation sciences. Students will also have the opportunity to spend a semester at a partner university abroad.

The Master's thesis can be completed as part of an ongoing research project in Germany, Europe, or elsewhere.

Curriculum

Internships are not compulsory, but they are recommended. The internship must be organised by the student and has to fit the schedule of the programme. The CareerCenter Hohenheim runs a database for internship offers and assists students in finding suitable placements.

Formal requirements

• Above-average Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Landscape Planning, or a related programme with a standard period of study of at least three years or an equivalent degree
• If an applicant's final grade or grade point average of the degree is not above average, they must demonstrate their special suitability for the programme.
• Proof of English skills

Additional requirements

We require basic understanding of ecology and good fundamental knowledge of statistics and computer applications. We also require the ability and willingness to work in intercultural teams.

Universities in Baden-Württemberg require their students to pay a semester contribution towards the administration costs, for student services and for the Student Parliament. Student services provide many benefits, such as discounted tickets for public transportation. The semester contribution amounts to approx. 175 EUR per semester.

Baden-Württemberg has the highest standard of living in Germany. The downside is that living costs are slightly above the German average. However, the cost of living can vary enormously depending on your personal lifestyle and where you live. It is generally more expensive to live in a bigger city like Stuttgart, where the University of Hohenheim is located. As a rule of thumb, 950 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month should be enough. The largest monthly expense is usually for rent, accounting for a third of the total cost of living for most students. These costs can be cut substantially by sharing a flat or living in a dorm. A typical example of monthly expenses could look like this:

• Rent: 350 EUR to 500 EUR
• Health insurance: approx. 110 EUR
• Public transport: approx. 60 EUR
• Study materials: 100 EUR
• Food and drink: 150 EUR to 250 EUR
• Leisure and hobbies: approx. 100 EUR

The University of Hohenheim provides students with the opportunity to take on assistant jobs within the campus premises. Students are entrusted with the responsibility of scheduling their working hours in a manner that does not interfere with their academic commitments. Additionally, students have the option to seek employment off campus as permitted by the Aliens Act. It is important to note that finding jobs off campus may be challenging without a strong command of the German language.

More information can be found here.

Numerous funding opportunities exist for Master's thesis projects abroad, offered by various foundations. Detailed information is available here.

BRICKS. The Qualification Programme for Entering the German Job Market

The BRICKS project at the University of Hohenheim helps international students prepare for their careers in Germany. The programme provides personalised career training, language development, practical experience, and networking opportunities with top companies, empowering students to shape their professional future in Germany.

CareerCenter Hohenheim

CareerCenter Hohenheim offers guidance and support to students and graduates in areas such as professional orientation, building a professional profile, and the application process. The centre actively fosters connections with business and industrial partners, ensuring early engagement with the professional world through information events, seminars on essential skills, internships, and more.

Student residences on campus

At the University of Hohenheim, several student residence halls are located on campus. They are managed by Student Services Tübingen-Hohenheim. There is a high demand for these rooms, which is why usually only a small number of applications will be successful.

International (non-EU) students have a much more difficult time than Germans in finding private accommodation at the start of their studies when they are searching from their home countries. Therefore, the university provides a quota of rooms for international students. This enables a larger number of new international students to have a room in a residence hall. To be able to offer this special assistance at the start of studies, the rental duration for these rooms is limited to two years for Master's students.

Additionally, the house-hunting assistance offers support in finding a room on the private market.