This English-language master’s programme trains you to investigate how biodiversity and ecosystem processes respond to environmental change and to design scientifically sound solutions for conservation and sustainable resource use. Courses combine theoretical foundations in landscape ecology with practical training — fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computer-based analyses — and emphasize project- and team-based learning. You will develop quantitative, analytical and research skills needed to evaluate interactions among biodiversity, climate, soils, land use and conservation measures.
The curriculum is research-oriented and offers opportunities to collaborate on current scientific projects, preparing you to address applied and fundamental questions such as how to maintain biodiversity under global change, safeguard nature’s contributions to people, and manage natural resources sustainably. The programme also focuses on developing professional skills: structured teamwork, leadership, and systematic problem-solving.
Graduates are qualified for positions requiring ecological expertise, quantitative analysis and independent working ability. Career paths include ecological and biodiversity research, roles in nature conservation and environmental agencies at regional, national or international levels, jobs in companies and organisations focused on sustainable resource use, geographic analysis and landscape planning, as well as research communication and environmental education. The English instruction and practical components make the programme well suited for international students seeking both academic and applied career options in environmental science.
Typical application requirements — confirm exact details on the official admissions page:
The first year builds a solid, research-oriented foundation in ecology, biodiversity dynamics and nature conservation. You’ll learn to pose and answer ecological questions through experimental design, field studies and statistical analysis. Core teaching includes subjects such as animal ecology, vegetation ecology, agroecology, ecological modelling and prediction, as well as practical geospatial skills in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Project- and team-based learning is central to the programme and is reinforced by numerous excursions, field trips, laboratory sessions and hands-on computer exercises.
In the second year you tailor your studies through a broad choice of electives. Options span global environmental change, animal and vegetation ecology, agricultural and molecular ecology, soil sciences, agricultural sciences and transformation sciences. There is also the chance to spend a semester at a partner university abroad. The Master’s thesis can be carried out within an ongoing research project in Germany, elsewhere in Europe, or further afield, giving you direct experience of independent scientific work.
Learning outcomes emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical competence: you will be able to design and run ecological experiments and fieldwork, analyse and model ecological data (including GIS and remote-sensing applications), and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. The programme readies graduates for advanced research, applied conservation and environmental problem-solving, and for pursuing doctoral studies.
Key curriculum components (requirements and options)
This master's programme expects applicants to hold a strong, relevant first degree and language proficiency, plus practical foundations in ecology and quantitative methods. International applicants should note that the bachelor's degree must correspond to at least a three‑year standard study period and be in a closely related field.
If your final undergraduate grade is not classified as “above‑average,” you can still be considered provided you can demonstrate special suitability for the programme. All applicants must also provide evidence of English language ability. In addition to academic qualifications, the programme looks for candidates who have the interpersonal readiness to work in multicultural teams.
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and applied roles that require ecological insight, quantitative analysis and independent problem-solving. Typical career paths include academic and applied research in ecology and biodiversity science, positions in nature conservation and environmental protection agencies (regional, national and international), and roles in companies and organisations specialising in sustainable resource use, geographical analysis and landscape planning.
Other opportunities include research communication, environmental education and advisory roles where the ability to interpret ecological data and design management strategies is essential.