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Ecology and Environmental Planning, M.Sc.

Program overview

The transformation of the human environment, especially that of nature and landscapes, means that societies in the 21st century are facing serious challenges - climate change, the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, pollution of surface and groundwater, urban growth, or energy production and use. The degree program in Ecology and Environmental Planning teaches knowledge, skills, and abilities to confront these challenges while moving toward sustainable development of urban and rural spaces. During your studies, you learn to conduct scientifically sound analyses and assessments of ecosystems and human living environments, developing goals and measures to improve the environmental situation. Within the field of landscape planning, environmental assessment, nature protection, and ecology, you can use and strengthen your individual preferences and skills in a targeted manner.

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 2 semesters
Credit points60
Program start Winter semester
Admission Restricted admission
Language of instruction German

Admission requirements

The formal admission requirement for the consecutive master’s program in Ecology and Environmental Planning is a first university degree encompassing 240 credit points in ecology, geoecology, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental science and technology, conservation, landscape planning, urban and regional planning, spatial planning, environmental technology, geography (with a focus on physical geography and geoinformation systems), or a closely related subject qualifying the applicant for professional work.

The master's program is taught in German and English. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. This is a prerequisite for admission. All applicants are required to submit proof of English skills at CEFR level B2.

You can find more information about the application, admission, and selection procedures in the application and admission regulations of the degree program.

Program structure

The key element of the master’s program in Ecology and Environmental Planning is the student project. The project serves to work on tasks and problems from the field of ecology and environmental planning in an interdisciplinary way and, together with the other courses in the degree program, teaches and offers a chance to practice analytical tools (theories, methods, techniques) and develop model solutions on the levels of ecology, planning, society, environmental policy, and planning theory.

The master’s program is divided into compulsory, compulsory elective, and elective components. The compulsory component encompasses a total of 42 credit points including the project and master's thesis. In addition, compulsory elective modules totaling 12 credit points and elective modules totaling 6 credit points must be taken.

The objectives and further structure of the program as well as the examination requirements and details on how the examinations are carried out are set down in the study and examination regulations.

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of two semesters. You can find it as an annex to the study and examination regulations.

Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Ecology and Environmental Planning consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module.

A current overview of all modules is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the content, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, type of assessment, and much more.

The module catalogue is based on the study and exam regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

You are not required to complete an internship for the program.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of study abroad or internships. General information concerning stays abroad is available from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) or the Career Service (internships abroad).

Acquired skills

Upon successfully completing the master’s program in Ecology and Environmental Planning, you will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

  • Knowledge of ecosystems and ecosystem services for humans and society,
  • Methodological competences in natural sciences and planning,
  • Knowledge related to ecological and technical challenges of designing sustainable human-environment relationships,
  • The ability to independently develop strategies and possibilities for solutions for specific practical and scientific problems,
  • A deeper understanding of processes and content in planning and environmental processes in Europe and around the world,
  • Knowledge about the application of the key guidelines and sector policies of the European Community relevant to environmental planning,
  • Knowledge of economic, legal, social, and technical possibilities to steer human-environment relationships,
  • Knowledge of spatial information systems to analyze environmental concerns and to implement respective solutions,
  • The ability to examine ecological and environmental planning aspects while also considering diversity and gender.

You will also develop your team skills, confidence in communication, social and leadership skills, and factual assertiveness.

After your studies

The master’s program in Ecology and Environmental Planning enables you to take up a career in national and international engineering and planning offices, think tanks, environmental associations, administration (e.g. ministries and subordinate authorities), but also in academic, scientific, and other facilities in all fields of ecology, the environment, landscape, and planning. Graduates are able to work on research projects and take on leadership, management, and development tasks. The master's degree also prepares you to continue your academic qualification with a doctorate.

Further information & downloads

Website of the Degree Program

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance and Student Infotalk (in German)

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board

Subject-specific Counseling and Services

Office of Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty

 

General guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs