Duration: two years (four semesters)
Degree: Master of Science, M.Sc.
Prerequisite for admission: B.Sc. (or equivalent) in a biologically oriented discipline of life or environmental sciences; sufficient knowledge in German (to be proven by successful completion of a language test such as TestDaF or an equivalent test) as most courses are given in German. Students are admitted on the basis of the admission procedure according to the admission regulations (pdf, German).
Start of the terms: winter semester (mid-October)
Number of admitted students: 40 per year
Application deadline: 01.04. - 15 05. for the subsequent winter semester


Main features

• Consecutive continuation of the B.Sc. program;


• Interdisciplinary module "Biodiversity" with excursions, field courses, and training in taxonomy;


• 1 year (2 semesters) of intense training in plant or animal ecology or systematics;


• Large selection of optional modules, from ecophysiology, systematics to landscape ecology, policy of nature conservation (see below) and evolution;


• Master's thesis (6 months) on the basis of experiments or field studies, with a preparatory module of 2-3 months in intense training of research methods (Project management and research methods).

Application

Application is processed via an online portal. Additionally written applications should be sent by 15 May (for the subsequent winter semester) to the Dean's office of the Faculty of Biology (Untere Karspüle 1a, 37073 Göttingen, Germany). They should include the following documents (in German):

• Certificate of a university degree (in English or German; as an authenticated copy or translation) upon the completion of at least 6 semesters in the field of life or environmental sciences or related disciplines in organismic biology;


• Curriculum vitae;


• Statement on the motivation for the application;


• Statement on former applications for Master's programs;


• Statement upon former completion (with or without success) of other Master's programs;


• Certificate on fluency in German ("Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache" [TestDaF]: minimum 180 points, or equivalent marks in other acknowledged tests).


• Proof of proficiency in English (Level C1) (internationally accepted tests e.g. TOEFL at least 80 points, UNIcert level III, CAE/CEF

Qualification

The Master's program qualifies for science-based professional activities in leading positions in administrations, research institutions and enterprises in the fields of nature conservation, environmental protection, agricultural and forest sciences; in museums and collections related to biology or natural history; in botanical and zoological gardens; in national and international organisations of nature conservation and environmental protection; in developmental cooperation, and in the media. It also prepares for advanced scientific qualification within the framework of Ph.D. programs.