International Programmes 2024/2025

Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (MSc ES) (and DigES) Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (MSc ES) (and DigES)

Trier University • Trier

Degree
Master of Science
In cooperation with

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Luxembourg; https://www.list.lu/

Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam – Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources; https://en.hcmuaf.edu.vn

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Hybrid
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

We highly recommend the start of the programme in the winter semester. Although a start in the summer semester is possible, the programme is optimised for a start in the winter semester.

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in the winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

Application deadline

Non-EU citizens:

  • 15 January 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 31 May 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

EU citizens:

  • 15 January 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 15 September 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

German citizens and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

  • 15 March 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 15 September 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

Recommended start of the programme: winter semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The international and interdisciplinary Master's programme in Environmental Sciences (ES) is designed for graduates in environmental, life, and geosciences who intend to specialise in different fields of environmental assessment, monitoring, and management issues. Based on advanced methodological skills and systems analysis, the students will be trained for jobs in public authorities, private agencies, relevant sections in related industries, insurance companies, and others. In addition, the Master's degree entitles graduates to follow a scientific career in universities and research institutions.

The programme offers three alternative fields of specialisation, of which some modules are also made available as a digital teaching offer. These modules are marked with an asterisk (*) in the respective semester course schedules.

  • Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Assessment (ES I):

Impacts of climate change and environmental pollution to environmental systems, chemical analysis of the environmental impact of toxic substances on biotic and abiotic environment, disturbance of ecological cycles, assessment of cause-and-effect chains

  • Environmental Remote Sensing and Modelling (ES II):

Use of remote sensing systems for assessing and monitoring the environment, focused on terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere/climate system; integration of process models and spatial data analysis (in numerical models and GIS)

  • Environmental Conservation and Restoration Management (ES III):

Management strategies for nature conservation and restoration as well as dumpsite reclamation and remediation

Main study subjects in this international Master's programme are:
Analytical and Ecological Chemistry, Biogeography, Computer Sciences, Environmental Meteorology / Climatology, Environmental Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Geobotany, Geology, Geostatistics, Hydrology, Mathematics, Soil Sciences, Sustainable Development

! NEW ! DigES:

A selection of modular courses from the analogue Master's programme MSc Environmental Sciences is offered in digital teaching/learning formats.

This digital offer is aimed at international students who are not able to study physically at the Trier location. The digital module offer is described in the module handbook of the analogue MSc ES and marked accordingly. The experimental and method-centred modular teaching components in these modules (laboratory, field placements, excursions, etc.) can only be carried out online to a limited extent. These usually require physical participation at the University of Trier.

Course organisation

The Master's programme in Environmental Sciences (ES) is a full-time programme designed for two years (four semesters). Based on a common teaching scheme in the first semester, the programme offers three alternative fields of specialisation from the second semester onwards:

  • Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Assessment (ES I)
  • Environmental Remote Sensing and Modelling (ES II)
  • Environmental Conservation and Restoration Management (ES III)

The study programme includes both compulsory and optional courses, so that the enrolled student can develop individual fields of competence and qualification. A variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, field projects, and excursions, are offered. The Master's programme is completed with a thesis, to be written in the selected field of specialisation. The Master's degree will be awarded based on the credit points acquired during the two-year programme and the results of the Master's thesis. Successful alumni will be qualified to begin PhD programmes.

The compulsory modules for the fields of specialisation (ES I, ES II, ES III) are described in the module handbook. The study plans provide an overview of the semester-specific assignment of the individual modules (digitally provided modules are marked with: *). More information can be found at the following link: https://www.uni-trier.de/index.php?id=52430#c157715

NEW:
Special Information - DigES:
Special digital offer for selected modules from the three focal points (ES I, ES II, ES III) as an online format in addition to the classroom format.

Comment - DigES: The online offers within the modules mainly concern the lectures. Practical parts such as laboratory work, field work and excursions require on-site participation for a minimum duration during the practical phase, or could be carried out at the home university in consultation with the home university. Appropriate blended learning tools must be discussed and agreed with the respective home universities.

Special offer during the first semester – starter programme: The module "Basics in Meteorology and Climate" is offered during the first winter semester by the Department of Environmental Meteorology as part of a so-called pre-study offer.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Content-related regional focus
Integrated internships

Internships during the Master's programme are not planned.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 320 EUR for the first semester and 300 EUR from the second semester onwards. This includes the "Deutschlandticket" covering public transport and local trains all over Germany. The contribution benefits Trier Student Services and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.

Costs of living

Students should expect expenses of approx. 1,000 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (in a students' dormitory or a room in a shared flat) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3 to 5 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Trier University offers some funding opportunities for international students in the final stage of their degree programmes (maximum duration: six months). However, there are no funding opportunities within the university for the whole course of study or the first three semesters of the programme.

Academic admission requirements
  • Degree (BSc or equivalent) in environmental sciences or similar
  • Personal statement / motivation letter
  • CV

Eligibility – DigES: As part of the application process, students must indicate whether they are applying only for the optional module allocation in online format. For the enrolment, please note the instructions for the application for the Master's programme ES on the page of the Admission Office for International Applicants and International Students of the University of Trier. Admission is based on the examination of all documents with regard to specified admission criteria. Proof of enrolment at a home university must also be submitted. For the specific online courses of the MSc ES, a minimum number of at least 10 international students is required.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency is at level C1, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, via one of the following tests. The test must have been taken within the last three years:

  • TOEFL (Code 9208): at least 215 points (computer based) or 550 points (paper based) or 80 points (Internet based)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) / C1 Advanced
  • IELTS (at least 6.5 points)
  • UNIcert III

Applicants are exempt from providing above proof of English language proficiency if at least one of the following conditions is met:

  • Native speaker coming from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
  • Two years of full-time study in an English taught programme, undertaken within the past two years, in one of these countries: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta.
  • At least five school years of English in secondary education and at least five points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)
Application deadline

Non-EU citizens:

  • 15 January 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 31 May 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

EU citizens:

  • 15 January 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 15 September 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

German citizens and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

  • 15 March 2025 for the summer semester 2025 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2025/26)
  • 15 September 2025 for the winter semester 2025/26 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2026)

Recommended start of the programme: winter semester

Submit application to

Please apply directly via Trier University's Online Application Portal (PORTA): www.bewerbung.uni-trier.de

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labour market. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

The Career Service of Trier University and the "Agentur für Arbeit" provide an online database for student jobs. Jobs offers can also be found on the website of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit": https://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de.

Additionally, some temporary student jobs can be found on the university's bulletin boards. However, many job offers will require at least some knowledge of German.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence through the Student Services Office (Studierendenwerk Trier: http://www.studiwerk.de) or on the private market (e.g. http://www.hunderttausend.de). Monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (for a basic dorm room with a shared bathroom) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market).

Career advisory service

Trier University provides career services in cooperation with the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit: http://www.career-service.uni-trier.de). Located on campus, the career service called "Jobpassage" is designed to support students and graduates in all career-related matters such as internships, full- and part-time jobs, and future career opportunities.

Additionally, Trier University’s International Office offers a programme specifically targeted at international students: www.career-international.de

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters

Trier University

Content Bild
© Trier University, Sheila Werner

Trier University was founded in 1473, and it reopened in 1970 as a modern campus university. Built on a high plateau overlooking the Moselle River and surrounded by luscious green nature, it is said to be one of Germany's most beautiful campuses. Faculty and departmental buildings are connected by bridges and grouped around the forum and the central library.
Trier University has a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and economics, but it is also steadily strengthening its environmental science programmes. There are six faculties that together cover more than 30 subject areas. Many research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and embedded in global networks.
With its roughly 1,200 employees and 10,500 students (including about 12% international students), Trier University embraces contrast: young yet true to tradition, internationally oriented yet regionally rooted, and at the geographic edge of Germany but in the heart of Europe.

http://www.uni-trier.de

University location

Trier is situated in the western part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Moselle Valley. The city is proud of its rich history, which is reflected in its museums and its many historical sites. Thanks to its landmarks, the Porta Nigra, the Trier Cathedral, and other significant architectural monuments, Germany's oldest city was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Today's cityscape is a fusion of history and modern lifestyle, not least characterised by a vibrant student life. With bars, cafés, and a colourful range of cultural offerings and festivals, Trier is a tourist attraction with international appeal and a beautiful place for the city's 110,000 residents to live.
The economy of the city is characterised by a few major enterprises and many medium-sized businesses. Trier is in the heart of Europe, as evidenced by its proximity to Luxembourg, which is an important financial centre and the site of several EU institutions, as well as its proximity to France and Belgium. Nine twin towns and cities across Europe, Asia, and the USA attest to Trier's international orientation.

http://www.trier.de

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