International Programmes 2026/2027

Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM)

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin • Berlin

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Berlin
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All courses are held in English, although participants can choose to write papers and the Master's thesis in German, and can participate in elective courses from other programmes in German or other languages.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
2 May - 31 May
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Master's programme in Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) teaches research and practice in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The interdisciplinary study of the interface between society and nature has components from institutional and neoclassical economics. The programme integrates knowledge from different academic fields both in the natural and social sciences, including ecological systems, political sciences, institutional analysis, and advanced research methods, which are all relevant to improved understanding and implementation of natural resource management.

International students will be in close contact with scientists from policy-oriented or sustainability-oriented research institutes in the Berlin-Brandenburg area. The area has a very high concentration of such research institutes and policy-oriented think tanks.

The INRM video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyp8By2NV84

Course organisation

Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) features five compulsory modules:

  • Transdisciplinary Research on Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Public Policy Analysis and Institutional Economics
  • Biophysical Systems
  • Study Project
  • Master’s Thesis

The study projects on offer vary by year, but they allow for intensive research-oriented or practice-oriented collaboration.

In addition, it is required to take at least one module on methods (e.g. “Quantitative and Qualitative Methods”).

Two elective modules can be chosen from the following menu, and further modules with 20 credits from any Master’s programme at a university in Berlin:

  • Agricultural and Aquacultural Systems
  • Development
  • Environmental and Resource Economics
  • Governance and Policy
  • Horticulture of the Future
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Risk and Uncertainty in Science and Policy

These electives contain multiple seminars to choose from, which can differ by year and can contain special offers. They allow for more specialisation in the natural sciences or social sciences or integrative sustainability sciences. Examples are: Agri-Food Chains and Development, Animal Husbandry and Welfare, Applied Ethology, Aquaculture Production Systems, Biodiversity Management, Co-Operation and Co-Operative Organisations, Diseases and Nutrition in Aquaculture, Domestication and Conservation Horticultural Plant Breeding, Econometrics, Economics of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economics of Migration, Environmental Policy, Empirical Methodology for Social-Ecological Systems, European and International Agricultural Policy, Environmental Sociology, Experimental Fish Biology, Gender & Sustainability, Institutional Analysis of Social-Ecological-Technical Systems, Institutions and Instruments of Development Co-Operation, Integrated Assessment and Land Use Change Modelling, Integrative Fisheries Management, Intermediate Computable General Equilibrium Modelling, International Forest Use and Management, International Macroeconomics and Agricultural Trade, Interpretive Methods, Simulation Models in Market and Policy Analysis, Land and Water Management, Plant Health, Survey Research, Sustainability Management and Information Systems, Urban Agriculture and Horticulture.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus
Description of other international elements

Group work allows for cultural exchange and faculty connections to Berlin’s international research organisations create ample opportunity for cross-cultural work. Many modules offer course content with a global dimension.

Integrated internships

Internships are not compulsory, but they are encouraged by the faculty. Support in the search for internships can be provided.

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
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 350 EUR

Costs of living

Approx. 1,100 EUR per month

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

Participants can apply for various scholarships offered at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, e.g. the PROMOS programme and Deutschlandstipendium.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor's degree in either a natural science or a social science discipline: example degrees include agricultural sciences, horticultural sciences, silvicultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, biology, geography, economics, agricultural economics, horticultural economics, ecological economics, environmental economics, and resource economics as well as social sciences, sociology, and political science.

For further information, visit the following website: https://hu.berlin/INRM.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
C1 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 95
  • Reading: 24
  • Listening: 22
  • Speaking: 25
  • Writing: 24
  • PTE Academic: 76
  • IELTS Academic: 7
  • Cambridge English Qualifications Business (BEC) : C1 Business Higher
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
2 May - 31 May
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please apply via uni-assist.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

Some jobs may be available for students either at the university or at research institutes in the region, including the following:

  • The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
  • The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
  • The Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
  • The Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys)
  • The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam (ATB)

Many students are able to work part-time in addition to their studies, either in academic positions or in other mini-jobs offered in the city.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Organisation (https://www.stw.berlin/), the Studentendorf Organisation (http://www.studentendorf-berlin.com/), or on the private accommodation market.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Accompanying programme
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

More information for international students including visa, health insurance, and living costs are available here: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/university/international/coming-to-hu/welcome-centre/overview.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

University location

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