100% English
Application period for non-EU students: 1 March – 30 April
Application period for EU students: 1 June – 15 July via "Hochschulstart"
The BSc in Ecosystem Sciences is an interdisciplinary, research-based programme. This degree serves to provide its graduates with diverse knowledge and practical skills in ecosystem and environmental sciences.
The complex nature of ecosystems is one of the main challenges for researchers worldwide. This complexity promotes thinking in broad contexts, in research networks, and in interdisciplinary subject areas. The programme is taught completely in English, and we aim to have a very international group of highly motivated and qualified students, including students from Germany, other European countries, and abroad.
You will have the opportunity to study subjects that cross traditional disciplines (from molecules to landscape-level methods and laboratory methods). Learning generally starts from understanding the basis of complex biological and ecological processes. Later on, you will learn about different advanced scientific methods for analysing complex ecosystems. At the end of the studies, you will be able to design and carry out your own research projects.
The Bachelor's programme mediates the necessary basics for researching and understanding complex ecosystems. It is research-oriented and focuses on practical training in scientific methods, field and laboratory work, and data analysis and modelling.
You will get a solid foundation in practical skills such as experimental design and scientific presentation. Also, the programme supports students in developing critical thinking, systematic problem solving, and other transferable skills.
The programme is taught by lecturers from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology who have extensive experience and expertise in innovative research as well as modern methods in environmental sciences.
The degree programme will qualify graduates for research or analytical occupations concerning environmental issues or for a continuing Master's degree programme.
In the first year, you will learn the fundamentals of ecology, biology, and natural sciences.
In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge of ecology and ecological processes. You will learn different scientific methods in practical courses (laboratory techniques, field methods, modelling tools).
In the third year, you will have the opportunity to customise your studies with an elective semester. You can do a research internship anywhere in the world or participate as an intern in the research activities of the faculty. It is also possible to take elective courses at partner universities or in Göttingen.
In the last semester, students prepare the Bachelor's thesis.
PDF DownloadIn the fifth semester, you can do a research internship anywhere in the world. It is also possible to take elective courses at partner universities or in Göttingen.
There is the possibility to participate as an intern in the research activities of the faculty.
Fees are around 400 EUR per semester
The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html
The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance, and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.
Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218085.html
Restricted admission, application to the university
An indispensable prerequisite for starting a course of study is always documentary evidence of a university entrance qualification (in German "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" or "HZB"). This qualification can be acquired in various ways either at school or through gainful employment.
The following documents may qualify you for the "HZB":
Please check here: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47057.html.
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency in English at a level of at least B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The following proofs are accepted:
We do not accept certificates that are older than two years.
Also acceptable as proof:
The proof can be submitted after the application deadline but before enrolment. It is a prerequisite for enrolment.
Application period for non-EU students: 1 March – 30 April
Application period for EU students: 1 June – 15 July via "Hochschulstart"
Online application only
Please check here: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/46792.html.
Students may find part-time jobs at local businesses or on campus, as long as their study performance is not affected. We do not recommend planning to fully finance your studies in Germany through a part time job. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Special regulations apply for non-EU students. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job in order to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Non-EU students are allowed to work for a maximum of 120 full days (or 240 half days) per year.
The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. Further information: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.
The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.
The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html
There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html
Study Buddy programme (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html) as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU)
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html
University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence
Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 40 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. Currently, 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Göttingen, 15 percent of whom are international students.
Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Two international fast-track MSc/PhD programmes prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html
Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47239.html
Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) maintains a top position among German academic libraries, with a holding of over nine million books, journals and other media and offering a broad range of services for study and research. The library plays a leading role in a large number of national and international projects involving the optimisation of literature and information provision as well as the establishment and development of digital research and information infrastructures.
https://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/en
Alumni worldwide
As a member of the alumni network, you will continue to be part of the international "University of Göttingen Family" even after you have finished your studies. The Alumni Office currently connects more than 40,000 alumni from all over the world and provides them with current information and ongoing projects at the university and in the city of Göttingen. In addition, the alumni association offers various events and services for students and alumni related to careers and networking. One such initiative is their workshop series called "alumni4students," where you will have the chance to contribute your expertise.
https://www.alumni-goettingen.de/
Göttingen – a good place to live and study
Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.
The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.
The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.
Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.
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