Mandatory classes are held in English. The catalogue of elective modules contains classes held in German, with alternatives in English available.
31 May for the following winter semester
The application period starts approximately eight weeks before the deadline (uni-assist).
Global environmental challenges are on the rise. These challenges include climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme events as well as rapid land transformations and the resulting biodiversity crisis. Global data streams, ongoing digitisation and novel methodological approaches offer unique opportunities to make a contribution in the search for solutions to these problems. One novel approach is data science, consisting of the combination of domain knowledge, coding skills, and quantitative methods. Another one is remote sensing, which provides Earth observation data (e.g. optical, Lidar, radar) at multiple observation scales suitable for monitoring a wide range of processes. Since Earth system sciences are a data-rich domain, such approaches become particularly powerful.
Leipzig University is very strong in all relevant aspects. Domain knowledge is available in the areas of geoecology, biodiversity research, meteorology, eco-hydrology, and related fields. Remote sensing is covered through the Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research, and data science is very high on the agenda of various institutions. Leipzig University therefore offers perfect preconditions for bringing these aspects together in one dedicated study programme: the MSc “Earth System Data Science and Remote Sensing”.
Our aim is to train the next generation of Earth system scientists that possess a unique set of skills balancing domain knowledge in Earth and environmental sciences, coding skills and quantitative methods with an emphasis on state of the art remote sensing technology. We combine an in-depth methodological education with the opportunity to specialise in a distinct domain of the Earth system. Our students will thus become the method experts in an individually chosen field of Earth and environmental sciences.
Overview of topics covered in the curriculum (total of 120 ECTS in two years):
The course contents are taught in single, organisationally independent units (modules). Modules contain clearly defined areas of knowledge that have a factual or thematic relationship. Modules might contain various teaching units, e.g. lecture (L), seminar (S) or hands-on training (P) and are concluded by a final exam. Modules are rated by their teaching load in credit points (ECTS); one credit point corresponds to an average workload of 30 hours. Most modules in this MSc programme have a workload of 5 ECTS. Basic introductions are a mandatory elective module (WP, two out of three introductions must be selected). Method modules and soft skills are mandatory (P) and modules targeting fields of application are elective (W).
A six-week research internship at a national or international institution is part of the curriculum.
255.50 EUR
BSc in a geo-, environmental or data science related science programme
Minimum 35 ECTS from the areas geography, earth system and geosciences, environmental sciences, life science, data science, remote sensing or GIS
Basic knowledge in statistics (minimum 5 ECTS)
Basic skills in a scripting-language for scientific computing or a programming language (e.g. Python, R, Julia, etc.)
English level B2 (also see "language requirements")
The study programme is admission restricted. The following documents are to be included in the application:
English language proficiency equivalent to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.
Applicants need to submit one of the following forms of proof/certificates:
Certified knowledge of German is not required.
31 May for the following winter semester
The application period starts approximately eight weeks before the deadline (uni-assist).
The application is an online application via uni-assist. Details are provided on the university webpage: Application Procedure.
Applicants with a German BSc degree submit their application via AlmaWeb.
Student halls of residence run by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig" (https://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/en/housing/our-student-halls-residence), shared apartments, accommodation services and estate agencies
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/studium/beratungs-und-serviceangebote/career-service/
The guidance and support of our international students is provided centrally by our "International Centre". This includes areas before the studies (application, enrolment, advice on study programmes and the start of studies) and during the studies (e.g. study abroad).
Our international students also receive comprehensive advice from the "Studentenwerk Leipzig", which covers not only the area of housing but also fields like psychosocial and social counselling and legal advice.
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