Program Overview

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Master Physische Geographie: Umweltwandel und Naturgefahren

The Master's program in Physical Geography: Environmental Change and Natural Hazards focuses on the interrelationships between humans and the environment in the context of environmental change, natural hazards, and environmental crises. Equipped with an innovative methodology portfolio, the program offers many career prospects in practice and research. This includes biogeoecological and geomorphological analyses, near-surface geophysics, environmental remote sensing, environmental geology, hyperspectral analysis, and environmental modeling. In addition to anthropogenic environmental changes and the sustainability of abiotic and biotic resources, risk assessments are also taught.

For this program, a admission restriction will be introduced for the winter semester 2025/26, with a new application deadline of May 31st. Prior knowledge in the field of remote sensing and in a scripting language (such as Python or R) is highly recommended.

Informationen zum Studiengang

The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental change and natural hazards, as well as the methods and tools needed to analyze and mitigate these phenomena. The program consists of a compulsory section, an elective section, and a master's thesis.

• Applied Data Analysis of Earth-Surface Processes
• Environmental Remote Sensing
• Environmental Change and Natural Risks A Geomorphological and Quaternary Environmental Perspective
• Environmental Change and Natural Risks A Biogeographical Perspective
• Elective module

Aufbau des Studiums

The Master's program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and methods of physical geography, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. The program consists of four semesters, with the fourth semester focusing on the master's thesis. The thesis can be completed in cooperation with national or international companies, universities, or research institutions.

Wahlplatzhalter

Students can choose from a range of elective modules, including:

• P1 Dynamics and Synoptics
• P4 Dynamics of the Global Climate System
• A3 Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Modelling
• E2 Ground-based Radar and Microwave Remote Sensing
• E4 Active Remote Sensing with Lidar

Wahlpflichtplatzhalter

Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• 12-GEO-M-DS04 Data Analysis in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
• 12-GEO-M-EL02 Environmental Change and Its Impact on the Biosphere
• 12-GEO-M-EL03 Isotope Geochemistry and Environmental Reconstructions
• 12-GGR-M-GFP2N Soil and Environmental Change
• 12-GGR-M-GFP3 Imaging and Non-imaging Reflectance Spectroscopy Techniques and Data Analysis

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must have a first degree in geography or a related field, as well as proficiency in English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Prior knowledge in the field of remote sensing and in a scripting language (such as Python or R) is highly recommended.

Application Procedure

Students who have obtained their first degree in Germany can apply through AlmaWeb by May 31st. Students who have obtained their first degree abroad can apply through uni-assist e.V. by May 31st.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr. Anne Köhler, study advisor for physical geography.