The Master's degree programme in Landscape Ecology is research-oriented with strongly applied elements.  Students acquire in-depth specialist knowledge in the various individual disciplines and learn to recognise and analyse complex ecological interactions and relationships. Further qualification goals are the acquisition of measuring, evaluation, modelling, assessment and planning methods.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in several fields, including functional ecology, renaturation ecology, animal and plant ecology, soil ecology, ecohydrology, environmental planning and nature conservation. Structured, theory- and hypothesis-based thinking, methodological competence, communication and teamwork skills as well as social competences form the basis for successful professional work and are therefore intensely promoted.

The degree programme prepares students for independent work in the fields of ecological research and environmental protection, species-, nature- and environmental protection, landscape planning, soil and water protection as well as climate impact and climate adaptation.

In the four-semester Master´s program Landscape Ecology students must earn 120 ECTS credits:

• a minimum of 60 ECTS credits are received in elective courses (1.-4. semester)
• a further 30 ECTS credits will be received after completing the Master thesis and the associated final Master colloquium (4th semester)

Up to 30 ECTS credits can be imported by participation in courses from Master's degree programs in a related subject area, e.g. M.Sc. Biology, M.Sc. Marine Environmental Sciences; M.Sc. Environmental Modelling at the University Oldenburg or from ecological or planning-orientated Master programs, e.g. at the Universities of Osnabrück, Bremen or Groningen (NL).

The courses Data Modelling, Ecology, Geoecological Processes, Environmental Planning, and Geographic Information Systems will refresh existing knowledge or intend to form the basis for further modules offered in the following semester. From the 2nd semester onwards, the range of modules offers various opportunities to specialize and set your own priorities. In these coursed, also explained methodological procedures and provide insights into theory and practice.

The study program offers the opportunity to choose courses according to individual interests. The modules are largely interdisciplinary in nature. Students can aquire key skills and methodological knowledge through excursions, laboratory and field courses. In various modules, students work independently on environmental issues in team projects. Research modules enable participation in projects at home and abroad.

In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need an adequate knowledge of German.

German Language Proficiency
You can proof your German language proficiency with the following language certificates:

• DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 2)
• TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 4 in all four areas)

English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2 or
• if applicants have a university degree obtained in English

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment and must not be older than 5 years. Applicants who need a preparatory German course before commencing their studies must present their knowledge of English with their application.

For other proof possibilities see:  Language requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science or from prior studies in a closely related, engineering scientifical field (specialist skills see admissions regulations).

This course of studies accepts a limited number of applicants, and application is only possible in the winter semester.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 July.

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes 

International applicants: There are different application procedures

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Graduates find employment in the following professional fields:

• Ecological research
• Nature conservation and landscape planning and intervention planning
• Renaturalisation of ecosystems and management of protected areas
• Soil and water protection
• Ecological planning offices
• Environmental informatics, i.e. software development for environmental planning
• Nature and environmental education

Due to legislation which outlines environmental protection as a legal requirement, there is constant demand for environmental scientists who are familiar with and can independently implement the requirements of environmental protection legislation as well as environmental researchers who can help overcome deficits in existing research, including prediction and prevention of environmental problems. The latter can occur both in universities or other research institutions.

In co-operation with lecturers, interested students should be given the opportunity to formulate a doctoral project. Potential professional fields also include

• working in planning offices,
• working in public administration,
• working in political consulting,
• working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in nature conservation and environmental protection.

Website for Landscape Ecology
http://www.landeco.uni-oldenburg.de/22373.html