Biological Resources MSc Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Courses are held entirely in English.

The Earth's natural resources are limited and slowly being depleted, resulting in a growing demand for skilled specialists who can contribute to the repurposing of existing resources and the discovery of new ones.
The primary goal of Biological Resources MSc is to enhance your understanding of soil, plant, animal, and marine resources and inspire you, as a sustainability specialist, to devise new ways to make use of these resources, thus supporting the development of a biobased economy. Over the course of your studies, you will acquire the expertise needed to recognise and utilise biological resources in terms of their economic potential, while also taking into consideration critical ecological and social constraints.
To that end, the degree programme combines the advanced study of the natural sciences with relevant interdisciplinary subjects such as engineering and socio-economics to impart to you the knowledge and the critical eye to evaluate the future potential of certain biological resources in a scientific manner. This expertise is crucial in countless real-world applications, for example in the development of "biobased products" such as bioenergy, biopackaging, bioplastic, or new sources of food, to name a few. Close research cooperation with many companies in the Lower Rhine region affords you the unique chance to acquire valuable practical experience within the bioeconomy during your studies.

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
All applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

Different forms of interactive learning, including applied research projects, excursions, lab and field work, provide further opportunities to acquire expert research skills, e.g. in conducting ecological fieldwork or analysing the components of plant-based biological resources in a laboratory environment.

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No tuition fees

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 300 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 1,150 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

The minimum admission requirements for this degree programme are:
1) A professionally qualifying first degree encompassing at least 210 total ECTS credit points or a standard period of study of seven full-time semesters in one of the following fields:
a) natural sciences
b) agricultural sciences
c) economics

2) A final cumulative grade for the aforementioned first degree of 2.5 or better according to the German grading scale, or alternatively, a "B" or better on the ECTS grading scale, with a minimum of 10 ECTS in natural sciences, a minimum of 10 ECTS in agricultural or environmental sciences, and a total of at least 30 ECTS having been acquired in the following areas:
a) mathematics/statistics
b) chemistry
c) biology
d) economics and social sciences
e) environmental sciences / agricultural sciences

3) Proof of at least 20 weeks of practical work experience at a company or organisation in the agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, natural science or bioeconomics, or alternatively, proof of a completed study abroad semester

Please find more information about the admission requirements on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/current-application-period/masters-programmes.

Please note that for this degree programme, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:

• IELTS: level CEFR B2 or better
• TOEFL: level CEFR B2 or better

The TOEFL code of our university: 6962

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
All applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-financial-aid.

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 290 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and around 6,500 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting edge facilities, laboratories, work spaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.