Environmental Challenges and Human Responses RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

All basic modules are taught in English.

One out of seven elective modules (i.e. Urban Water and Resources Management) and one course of the module Urban and Regional Development are taught in German.

This cross-locational, research-based Master's degree programme combines knowledge from basic research in environmental sciences on complex environmental systems with basic research on the interaction of environmental systems with society and individuals (human-environment interactions). The methods course provides you with the tools to model such complex systems between people and the environment and to relate them to various fields of application (psychology, communication, economics, spatial planning, civil engineering). This enables you to work out scientifically based options for action and to develop solutions on the basis of interdisciplinary analyses that are both technically possible and socially acceptable as well as practicable.

In addition to courses on the basic knowledge of the various application disciplines, your curriculum includes advanced introductions to the interdisciplinary integration of theoretical knowledge and scientific methods from different subjects. Furthermore, there is a specific focus on research-based learning: through the close connection to ongoing research projects, case studies and empirical Master's theses, you will consistently evaluate options for action on the basis of scientific knowledge.

Mode of study: The degree programme is cross-locational between Landau and Kaiserslautern. The compulsory modules take place in presence in Landau. The elective modules can be studied in a hybrid format if necessary.

• EU applicants: 15 July for the winter semester
• Non-EU applicants: 15 June for the winter semester
• Due to the long visa process, we strongly recommend non-EU students to apply by 15 May.

The programme has a standard period of study of four semesters and leads to a Master of Science degree. A total of 120 ECTS are required for the degree, of which 30 ECTS are for the Master's thesis (including colloquium). The following modular content is taught during the course:

Seven compulsory modules:

• three basic modules
  • Environmental Challenges with Global Impact (8 ECTS)
  • Human-Environment Systems (8 ECTS)
  • Human-Environment Interactions (8 ECTS)
• three method modules
  • Methods in Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research (8 ECTS)
  • Modelling of Ecological Communities (8 ECTS)
  • Social-Ecological Systems Modelling (8 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinary Research Project (6 ECTS)
• Internship (eight weeks; 10 ECTS)
• Individual Studies (8 ECTS)

Seven elective modules (each with 6 ECTS), from which three modules must be chosen:

• Environmental Psychology
• Environmental Economics and Circular Economy
• Environmental Communication
• Societal Transformation
• Urban and Regional Development
• Basics of Urban Mobility
• Urban Water and Resources Management

Optional for internship, interdisciplinary research project or Master's thesis

An eight-week full time external internship in a professional field that addresses environmental challenges with global impact and possible human responses, from an interdisciplinary perspective of natural, technical and social sciences as well as perspectives from the humanities is integrated as a compulsory module. The internship can also be done in internal research units (research internship).

The programme adviser and lecturers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship drawing on their international network in companies, public administrations, universities, and NGOs.

No tuition fees

Currently 150 EUR per semester

RPTU in Landau: We estimate that students require about 900 to 950 EUR per month to cover the costs of living (including housing and bills, health insurance, Internet, food, clothes, study materials, etc.). However, this depends on the individual style of living, the type of housing, etc.

https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students-landau/why-rptu-landau/fees-living-expenses

All application requirements are already fulfilled if you have or are aiming to complete a degree in one of the following programmes:

• Mensch und Umwelt, BSc at RPTU
• Psychologie, BSc
• Umweltwissenschaften, BSc
• Sozial- und Kommunikationswissenschaften, BA at RPTU
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre, BSc at RPTU
• Betriebswirtschaftslehre mit technischer Qualifikation (BWL tQ), BSc at RPTU
• Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, BSc at RPTU

If you have or are aiming for degrees other than those mentioned above, please note the following application prerequisites.

1. General requirements according to the enrolment regulations of the RPTU must be fulfilled.

2. First professionally qualifying university degree from a state or state-recognised university

3. At least a Bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS credits or comparable, of which:

• At least 14 credit points (CP) according to ECTS in empirical research methods and/or statistics, including at least 10 CP in quantitative methods or
  • a) at least 8 CP in empirical research methods and/or statistics and
  • b) at least 6 CP in computer science.
• At least 20 CP in social, political or economic sciences and/or law and/or psychology (excluding methods and statistics) and/or natural or environmental sciences

Students or graduates from specifically named degree programmes are not required to provide proof.

As proof, we recognise the certificate or the certified transcript of records, which clearly shows the number of credit points earned in relevant courses for the respective prerequisite. In addition, individual certificates stating credit points that have been stamped and signed by the university examination office or examination board or by lecturers at a university are also recognised.

Furthermore, please provide us with official module or course descriptions in digital form (direct links) or as a PDF to check the content of the courses listed in your sheet of equivalence. If you do not submit the required module or course descriptions, your application for a place on this degree programme cannot be considered.

English corresponding to level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (no proof required).

A basic command of German helps to facilitate everyday life. Enrolled students can attend our German courses.

• EU applicants: 15 July for the winter semester
• Non-EU applicants: 15 June for the winter semester
• Due to the long visa process, we strongly recommend non-EU students to apply by 15 May.

No

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.), or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional network, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

RPTU Kaiserslautern

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims to arrange accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation as part of the pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer) – rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the Studierendenwerk offers a starter package. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation

RPTU Landau

Accommodation is available in student residences or on the private housing market. A certain number of rooms in student residences are reserved for incoming international Master's students who enrol at RPTU Landau. Students can contact the Welcome Center for further information with regard to the application process or a search for private housing. E-mail: international@uni-landau.de

More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students-landau/travel-accommodation/accommodation

The Welcome Center of the International Affairs RPTU on the Landau campus supports international students through the STAIR programme, which prepares students for the German job market. The workshops convey skills and competences needed to successfully start a career in German (business) culture.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students during every phase of their stay!

Before your arrival: Effective pre-arrival communication helps you handle application, visa, residence permit, and housing affairs.

Once you are here: As a warm-up to your studies, we offer an orientation course which combines German language training with administrative support (finding accommodation, registration process, visa, health insurance, rental contracts, etc.) & a cultural & social component including individual guidance in the first days, a campus & city tour, excursions, info sessions, social events, a welcome party, etc.

During your stay: We provide you with continuing support and accompany you on your way until graduation and entry into the German job market.

More information: https://rptu.de/en/international/home