Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

All courses are held in English, although participants can choose to write papers and the Master's thesis in German, and can participate in elective courses from other programmes in German or other languages.

The Master's programme in Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) teaches research and practice in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The interdisciplinary study of the interface between society and nature has components from institutional and neoclassical economics. The programme integrates knowledge from different academic fields both in the natural and social sciences, including ecological systems, political sciences, institutional analysis, and advanced research methods, which are all relevant to improved understanding and implementation of natural resource management.

International students will be in close contact with scientists from policy-oriented or sustainability-oriented research institutes in the Berlin-Brandenburg area. The area has a very high concentration of such research institutes and policy-oriented think tanks.

The winter semester begins in October, with the lecture period running through mid-February. Exams and final presentations vary by module but typically take place during one of two exam periods: mid to late February and/or early April. The summer semester starts in mid-April and runs through mid-July. Summer semester exams are usually offered in late July/early August and early October.

Check the HU academic calendar for further details: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/calendar/calendar.

Usually 31 May for the following winter semester
Usually 15 January for the following summer semester

The Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) study programme features four compulsory modules (CM) and the Master's thesis:

• Agroecosystems, Environment and Sustainable Resource Use
• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Soil and Water Protection
• Institutional Economics and Political Economy
• Master's Thesis

The INRM study programme defines four knowledge areas (KA):

• Natural Sciences Applied to the Use and Protection of Natural Resource Systems
• Social Sciences Applied to the Use and Protection of Natural Resource Systems
• Advanced Methodologies for Empirical Analysis of the Interaction of Social, Natural, and Technical Systems
• Management of Environmental and Natural Resource Systems

These knowledge areas integrate the compulsory modules (CM) with the focal modules (FM). Students must choose focal modules from two out of the six priority areas (PA) listed below:

I. Methodology and Modelling of Sustainability
II. Sustainable Production Processes
III. Sustainability Institutions and Policies
IV. Land and Water
V. Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
VI. Climate Change and Renewable Energy

The selection of the above priority areas serves to build each student's profile and expertise. To allow specialisation of the degree in the context of the variety of lectures and seminars offered at the university, elective modules are included in the study programme, which can be chosen from any Master’s programme from a university in the Berlin area. Additional options for specialisation include study projects – a small research project – that can replace two elective modules, and the Master's thesis.

Group work allows for cultural exchange and faculty connections to Berlin’s international research organisations create ample opportunity for cross-cultural work. Many modules offer course content with a global dimension.

Internships are not compulsory, but they are encouraged by the faculty. Support in the search for internships can be provided.

No tuition fees

Approx. 350 EUR

Approx. 1,100 EUR per month

Applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor's degree in either a natural science or a social science discipline: example degrees include agricultural sciences, horticultural sciences, silvicultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, biology, geography, economics, agricultural economics, horticultural economics, ecological economics, environmental economics, and resource economics as well as social sciences, sociology, and political science.

For further information, visit the following website: https://hu.berlin/INRM.

Proof of English proficiency: any certificate equivalent to level C1

Usually 31 May for the following winter semester
Usually 15 January for the following summer semester

Participants can apply for various scholarships offered at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, e.g. the PROMOS programme and Deutschlandstipendium.

Some jobs may be available for students either at the university or at research institutes in the region, including the following:

• The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
• The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
• The Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
• The Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys)
• The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam (ATB)

Many students are able to work part-time in addition to their studies, either in academic positions or in other mini-jobs offered in the city.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Organisation (https://www.stw.berlin/), the Studentendorf Organisation (http://www.studentendorf-berlin.com/), or on the private accommodation market.

More information for international students including visa, health insurance, and living costs are available here: https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/bewerbung/bewerbung-und-zulassung/informationen-fuer-internationale-studieninteressierte/informationen-zur-bewerbung-fuer-internationale-studieninteressierte.