M.I.N.C. – Master of International Nature Conservation (MSc) University of Göttingen

Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

The teaching language of this Master's programme is English. The Master's thesis has to be written in English. German speaking students can in addition choose elective modules which are taught in German.

The University of Göttingen offers free German language classes for international students.

The course of study provides students with a basic understanding of conservation biology and offers insights into international conservation problems.

The compulsory and elective courses at the University of Göttingen (international nature conservation, population viability analysis, assessing wildlife for conservation, data analysis for field biologists) focus on basic theories and research approaches in conservation biology, reasons for biodiversity loss and the role of population biology. Furthermore, they deal with methods of describing biodiversity and wildlife populations and practical strategies for recovery.

At Lincoln, a combination of three modules is compulsory, including courses in advanced ecology and environmental sciences for environmental policy, research methods in ecology, and aspects of sustainability.

The degree is a double degree offered jointly by the University of Göttingen and Lincoln University, New Zealand. A Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Science / Master of International Nature Conservation (MSc/M.I.N.C.) can be awarded.

Lectures start in October in Göttingen. Admitted students have the option to start their studies in New Zealand in February instead and subsequently attend the Göttingen study semester the year after admission.

More information: https://uni-goettingen.de/de/programme+structure/662650.html

1 April to 15 May

For their compulsory study semester at Lincoln University, Göttingen M.I.N.C. students pay tuition fees once for one study semester of about 9,600 NZD (approx. 5,700 EUR). The fees for the study semester at Lincoln University can change from one year to the next.

The programme consists of four parts:

1. one semester in Germany at the Department of Conservation Biology, University of Göttingen (25%, 30 credits)
2. one semester in New Zealand at the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation at Lincoln University, Canterbury (25%, 30 credits)
3. one internship semester including a practical project (25%, 30 credits)
4. Master's thesis (25%, 30 credits)

At Lincoln University in New Zealand, students choose three courses, e.g.

• ECOL 631 - Animal Behaviour
• ECOL 608 - Research Methods in Ecology
• ECOL 609 - Conservation Biology
• ERST 601 - Advanced Theory in Resource Studies
• ERST 606 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems A
• ERST 620 - Advanced Environmental Management Systems
• ERST 630 - Environmental Policy and Planning
• ERST 631 - Environmental Sciences in Environmental Policy
• ERST 632 - Economics in Environmental Policy
• ECOL 612 - Wildlife Management
• ECOL 630 - Advanced Ecology
• ENSC 601 - Advanced Climate Change and Land Use
• ERST 621 - Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment

Students spend one semester at Lincoln University in New Zealand to take three classes at the Master's level.

The internship semester with its practical project is an important component of the programme. Students will acquire practical skills by assisting in fieldwork and projects at a scientific host institution or at international nature conservation organisations or NGOs. The practical project will take place over a minimum of three months.

Varied

For their compulsory study semester at Lincoln University, Göttingen M.I.N.C. students pay tuition fees once for one study semester of about 9,600 NZD (approx. 5,700 EUR). The fees for the study semester at Lincoln University can change from one year to the next.

Enrolment fees at Göttingen University differ from approx. 75 EUR for each semester spent abroad, and approx. 480 EUR for a semester in Göttingen. 

For their study semester at Lincoln University, Göttingen M.I.N.C. students pay an administration fee of about 700 NZD, which includes health insurance.

For further information: https://uni-goettingen.de/de/661682.html

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Admission to the programme at the University of Göttingen is limited to a maximum number of 10 students each winter semester. Admission criteria are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree from a six-semester programme in biology, biodiversity, ecology, agricultural sciences, forest sciences, geography, nature conservation, veterinary medicine, wildlife management, environmental sciences or equivalent fields
• Applicants must provide evidence that at least 34% of their achievements from their previous studies have been in the fields of nature conservation, biology, ecology, biodiversity, wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, agricultural science, and/or geography.
• sufficient knowledge of the English language
• personal motivation
• previous special experience and expertise in international nature conservation

Applicants will be ranked according to ranking scales found in the admission regulations (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/home/661069.html), and the best candidates will be selected. Applicants must provide the following:

• The result of an internationally recognised test of English as a foreign language (if English is not the native language) – see language requirements
• examination transcripts and certificate of the Bachelor's degree (original or certified copy, with an English translation if the original is not in English or German)
• curriculum vitae (in German or English)
• written explanation about the applicant's motivation to study nature conservation/expression of research interest
• publications or referee's reports or other documents which highlight the applicant's expertise in the field of international nature conservation

Applicants who fulfil the admission criteria will be ranked, and the best applicants will be selected for a 20-minute interview within one month of the application deadline. The interview focuses on the applicant's background in the field of nature conservation, previous knowledge/expertise, concrete ideas on the content of the programme, and the self-assessment of the working attitudes of the applicant.

One of these internationally recognised tests of English as a foreign language must be passed (if English is not the native language of the applicant):

a) UNIcert®: at least certificate UNIcert® III

b) NULTE certificate: at least level C1

c) Cambridge English Scale: at least 180 points

d) International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): at least band 6.5

e) Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT): at least 95 points

f) Global Scale of English (Pearson Academic): at least 76 points

h) At least a two-year stay abroad for studying or working in an anglophone country within the last three years

i) Successful graduation from an anglophone Bachelor's programme

The test of English proficiency must have been passed during the last three years.

Applicants do not have to submit a German language certificate.

1 April to 15 May

Enrolled students can apply for:

• the "Deutschlandstipendium" (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/information+for+students/218535.html)
• the Lower Saxony Scholarship (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html)
• the Promos Scholarship for studies abroad (https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/164293.html)

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/653539.html

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

The Career Service offers individual support whether you want to work in Germany or abroad.

Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany there are workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.

For international students and prospective graduates, the project “Start Guides” offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.

An orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Meetings and activities for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)