Physical Geography: Climate & Environmental Sciences

Subjects: Geography;Physical Geography;Climate Science;Environmental Sciences

M.Sc. | Master of Science

Course description

Environmental processes and dynamics are shaped by the diverse properties of physical systems on global, regional, and local scales. Accelerating climate change impacts these underlying processes, influencing landscape dynamics and socio-ecological systems. These changes present fundamental research challenges and increase the volume of spatial data. At the Institute of Geography in Erlangen, we study climatic changes and their effects from various research perspectives, with a particular focus on high mountain environments. Our research in Physical Geography encompasses climate research, environmental studies, and geoinformatics, each with numerous sub-fields. Our institute is internationally recognized and participates in many global collaborative projects, with a special emphasis on high mountain regions such as the European Scandinavian Mountains, the Alps, the Andes, High-mountain Asia, the Himalayas, East Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. We also focus on polar regions and drylands. In addition to our international work, we are involved in various projects within Germany and the state of Bavaria. We maintain a strong connection to Cultural Geography through the research field of society-environment interactions. Our commitment to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change drives our research and fosters an atmosphere of trust, understanding, and inclusivity.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

Language: Confirmation of proficiency in English at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or an equivalent score in an internationally recognized test, e.g. IELTS 5.5, TOEFL pbt 552. A basic knowledge of German (comparable to level A1) has to be proven within the first academic year. FAU actively supports your efforts to learn German.

Qualification Requirements

Above average Bachelor’s degree in (Physical) Geography or a related study program (Agricultural Science, Forestry, Landscape Ecology, Geoinformatics, Ecosystem Management, Environmental Engineering, B. Ed. in Geography, Climate and Environmental Sciences). Applicants with a grade of 2.3 and better (according to the German grading system) are admitted immediately after examination of their documents. Applicants with a grade up to 2.5 are invited to a selection interview. Applicants with a grade worse than 2.5 cannot be admitted.

Document Requirements

CV (simple copy) German language test verification certificate - if required (simple copy) School leaving certificate (certified copy) Official translation of the School Leaving Certificate (certified copy) University Degree Certificate and Diploma Supplement - if already available (certified copy) Official translation of the University Degree Certificate and Diploma Supplement (certified copy) Complete Academic Report/Transcript of Records (certified copy) Official translation of the Complete Academic Report/Transcript of Records (certified copy) All additional documents which are required by the specific program (letter of application, proof of internships/placements, language certificates, etc).