Environmental Planning and Territorial Development - Track Nature Conservation and Landscape Planning
(Master of Science)

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester, Summer semester

Language of Instruction

German

Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C1
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Special Requirements

Pre-internship (recommended)

Admission

Restricted admission

International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Environmental planning and territorial development are among today’s key tools for achieving sustainable development. The consequences of global and regional change for humanity, flora and fauna, and ecological and economic systems are becoming increasingly apparent. Climate change, the development of renewable energies, changes in urban/rural relations, and the conservation of biodiversity are major challenges for society.

The Track Nature Conservation and Landscape Planning addresses the issue of extensive nature conservation and how it can be implemented in landscape planning, whereas
the Track Territorial Development focuses on planning and control instruments for integrating the environmental perspective into comprehensive spatial development.

Students on the Master’s programme in Environmental Planning and Territorial Development train to become experts who understand landscapes and regions with their natural features, as well as current uses and potential, in their contemporary complexity and spatial development. Students learn to develop landscape designs in which they strike a balance between the different usage interests, taking into account provisions under nature conservation and planning law.

Having opted for one Track, students may still take optional modules from the other area of specialisation; in the Track Territorial Development, the primary language of instruction is English.

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Architecture and Landscape Sciences

Course Content

Animal and plant ecological methods in planning
Biodiversity and nature conservation
Computer-assisted planning
Environmental law and management
Key transferable skills
Landscape and environmental planning
Landscape perception, recreation and tourism
Planning communication
Project-centred learning
Urban and regional planning, regional governance

Course Structure

The Master’s degree programme in Environmental and Regional Planning builds on the specialist foundations and methods addressed in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. The degree programme encompasses landscape planning in the broader sense – the different forms of environmental assessment, issues related to species and habitat protection, resource conservation, landscape as space for experience, spatial planning and regional development.

In addition to compulsory modules in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Environmental Planning, and Urban and Regional Planning, students can gear the programme towards their interests by undertaking field trips and selecting optional modules. Such modules include Environmental Assessment, Bioengineering, Landscape History, Design of Urban Landscapes, and Renewable Energies. Small groups are formed in which students complete three projects. Workflow, report and presentation are assessed.

The Master’s thesis is submitted in the form of a report and presented within a colloquium.

Students learn self-management, presentation techniques and the ability to work in a team with the help of interdisciplinary cooperation and partners from the field.

The programme offers a wide range of e-learning options, modelling and geographic information systems (GIS).

1. Semester	Master Projekt 1 - Naturschutz und Landschaftsplanung (15 LP)	Urban and Regional Development (5 LP)	Exkursion und Stegreifarbeiten (5 LP)	Biodiversität und Naturschutz (5 LP)
2. Semester	Master Projekt 2 - Naturschutz und Landschaftsplanung (15 LP)	Environmental Planning (5 LP)	Wahlpflicht (10 LP)
3. Semester	Master Projekt 3 (15 LP)	Wahlpflicht (15 LP)
4. Semester	Masterarbeit inklusive Kolloquium (30 LP)

Recommended Abilities

A basic knowledge of landscape planning and nature conservation (planning tools, methods of landscape analysis and assessment)
Urban and regional planning
Plant ecology and soil science
Enjoyment of fieldwork (mapping, conducting interviews)
Scientific work, creativity, a structured and activity-oriented mind-set
Ability to work in a team
An interest in contemporary challenges (loss of biodiversity, demographic change)
Experience in planning offices, nature protection bodies, etc.
Basic knowledge of the English language

Career Opportunities

Environmental planners are engaged in public authorities, national and international organisations, planning offices and other companies from the private sector. Their main tasks include landscape and spatial planning, environmental assessment, habitat and species protection, urban and regional development. Additional fields of work include tourism planning, environmental education and consulting.

Graduates may embark on doctoral studies.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (Bachelor of Science)

Please note that an application folder must be submitted for the application in addition to the regular application documents. The application folder includes a motivation letter as well as work samples (DIN A4 format).