M.Sc. Biosphere Reserves Management (BIOM)

About

Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development. The international Master's programme in Biosphere Reserve Management (BIOM) addresses contemporary sustainability issues from an integrative perspective. We think about how to reconcile competing land-use interests at the landscape level. We analyse both innovative and traditional land use practices. We compare different management and land use systems. In short: We look for local solutions to global problems.


The Master's course is guided by the current strategy of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the Lima Action Plan, focusing on three areas of competence:


→ Ecological and social systems

→ Governance and management

→ Cooperation, communication, learning

Goal

The goal of the study programme is to consistently teach theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge and skills in biosphere reserve management.

Students learn to develop sustainability strategies by applying participatory and cooperative approaches. They gain knowledge on ecosystems and different concepts of land use in a context of unprecedented loss of biodiversity and natural resources under accelerated climate change and the resulting uncertainty. Cultural and socio-economic challenges as well as opportunities are identified and reflected upon. 

Graduates can implement the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and sustainably improve the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Study with us

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Why study BIOM?

This is what our students say:

I very spontaneously switched to the BIOM programme and never regretted it

The novel study course and its interdisciplinary approaches gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of many interconnected parts of the natural and social world while still being able to focus on my preferred research fields, as well as the possibility to get involved on an organisational level. I believe that the efforts made to involve practitioners in lectures and diverse practical parts make BIOM a very attractive study course that you may tailor to your own specific interests.

Lisa Sharif, BIOM-2020

The BIOM course broadened my spectrum of learning

The BIOM course provides a diversity of modules that broadened my spectrum of learning, including practical experiences with visits to biosphere reserves in different countries and expert insights. In addition, the course was well-structured, especially as this was the first batch, and the right environment provided to support students, including learning resources and personnel. I also enjoy diversity of students, backgrounds and experiences, all providing a very open and warm environment in and out of the confines of our academics into wonderful connections in our personal lives.

Prince Owusu Bonsu, BIOM-2020

I am grateful for the chance to learn from my classmates

BIOM students are a mixed group of people (over 12 nationalities and languages) with a wide set of skills and cultural backgrounds. Learning in heterogeneous adult groups is about challenging assumptions about others and exercising curiosity. Our resilience, that is, our capacity to adapt and change, is one of our strengths. During my time in this programme, I realised that the better group we are, the further I advance. I am grateful to this master's programme for giving me the chance to meet my classmates and learn with and from them.

Daniel Ojeda di Vicente, BIOM-2021

Profile

Programme profile

Qualification Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Start Winter term
Duration 4 terms
Language English
Study mode Full-time
ECTS 120

Programme structure

1st TERM 5 mandatory modules 30 ECTS
2nd TERM 3 mandatory and 2 elective modules 30 ECTS
3rd TERM Research project 30 ECTS
4th TERM Master's thesis and defense 30 ECTS

Language requirements

Language English
Level Advanced (C1 or equivalent)*

* If applicants do not have an appropriate English language certificate at the time of entry, they may be accepted for a limited period if approved by the Programme Coordinator. Appropriate confirmation must then be provided before registering for the second semester. When registering for the programme, we recommend an English language level of at least B2.

Applicant's profile

Graduates of the study programmes International Forest Ecosystem Management (IFEM, B.Sc.), Landscape Management and Nature Conservation (LaNu, B.Sc.) and Organic Farming and Marketing (ÖLV, B.Sc.) at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. 


Applicants with a bachelor's degree in ecosystem management, sustainable management of natural resources and the study of social-ecological systems, especially in the following areas:


→ Agriculture // Forestry // Horticulture

→ Biology

→ Environmental and Resource Economics

→ Environmental Planning // Spatial Planning

→ Environmental Sciences (except for Environmental Engineering)

→ Geography // Geology // Geo-Ecology

→ Landscape Ecology // Landscape Management and Planning

→ Nature Conservation

→ Pedagogical Education (if both subjects relate to the above fields)


Applicants with other degrees related to sustainability who have acquired at least 18 ECTS credits in natural or ecological sciences. Applicants must be able to present and prove these fundamentals in natural or ecological sciences in tabular form in an attachment to the application letter.


Applicants with other degrees who have at least one year of relevant professional experience may also apply. The head of the study programme decides on the recognition.

Navigate to

On 25 July 2024, the Joint Commission of the MSc Biosphere Reserves Management adopted the regulation for registering the Master's thesis by § 19 (7) RSPO of the Eberswalde School for Sustainable Development using a circulation procedure.

Study and Examination Regulations Curriculum Application

Curriculum

MODULE STATUS ECTS
1st TERM Communication and team building M 6
Political, legal and international frameworks of UNESCO biosphere reserves M 6
Fundamentals of system functionality and change M 6
Approaches and tools for research and monitoring M 6
Project management and innovation M 6
2nd TERM Land use systems in socio-ecological and socio-economic context M 6
Governance, administration and management for biosphere reserves and protected areas M 6
Transformation and education for sustainable development M 6
Ecological effectiveness of biosphere reserves E 6
Stakeholder communication within biosphere reserves E 6
Sustainable tourism and cultural identity E 6
3rd TERM Research project M 24
Internet-based research colloquium M 6
4th TERM Master's thesis colloquium M 4
Master's thesis and defense M 26

M = Mandatory module, E = Elective module

Study and Examination Regulations

Application

FAQ

  • I have a degree in a field listed in the programme profile. Do I meet the entry requirements?

    You meet the admision requirements if you have a university degree (Bachelor, Diploma, Engineer, Magister, or Master) qualifying one for a profession in one of the fields mentioned in the Programme Profile, which had a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters or a total of at least 180 ECTS credits. Since the language of instruction is English, all applicants must also demonstrate a good knowledge of English as a language requirement for admission: European Framework of Reference with level C1 or equivalent qualifications.

  • My degree is related to sustainability but is not listed in the programme profile. May I apply?

    Applicants with other degrees related to sustainability can apply if they have acquired at least 18 ECTS credits in natural or ecological sciences. Applicants must be able to present and prove these fundamentals in natural/ecological sciences in tabular form in an attachment to the application letter. Applicants with other degrees who have at least one year of relevant professional experience may also apply. The head of the study programme decides on the recognition.

  • My degree is not related to sustainability, but I have relevant professional experience. May I apply?

    Applicants with other degrees who have at least one year of relevant professional experience may also apply. The head of the study programme decides on the recognition.

  • I am still not sure whether I meet the entry requirements. Whom should I consult?

    If you need immediate assurance that you meet the admission requirements for your own planning, please send your curriculum vitae in tabular form and a copy of your last University certificate to the study programme coordinator for the assessment.

  • Do I have to provide certified copies of my documents when applying?

    You will only send certified copies of the documents when you have received an admission and wish to enroll. You will find the necessary information in the letter of admission. You will receive the acceptance or rejection relatively soon after receipt of your application.

  • How can I prove my knowledge of English?

    Since the language of instruction is English, all applicants must demonstrate a good knowledge of English as a language requirement for admission: European Framework of Reference with level C1 or equivalent qualifications. To check whether or not a language test meets these requirements, a copy of the corresponding language certificate must be submitted. Applicants whose native language is English in their home country do not need to submit an English language certificate. The country information of the Federal Foreign Office is used to check the mother tongue of a country. Graduates of English-language degree programmes do not have to provide any further language certificates. If applicants do not have a suitable English language certificate at the time of admission, they can be admitted for a limited period of time if the course director approves. The corresponding proof must then be provided before registration for the second semester.

  • I do not yet have a C1 certificate in English. May I apply?

    If applicants do not have a suitable English language certificate at the time of admission, they can be admitted for a limited period of time if the the study programme coordinator approves. The corresponding proof must then be provided before registration for the second semester. When registering for the programme, we recommend an English language level of at least B2. 

  • I am a native English speaker. Do I have to provide an English language certificate?

    Applicants whose native language is English in their home country do not need to submit an English language certificate. The country information of the Federal Foreign Office is used to check the mother tongue of a country. 

  • I am a graduate of an English language programme. Do I have to provide an English language certificate?

    No, graduates of English language programmes do not need to submit additional language certificates.

Lecturers and their interests