Welcome to M.Sc. Forest Sciences
Forests are playing an increasingly important role worldwide. They serve to preserve near-natural habitats and natural biodiversity and, at the same time, provide humans worldwide with important natural resources, recreational or health values. Vis-à-vis the global challenges that affect forests and their management, such as climate change or a growing population, forests not only need to be adapted to changing climatic conditions; they also need to sustain important ecosystem functions and provide for livelihoods. Therefore, forest management that integrates ecological, economic and social aspects is key.
Forest Sciences and Forestry have a long tradition at Freiburg University and in the nearby Black Forest. Excellent research structures and a unique variety of landscapes provide the ideal environment for future forest and forestry experts.
The MSc Forest Science combines in-depth technical knowledge with practice to best convey the current requirements for future forest experts.
Here is the Flyer of the programme
Short profile
Type of Study
Full time
Medium of instruction
German or English
Start
Winter term only
Application periode
20 March - 15 May (non-EU applicationss)
20 March - 30 June (EU-applications)
Standard period of study
4 semesters
Elective Tracks:
* Forstwirtschaft (German)
* International Forestry (English)
* Wildlife and Biodiversity (English)
Credits
120 ECTS (80 ECTS Modules, 10 ECTS Internship, 30 ECTS Thesis
Costs
- Semester fee: 161,00€
- Tuition fee for International students: 1.500€ (if applicable)
- secondary tuition fees: 650€ (if applicable)
Imparted competences
- In-depth technical knowledge in Forestry science
- Basic understanding of ecological systems at different scales and their responses to environmental changes and management
- In-depth knowledge of sustainable management systems and how to develop and implement them
- Key skills: analysis and monitoring, scientific work and writing .
Target group
Our mission is to qualify professionals who will be able to deal with the current challenges and questions of ecologically, economically and socially sustainable forest management, in science and practice.
The MSc Programme "Forest Sciences" is particularly suitable for bachelor graduates of relevant disciplines:
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Geography
- Environmental protection and Nature conservation
- Management of natural Ressources
Please note that background knowledge in forestry is important. Depending on the favorite elective track, further competencies may also be required.
For more information, see the application section.
Are you still unsure if the Freiburg Forest Sciences Master's Programme is ‘for you’? Check out the Online Study Assistant (OSA) Forest Sciences providing some sample assignments, video interviews and further information to help you make your decision.
Carreer opportunities
The MSc Forest Sciences is an internationally accredited programme that prepares graduates for a range of employment opportunities depending on the choice of Core Modules, Elective Tracks, the Internship and the Master's thesis.
The English taught MSc Forest Sciences program qualifies graduates for positions in development cooperation and technical assistance, forest management, timber or carbon markets, research, or advisory services. The German program track offers preparation for the classic forestry activities* in Germany.
Potential employment opportunities:
- International development aid organizations and many others in the field of forest, nature and resource management
- Nature conservation, land development and land management
- Management of corporate and cooperative forests
- Private forest administration
- Timber sales and timber trade
- Universities and research institutions
- Forestry offices and experimental stations
- Independent forestry experts
- Consultancy (enterprises, associations, companies, politics etc.)
- Management and executive positions in state forest service
(“higher forest service)
