Geography: Environmental Processes and Natural Hazards
Degree
Master of Science
Semester fee
78
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
4
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
Yes
In a rapidly changing world that is heavily influenced by humans, understanding the processes that arise from the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere is essential for analyzing and evaluating human-environment problems and natural hazards. The practice-based and research-oriented Master's degree program in Physical Geography: Environmental Processes and Natural Hazards teaches students to analyze problems at the local and regional level and develop solutions for the sustainable use of the planet's resources. Our graduates will have acquired methodological skills in the use of modern and innovative technology for data collection in the field and evaluation in the laboratory and on the computer, which qualify them for a wide range of activities in business and science.
The program in detail
Contents
The study program builds on the department’s research priorities and is open to applicants with a first degree in geography, hydrology, geoecology, or a related subject. Graduates of teaching degree programs in geography are also eligible to apply for this Master’s program.
The qualification objectives of the degree program include scientific thinking and working, subject-specific and methodological skills, and the ability for responsible and sustainable action. Students should develop skills such as
- Systemic thinking. This includes understanding and modeling natural and human-environment systems and the necessary spatial-temporal thinking and working methods
- Professional judgment, especially in the context of developing sustainable solutions for dealing with environmental processes and natural hazards
- Knowledge in the field of (landscape) ecosystem, floodplain, and renaturation research
- Knowledge (in theory and practice) of working techniques, e.g., data collection in the field, measurement techniques (digital relief mapping, hydrological measurements), data management and analysis using statistical software and geographic information systems
- Ability to work independently – from developing scientific and applied questions to project design and implementation
- Ability to produce scientific work in various formats (scientific papers, posters, presentations)
- Communication skills and ability to work in a team
Structure
Based on the technical and methodological modules of the first semester, which are designed to lay and consolidate the common foundation for further study, you will find two major “common threads” that you can emphasize in the second and third semesters by selecting required elective modules: On the one hand, there is a focus on geomorphological processes that can be researched using modern surveying methods and understood as natural hazards; another strand looks at climatological and ecological processes and deals with monitoring methods, landscape analysis, and sustainable environmental development, among other things.
Semester 1
The module “Geomorphological and Hydrological Environmental Processes and Natural Hazards” focuses on the interrelationships and interactions between human activity and geomorphological and hydrological processes. Further modules impart knowledge about climatological processes and their environmental relevance and introduce environmental monitoring as the regular and systematic observation of state variables and processes using various measurement methods and mapping techniques. Important methodological skills are developed in two modules in the field of digital terrain data acquisition and processing as well as geoinformatics and statistical analysis methods.
Semester 2
The second semester comprises courses that approach the interaction between humans and the environment or natural hazards in terms of analysis, monitoring, and management. A central element is the “Environmental Monitoring Project,” in which environmental processes and natural hazards are identified, documented, and evaluated in the field, in the laboratory, and on the computer. An extensive field seminar allows students to become thoroughly acquainted with a natural and cultural area. The origin, effectiveness, and consequences of natural processes and their interrelationship with society are discussed on site. The recording and processing of digital surface data is continued in the module “Digital Relief Analysis” using specialized GIS applications.
Semester 4
In the second half of the program, important decisions are made for further work in science and practice—the knowledge acquired is further deepened and applied. The module “Applied Geology” provides insight into the work of authorities, research institutes, and engineering offices. Specialization in the field of natural hazards is offered by the modules “Analysis of Risks from Natural Hazards,” which deals with the probability and spatial effectiveness of geomorphological and hydrological hazard processes, and “Aspects of Risk Management from Natural Hazards.” Finally, in your Master's thesis, which may be part of one of the ongoing research projects, be co-supervised externally, or address a question of your own choosing, you will demonstrate your ability for scientific work.
Facilities
The strong methodological focus of our teaching practice and our research projects are made possible by excellent equipment for use in the field, in the laboratory and in the areas of hardware and software.
On the following pages, you can find detailed information on our equipment in the following areas (available in German):
- Measurement and remote sensing: Scanners, drones etc.
- Hardware and software for GIS, photogrammetry and relief analysis
- Gelände- und Laboranalysen von Wasser, Sedimenten, Pollen und Baumringen
- Our weather station measures different climatic parameters
In addition to their use in research projects, the devices are regularly used in courses (specialization modules, field internships and project seminars) and are used for final theses.
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
We consider stays abroad an important personal experience and a significant factor in the competition for an attractive job. The KU maintains a partnership network with around 300 universities worldwide. The KU International Office supports students in the planning phase and provides information on different financing possibilities for stays abroad.
Practical connection
Our research projects are as diverse as the main topics of our working groups, and yet their topics can be summarized as "Environmental Research in Space" and "Environmental Geography". We conduct research in projects with varying proportions of fundamental research and applied practice-oriented research. Students can contribute to these projects through field internships, field trips and their final theses, but also as student assistants.
They gain experience and establish contacts with potential employers through an internship (available in German) in the required elective area. Students also have the possibility to complete their internship abroad; for individual advice and support in finding an internship and financing possibilities, the KU Career Service and the International Internship Service are happy to help.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
Our modules in the different degree programs focus on the processing of environmental data (mapping, monitoring, GIS and statistics) and on approaching the topic area of natural hazards, which has to be considered from both a scientific and a socio-economic perspective.
Already during your studies, you can gain experience and establish contacts with potential employers (available in German) through an internship (in the required elective area).
The KU
The KU has two campuses: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt. Seven faculties are located in Eichstätt. The Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) and MIDS (Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science) are located on our Ingolstadt campus.
This degree program is taught on our Eichstätt campus.
Studying in Eichstätt
Study location
The district of Eichstätt and the city of Ingolstadt are located in the heart of Bavaria. This central location also means that the KU is easy to reach. Eichstätt impresses with its unique combination of baroque architecture, modern amenities and the picturesque nature of the Altmühltal natural park.
Campus
Short distances and lavish green spaces characterize the KU campus in Eichstätt. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town.
More than just a degree
Studying at the KU not only provides you with the specialist knowledge you need, but also aims to open up real future prospects for its students. We want to support our students in finding their own personal path to their individual dream future! The question is not "What career do I want to pursue?", but rather "Who do I want to be?"
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
Armelle
Langenwald
International degree seeking students coordinator - Campus Ingolstadt
Building
Hauptbau
|
Room: HB-209
Alice
Rohn
International degree seeking students coordinator - Campus Eichstätt
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
Letter of motivation; oral examination
Letter of motivation; oral examination
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
Yes
Application
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.