This master's program trains students in the theoretical, methodological, and hands-on skills needed to manage biosphere reserves. Coursework and practical activities focus on creating and applying sustainability strategies using participatory and cooperative methods, so you learn to work with communities, stakeholders, and institutions in real-world conservation settings.
You will study ecosystems and land-use approaches in the context of rapid biodiversity and natural resource loss, with particular attention to the uncertainties created by accelerating climate change. The programme also examines cultural and socio-economic dimensions of conservation, encouraging critical reflection on both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in protected landscapes.
On completion, graduates are equipped to put the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme into practice and to contribute to the sustainable development and strengthening of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The curriculum’s applied and collaborative emphasis aims to prepare you for work at the intersection of conservation, sustainable land use, and community engagement in international and local contexts.
Requirements
The first year (semesters 1–2) combines interdisciplinary classroom learning and practical training to prepare you for managing UNESCO biosphere reserves. Core teaching emphasizes clear communication, the political, legal and international frameworks that shape biosphere reserves, and the fundamentals of system functionality and change. You will also study project management and innovation, land‑use systems within socio‑ecological and socio‑economic contexts, and governance, administration and management approaches for biosphere reserves and protected areas. Together these modules build both theoretical grounding and applied skills for working across ecological, social and policy dimensions.
In the final year you move from coursework to independent research and thesis work. The third semester is dedicated to an independent research project accompanied by a research colloquium; this can be hosted at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development or at a suitable institution in Germany or abroad. The fourth semester focuses on writing and defending your Master’s thesis and participating in a thesis colloquium. Graduates will be able to design and evaluate management strategies for protected landscapes, conduct applied research, lead stakeholder‑oriented projects, and operate within national and international policy frameworks.
This programme expects incoming students to have a solid academic grounding in topics related to forests, landscapes, or the environment. If your prior degree comes from a directly relevant field, you will automatically meet the subject-related entry expectations. If your background is from another discipline, the admissions team will review your application on an individual basis to determine whether your prior studies provide an equivalent foundation.
Applicants from non-environmental programmes should prepare a clear personal statement explaining their specific interest in the BIOM programme and how their previous studies or experience relate to biosphere reserve management. All candidates—regardless of background—must possess basic knowledge of ecosystems to be admitted.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
1 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 August 2026
Graduates are prepared to design, manage and evaluate biosphere reserves and related conservation and sustainable development initiatives, with explicit competence to implement the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme and contribute to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Typical roles include biosphere reserve/ protected area manager, conservation NGO specialist, sustainability officer, land‑use and landscape planner, and advisor for international organisations or governmental agencies concerned with biodiversity, ecosystem management and sustainable development.
The programme’s combination of applied project work, governance and management training, and an independent research project also opens pathways into research, consultancy, and policy roles addressing socio-ecological challenges, climate adaptation and community-based sustainability initiatives both in Germany and internationally.