Overview The Master’s programme provides an interdisciplinary education that examines forest ecosystems and modern forest management from multiple angles. The curriculum covers core principles of forest ecology — with examples from Central Europe and beyond — and explores the many ways forests are used, from conserving animal and plant populations to the energetic and material uses of wood. Ecological, economic and social dimensions are integrated throughout the programme, with a clear emphasis on sustainability.
Specialisations Students choose one of three focal areas to tailor their studies:
Hands-on learning and career readiness Practical learning is built into the degree through practice-based modules, internship opportunities and elective courses that let students apply theory to real-world problems in woodland management. Graduates leave with a combination of theoretical knowledge and applied skills designed to prepare them for roles in research, management, policy or consulting related to resilient and sustainable forest management.
Programme details (from the provided description)
Entry requirements
The programme is a 120 ECTS Master's made up of five coordinated components that build both breadth and depth in forest sciences. Core modules (15 ECTS) provide a common foundation through three compulsory courses taught in English. The major pathway (50 ECTS) consists of 10 required modules that give in-depth, specialist knowledge in your chosen focus. A set of elective courses (15 ECTS) lets you tailor your studies with three subject-related modules aligned to your major.
Hands-on learning and independent research are central. A mandatory internship (10 ECTS) — at least seven weeks long — places you in a professional setting in Germany or abroad to apply theory, gain practical skills and explore career directions. The programme concludes with a 30 ECTS Master’s thesis, an individual research project to be completed within six months that demonstrates your ability to carry out scientific work independently.
Teaching is organised seasonally: modules run weekly during the winter term and in intensive three-week blocks during the summer term. Overall, the structure ensures graduates acquire a comprehensive grasp of forest sciences, specialised expertise in their major, practical experience through field placement, and the research competence to conduct independent scientific work.
Requirements (concise)
Admission overview The Master's in Forest Sciences seeks applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance in a relevant Bachelor's program. Successful candidates normally hold an above‑average undergraduate degree and should be prepared for a curriculum that bridges ecological, biological and resource‑management perspectives on forests.
What international applicants should know The stated minimum final grade is given on the German grading scale (e.g., 1.0 = very good, higher numbers indicate lower marks); a minimum of 2.5 is required. If your degree uses a different grading system, the admissions office will assess equivalence — you may be asked to provide official transcripts or a grade‑conversion statement. Fluency in English at the CEFR C1 level is required, so bring a recognized language certificate that documents C1 proficiency.
Additional details Each specialization within the program may have its own specific prerequisites or recommended background coursework. Carefully review the detailed requirements for your intended major on the programme’s website before applying, and contact the admissions team if you are unsure whether your qualifications match.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates leave with a solid combination of theoretical knowledge, applied skills and practical experience that prepares them for professional roles in forestry, natural resource management, conservation and related research. The specialised majors support career paths in forest enterprises, environmental consultancies, governmental and international institutions, NGOs and academic research.
The programme’s international orientation and research options also position graduates well for roles that require cross-border cooperation, policy analysis or scientific investigation of forest responses to environmental change.