The main purpose of the two-year Master of Science programme is to provide postgraduate students with detailed knowledge, critical understanding, strategies and the tools required to take an interdisciplinary approach towards environmental risks and human security. The Master’s programme addresses theoretical and methodological debates in geography to better understand the complex emergence of environmental risks and natural hazards, their implications for human-nature relations (vulnerability, resilience, adaptation) and how to deal with them in practice.
As a joint programme offered by the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn and the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University, the course provides a unique combination of advanced conceptual and applied engagements within the field of environmental risks and human security in an international context.
About United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation headquartered in Japan. The mission of the UN University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. In carrying out this mission, the UN University works with leading universities and research institutes in UN Member States, functioning as a bridge between the international academic community
Aim and Benefits of UNU Masters Scholarship
The Programme consists of 12 modules, of which ten are taught in the first three semesters followed by a compulsory internship and the independent work on the Master’s thesis. An internship of at least eight weeks is a compulsory part of the programme.
Since its launch in October 2013, a total of 256 students from 46 different countries have been studying within the programme.
The programme’s primary goals are:
- Theoretical and methodological expertise in the field of environmental risks and human security combined with practical experiences
- Strong focus on developing countries/ the “Global South”
- Intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment
- Possibility to engage in ongoing research projects at both institutions
- Close cooperation with the UN system & international organizations
Requirements for UNU Masters Scholarship Qualification
Additionally, applicants are to meet the following criteria:
Being a candidate from an eligible developing country (check the list on the DAAD website);
Having accumulated at least two years of relevant work experience since graduation from the Bachelor’s by the time of application (e.g. with an NGO, GO, or the private sector);
Having graduated from the last academic degree no longer than 6 years ago by the time of application;
Having completed no other Master’s degree in a similar field of study;
Aiming to pursue a career as a practitioner in the field of development following graduation from the Master’s programme (not in an academic area/not aiming to pursue a PhD);
Being ready to commit fully to the Joint Master’s degree in case accepted for the programme and a DAAD EPOS scholarship.
Applicants must possess a first higher education qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Geography or a related/relevant academic field. Out of all achieved academic performances (Bachelor’s, Master’s, additional coursework, etc.) the majority of attended courses (as reflected in your transcripts) must be related to the three following areas:
Human Geography and Social Sciences with a focus on spatial patterns, society, development;
Science methodology and empirical research methods;
Physical Geography, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences with a focus on Earth System Science.
Note: The programme is not targeted at graduates in Engineering-related subjects. Likewise, graduates in International Relations or similar subjects cannot be considered unless their profile relates strongly to the field of environmental risks. PhD students or PhD holders cannot be considered.
A strong motivation to contribute to the area of human security and management of risks related to environmental change is a prerequisite to study in this Master’s Programme. Applicants should be highly motivated to learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
All applicants need to provide proof of their English language proficiency, except for native speakers from countries specified hereafter: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Documents Required for Application
The following documents need to be submitted via email as one PDF package, not exceeding 8MB in size, and in this exact order. The sample of your academic work must be attached as a separate file, if necessary in a separate email. Incomplete documents, late, as well as paper applications sent via post will not be considered.
Online Application, Motivation Letter, Recent CV in EUROPASS format, Academic Degree, English, Language Proficiency, Academic Reference(s), Copy of Passport, Other Relevant References
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations University (UNU) on unuehs.questionpro.eu to apply
The Joint Master’s Programme has one intake every year. The next intake will start in October 2025. Applications are accepted during the application period from 15 September to 15 December 2024.
To apply, please:
Read the information below as well as the FAQs thoroughly;
Submit the online application form;
Gather the required documents (including the academic writing sample) precisely as explained below;
Rename the merged application documents’ file as [your last name.your first name].pdf; and
Send your application documents via e-mail to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.
For additional questions not covered below or in the FAQs, please contact: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.
For more details, visit UNU website
