Program details

Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy

Justus-Liebig-University Giessen · Giessen, Germany

DAAD-6109Master

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English

Language of Instruction

Oct

Available Intake(s)

Course Overview

Do you really want to make a difference in the world? Are you passionate about life sciences and already have a Bachelor's degree in this field? Do you like to travel, make international contacts and gain experience abroad? Then you've come to the right place! The international Master's programme in "Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy" provides the perfect combination of science, data management and policy advice on global change, complemented by practical experience and one or more stays abroad. It is offered jointly by Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, in the heart of Germany, and University College Dublin (UCD), School of Biology and Environmental Science, in Ireland. The programme has a duration of 16 months and comprises 120 ECTS credit points. It is taught entirely in English. Global change refers to planetary-scale changes occurring in complex socio-ecological systems. Understanding the intricate changes in our land, air and water requires advanced scientific knowledge in measurement, modelling and prediction. During your studies you will learn how best to tackle the global challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource consumption, etc. After three semesters, graduates will receive a joint Master's degree (MSc) from both universities and will be able to build an important bridge between science and policy. This programme is unique in that: You will be involved in active research groups in both universities and will get involved in their ecosystem experiments and field studies. You will learn to adapt your role as a scientist, dealing either with expert or citizen interest groups or lay audiences. You will acquire transferable skills during a work placement (six weeks minimum contact time) that will make you a sought-after and effective employee.

Curriculum

Time schedule: The course starts in September at UCD in Dublin, Ireland (September – December). This first semester is followed by a work placement in an organisation or company (January to February). The second semester continues at JLU in Giessen, Germany (March to July). The third semester is entirely dedicated to the individual research project, which can be undertaken in working groups either at UCD or JLU. On completion of the research project, students prepare their Master’s thesis in the form of a scientific paper (August – December). Modules: The course is modular and credits will be awarded for each successfully completed module based on the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The Master of Science in Global Change requires students to complete a total of at least 14 modules (12 core modules and two optional modules). Core modules: Global Change Ecology – Introduction Science and Policy Data Analysis and Interpretation Designing Global Change Research Projects Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Law and Policy Global Change: Modelling and Advanced Techniques Adaption to Global Change Biodiversity Informatics Political Consulting – Environmental Policy and Development Cooperation Resource Economics, Sustainability and Environmental Management Sustainable Agroecosystems Optional modules, e.g.: Peatlands and Environmental Change Ecological Mapping and QGIS Management of Sustainable Fisheries Biology and Ecology of Coastal Wetlands Field Methods in Global Change Research Global Governance Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services Renewable Energy Transition Man in Past Climates and Climate Change Impacts | Projects with partners in Germany and abroad International guest lecturers Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s) Opportunities for students to work abroad | The work placement allows students to gain an initial insight into the different areas of work they may wish to pursue in the future. It also enables them to gain practical work experience and establish contacts with potential future employers. It can be carried out in various organisations or companies all over the world. Benefit from our contacts and complete the work placement in renowned institutions such as: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) ICLEI European Secretariat in Freiburg Rural Investment for a Sustainable Europe (RISE) Foundation in Brussels International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Brussels Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) in Tokyo Marine Institute, Ireland Department of Agriculture, Forestry and the Marine, Ireland Sustainable Food Trust, UK Scottish Wildlife Trust, UK etc. | German language courses: No | English language courses: No

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Minimum Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS-points and an average grade of 2.48 (UCD grade points) or better in one of the following scientific fields: Biology Agricultural Studies Natural or Environmental Sciences Following a case-by-case assessment, other study programmes may be accepted such as zoology, ecology, geology or biochemistry as equivalent and may also be subjected to specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 6.5

As of Sep 7, 2026, verify on the university’s site.

Application Details

When to Apply

Rolling procedure, early application is recommended (by 15 July for the following winter semester). If you would like to apply at short notice, please enquire with the UCD programme director. | Please find more details on this website.

How to Apply

Please check this website.

Intakes & Deadlines

OctNot published

Eligibility Requirements

Other Language Requirements

Other Language Required: German - not required

Program Fees

Tuition FeeNot published

Typical ScholarshipNot published

Looking for living expenses, accommodation, scholarships, placements, or campus facilities? See the university page.

Costs & Support

Fees & Contributions

Included in the tuition fees

Scholarship

Yes | Partial scholarships for international students at JLU in the closing phase of their degree: Partial scholarships are possible for three to six months and range between 300 to 450 EUR per month. More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/closingphase DAAD scholarships for more equity and opportunity: Possible funding duration of one to six months, ranging from 300 to 450 EUR per month for students who face special challenges during their studies (a disability, a chronic illness, a refugee background, single parenting and those caring for close relatives in Germany). More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/equalopportunities

German language skills

No minimum language level required

Tuition fees per semester

The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: non-EU countries 14,750 EUR The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: EU countries 5,045 EUR

Name of DAAD funding programme

Integrated International Degree Programmes with Double Degrees

Tuition fee exemptions apply to

Scholarship holders

Language requirements exemptions

Please find details on the course website.

More information on tuition fees

Please find more details on this website.

Document Checklist

This university has not published its own document list, so this is what a student going to Germany is generally asked for. Confirm the exact list with the university.

PassportEvery university and every immigration authority identifies you by your passport, and most require six months of validity beyond your stay.
10th MarksheetYour secondary record is the first rung of the ladder every admissions office reads.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)Almost every university outside direct-entry undergraduate systems asks you to explain, in your own words, why this course.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)Postgraduate admissions rely on an academic or professional reference; the number varies by programme.
Resume / CVPostgraduate applications are assessed on work and research history as well as marks.
English Proficiency Test Score ReportUniversities and immigration authorities both need evidence you can study in English.

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Frequently asked questions

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A Diploma supplement will be issued

Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)

The programme comprises at least one semester at UCD in Dublin, Ireland (September to December) and one semester at JLU in Giessen, Germany (March to July). The third semester, which is entirely dedicated to the individual research project, can be completed either at UCD or JLU.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

DAAD ERASMUS+

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

Welcome event Cultural and linguistic preparation Visa matters Help with finding accommodation Support with registration procedures

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

Career Service and special opportunities for international students: www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/research-centers/zfbk/career_services/

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Accommodation: For your time in Giessen, you will be guaranteed a room in one of the students’ residences of Studentenwerk if you apply by 15 January (fixed deadline!). Accommodation cannot be guaranteed for applications received later. Check out the students' residences here. (“Unterhof” is the students’ residence closest to the natural science campus of JLU.) Additional information regarding accommodation can be found here. Other: Information for international students regarding culture, sports, language courses, shopping, mobility, medical treatment, etc.: click here

Standardized Test Score Report (GRE / GMAT)CheckNo immigration authority sets a GRE or GMAT requirement; only the university does.

Proof of Funds / Financial StatementEvery study destination requires evidence you can pay tuition and live for at least a year. The amount is set by the destination and changes -- check the current figure before you prepare this.

Health / Medical InsuranceCheckFew destinations let an international student enrol without health cover.

APS CertificateGermany pre-verifies Indian certificates through the German Embassy's evaluation centre in New Delhi; without the APS certificate no student visa is issued.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) ConfirmationGermany requires a year of living costs to be parked and released monthly so you cannot run out mid-semester.

Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid)The visa exists only to let you take up a place you already hold, at a university or at a Studienkolleg.

uni-assist application or VPD (Vorpruefungsdokumentation)Checkuni-assist converts your Indian grades to the German scale so the university does not have to.

Travel Health Insurance covering the first 90 daysThe visa is issued against an insurance start date; German statutory student insurance then takes over at enrolment.

MEA Apostille on Indian Academic DocumentsCheckAn apostille is how an Indian certificate becomes legally recognisable abroad without an embassy stamp.

LRS Form A-2 and PAN for fee remittanceAn Indian resident cannot wire tuition or living costs abroad without filing Form A-2 and quoting a PAN.

Germany Merit Award

National Merit Foundation

Funding

Full tuition waiver

Germany Deadline: Rolling

For students admitted to an accredited university program, based on financial need and merit.

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Il servizio di scambio accademico tedesco (DAAD)

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Students from pontifical universities.

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What is Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy is a program offered by Justus-Liebig-University Giessen.

What is the tuition fee for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

Tuition fees for this program can vary by intake and are best confirmed with a GCQ360 counsellor.

What are the entry requirements for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

Minimum qualification required: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS-points and an average grade of 2.48 (UCD grade points) or better in one of the following scientific fields: Biology Agricultural Studies Natural or Environmental Sciences Following a case-by-case assessment, other study programmes may be accepted such as zoology, ecology, geology or biochemistry as equivalent and may also be subjected to specific requirements..

What English language test scores are required for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

English proficiency test requirements vary -- a GCQ360 counsellor can confirm the exact score needed for this program.

Is GRE or GMAT required for admission to Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

No, this program does not require a GRE or GMAT score for admission.

When is the application deadline for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

Available intakes include: .

Are scholarships available for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

This specific program does not list a dedicated scholarship, but GCQ360 can help you explore other funding and scholarship options at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen.

What is the study mode and language of instruction for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

This program is offered in Full-time mode, taught in English at the Gießen campus.

Is work experience, an internship, or a thesis required for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

This program has no minimum work experience requirement. No thesis is required to graduate.

Can GCQ360 help me apply to Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy?

Yes -- a GCQ360 counsellor can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and the application process for Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen.