Call for Applications: Master of Science Program- Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn (GIUB) are pleased to announce the call for applications for the international joint MSc program “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security”.

The main purpose of the two-year Master of Science program 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 program 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. It provides a unique combination of advanced conceptual and applied engagements within the field of environmental risks and human security in an international context. An internship of at least eight weeks is a compulsory part of the program.

The program’s primary goals are:

  • To provide theoretical and methodological expertise in the field of environmental risks and human security combined with practical experiences;
  • A strong focus on developing countries / the Global South;
  • An intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment;
  • Possibilities to engage in ongoing research projects at both institutions;
  • Close cooperation with the UN system.

Fields of study include:

  • Geographical approaches to risk, vulnerability and resilience;
  • New approaches to development geography;
  • Earth system science;
  • Qualitative & quantitative methods, as well as GIS & remote sensing;
  • Social-ecological systems, risk & technology;
  • Risk management and governance, forecast & prediction;
  • Disaster management, disaster risk reduction

The Master’s program offers great visibility and exposure to international organizations, federal agencies, academic and non-academic research organizations, as well as private companies and corporations involved in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, humanitarian aid, and international relations. Moreover, participants engage with research on climate change, food security, spatial planning, and policy. Career opportunities may be pursued in all of these areas depending on individual interests and professional goals.

Application: UNU-EHS and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn welcome applicants who possess a first academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Geography or a related relevant discipline. The ideal candidate has a strong interest or experience in working in the field of human-nature relations and risk governance in the Global South. Women and applicants from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply. Since its launch in October 2013, a total of 187 students from 45 different countries have been studying within the program.

Scholarship Opportunity: The program is part of a select group of international postgraduate degrees that benefit from the EPOS funding scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). A number of fully-funded scholarships can be offered to students from developing countries.

Eligible candidates should fulfil the following requirements in addition to the general eligibility criteria for the Master’s program:

  • Being a candidate from an eligible developing country;
  • 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 last academic degree no longer than 5 years ago by the time of application;
  • Having completed no other Master’s degree in a similar field of studies;
  • Aiming to pursue a career as a practitioner in the field of development following graduation from the Master’s program (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 program and a DAAD EPOS scholarship.

Students wishing to be considered for these scholarships need to attach the additionally required documents to their application package. Program admission does not guarantee being awarded a DAAD EPOS scholarship.

For more detailed information about the MSc Program, as well as information on the admission process,
please visit; ( https://ehs.unu.edu/education/masters/international-joint-msc-programme-geography-of-environmental-risks-and-human-security.html#applications)

Complete applications must be received by December 15th, 2021, 23:59 CET. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All candidates will receive a notification on their application status by April/May 2022.

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