Biosphere Reserves Management
Biosphere reserves are model regions for sustainable development. The international Master's programme Biosphere Reserves Management (BIOM) addresses current sustainability issues from an integrative perspective. We investigate local solutions to global problems.
Overview
Aligned with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme and the Lima Action Plan, you will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in biosphere reserve management.
You will develop sustainability strategies in a participatory and cooperative manner. In doing so, you will focus on the three areas of competence
→ Ecological and social systems
→ Steering and management
→ Cooperation, communication, learning
The interdisciplinary degree programme allows me to focus on my preferred research areas. The practical relevance and holistic understanding make BIOM a very attractive degree programme that can be tailored to one's own interests.
Lisa Sharif
Student, Biosphere Reserves Management 2020
Dates and Events
The BIOM course offers a wide range of modules that have broadened my learning experience, including hands-on visits to biosphere reserves in different countries and insights from experts.
Prince Owusu Bonsu
Student, Biosphere Reserve Management 2020
I want to apply...
Application period
Summer semester:
for higher semesters: 1.12. to 15.1.
Winter semester:
for the first semester: 1.3. to 15.7.
for higher semesters: 1.3. to 15.7.
Please create an applicant account via the HNEE application portal. You will receive a confirmation email from us containing your username and password. You may then log in to enter the required information and upload your documents.
After submitting the online application, you can access a summary of your details by clicking the “Print” button. We recommend printing and reviewing this summary for accuracy.
If you discover any errors after submission, please contact us by e-mail before the application deadline.
- You must hold a first university degree qualifying you for a profession (e.g. Bachelor, Diplom, Ingenieur, Magister or Master) with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. The degree must be in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture, forestry, horticulture, or agricultural and forest sciences
- Nature conservation, environmental sciences (excluding environmental engineering), landscape ecology
- Environmental and spatial planning, landscape conservation and planning
- Environmental and resource economics
- Geography, geology, geoecology or biology
- Teacher training in one of the above subject areas, provided both teaching subjects are within the listed disciplines
- In addition, proof of English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
If this proof is not yet available at the time of application, it may be submitted by the end of the re-enrolment period for the second semester.
- Degree certificate and transcript of records (alternatively, a transcript showing at least 150 ECTS credits and a provisional overall grade)
- Educational and professional background (CV in tabular format)
- If available: certificates, references, or proof of relevant professional experience
- If already available: proof of English language proficiency at C1 level. Alternatively, the TOEIC test may be taken during the first semester at the HNEE Language Centre.
Application period
Summer semester:
for higher semesters: 1.11. to 1.12. from a non-EU country or 1.12. to 15.1. from an EU/EEA country
Winter semester:
for the first semester: 1.3. to 1.6. from a non-EU country or 1.3. to 15.7. from an EU/EEA country
for higher semesters: 1.3. to 1.6. from a non-EU country or 1.3. to 15.7. from an EU/EEA country
Please apply early if you need to apply for a visa for your studies. The processing times are sometimes very long.
If you obtained your degree outside Germany, you must not apply directly to our university, regardless of your citizenship. Instead, please apply via the uni-assist e.V. application portal. Uni-assist is a central service provider that conducts a preliminary review of international applications on behalf of many German universities. Detailed information about the application process can be found on the uni-assist website, including country-specific guidance.
If your application is complete and meets the formal admission requirements, uni-assist will forward it to our university. Once your application has been imported into the HNEE application system, you will receive an email with login details for the HNEE application portal, allowing you to track the status of your application.
You must hold a first university degree that qualifies you for a profession, equivalent to a three-year German Bachelor’s degree, in one of the following fields:
- Agriculture, forestry, horticulture, or agricultural and forest sciences
- Nature conservation, environmental sciences (excluding environmental engineering), landscape ecology
- Environmental and spatial planning, landscape conservation and planning
- Environmental and resource economics
- Geography, geology, geoecology or biology
- Teacher training in one of the above subject areas, provided both teaching subjects are within the listed disciplines
In addition, proof of English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
If this proof is not yet available at the time of application, it may be submitted by the end of the re-enrolment period for the second semester.
You can use the uni-assist website to check whether you meet the admission requirements.
The following documents must be uploaded exclusively via the uni-assist application portal. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be requested.
- Copy of your university degree certificate including final grade and transcript of records (see country-specific guidance on the uni-assist website)
- Copy of your university entrance qualification
- If available: certificates, references, or proof of relevant professional experience
- Other documents relevant to Master’s admission (e.g. certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre [APS] for applicants from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam; proof of having passed a university entrance examination)
- If already available: proof of English language proficiency at C1 level. Alternatively, the TOEIC test may be taken during the first semester at the HNEE Language Centre.
Foreign certificates must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator.
Application period
Summer semester: 1 December to 15 January
Winter semester: 1 June to 15 July
As a secondary auditor (Nebenhörer*in), you may only apply for modules offered in the respective semester. An overview of the available modules can be found here. Please note that the modules offered, including their schedules and content, are subject to change.
Students who are already enrolled at another university as main (degree-seeking) students may be admitted to Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE) as secondary auditors (Nebenhörer*innen), subject to available capacity. Admission requires that simultaneous enrolment at both institutions (parallel studies) is feasible and that the selected module constitutes a meaningful supplement to the student’s primary programme of study.
Secondary auditors are not members of HNEE. They may participate in examinations with the approval of the respective examiners and in accordance with the applicable examination regulations. The scope of examinations taken may not lead to the award of a degree. There is no legal entitlement to participate in examinations. Further provisions are set out in the current matriculation regulations of HNEE.
Formal applications must be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Student Service Centre.
There is a fee for secondary auditoring. The amount of the fee is determined by the current fee schedules of HNEE, the AStA, and the Studierendenwerk Ost:Brandenburg.
Application period
Summer semester: 1 December to 15 January
Winter semester: 1 June to 15 January
As a guest student, you may only apply for modules offered in the respective semester. An overview of the available modules can be found here. Please note that the modules offered, including their schedules and content, are subject to change.
As a rule, applications for guest auditor status must be submitted to the Student Service Centre prior to the start of the courses (Guest auditor application).
Persons who are not enrolled as guest auditors may be admitted to courses of up to 8 semester weeks within the scope of available training capacity, even without proof of a university entrance qualification.
Guest auditor status is generally subject to a fee. No fees are charged to enrolled students. Guest auditor status is free of charge for interested persons with a refugee background.
Participation in courses within the relevant teaching areas will be confirmed in writing. Participation in examinations is excluded.
Formal applications are to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Student Service Centre during the application period.
We are happy to welcome you to an → exchange programme at HNEE.
FAQ on application and admission
You meet the admission requirements if you hold a first university degree qualifying you for a profession (Bachelor, Diplom, Ingenieur, Magister or Master) in one of the subject areas listed in the programme profile, with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. As the language of instruction is English, all applicants must also provide proof of sufficient English language proficiency: level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or an equivalent qualification.
The following subject areas are listed in the programme profile:
→ Agriculture // Forestry // Horticulture
→ Biology
→ Environmental and Resource Economics
→ Environmental Planning // Spatial Planning
→ Environmental Sciences (excluding Environmental Engineering)
→ Geography // Geology // Geoecology
→ Landscape Ecology // Landscape Conservation and Planning
→ Nature Conservation
→ Education (if both teaching subjects are related to the fields listed above)
Applicants with other sustainability-related degrees may apply if they have earned at least 18 ECTS credits in natural or ecological sciences. These scientific/ecological fundamentals must be documented and presented in tabular form as an attachment to the application letter. Applicants with other degrees who have at least one year of relevant professional experience may also apply. Recognition of eligibility in these cases is at the discretion of the Head of Study Programme.
You only need to submit certified copies of your documents if you receive an offer of admission and wish to enrol. Detailed information will be provided in the admission letter. You can expect to receive the decision to accept or reject your application shortly after submission.
As the language of instruction is English, all applicants must provide proof of good English language skills as a requirement for admission: level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or an equivalent qualification. To verify whether a language test meets these requirements, a copy of the relevant language certificate must be submitted. Applicants whose native language is English in their home country do not need to provide an English language certificate. The country information provided by the German Federal Foreign Office is used to verify a country’s native language. Graduates of English-language degree programmes are not required to submit additional language certificates. If applicants do not have suitable proof of English proficiency at the time of admission, they may be admitted temporarily with the approval of the Head of the Study Programme. The required certificate must then be submitted before enrolment in the second semester.
If applicants do not have a suitable English language certificate at the time of admission, they may be admitted temporarily with the approval of the programme coordination. The required certificate must then be submitted before enrolment in the second semester. For enrolment in the programme, we recommend a minimum English level of B2.
Applicants whose native language is English in their home country do not need to submit an English language certificate. The country information provided by the German Federal Foreign Office is used to verify a country’s native language.
No, graduates of English-language degree programmes are not required to submit additional language certificates.
If the number of applications is expected to exceed the number of available study places, the degree programme will be subject to admission restrictions (Numerus Clausus). Study places are allocated to applicants through a selection process, which involves creating several ranking lists. The average grade or waiting time of the last admitted applicant determines the admission threshold for that year.
You can find the admission thresholds for restricted degree programmes from the previous year here:
Admission thresholds for restricted degree programmes from previous years
No, you may only apply for one degree programme at our university. We encourage you to consult with us early on to determine which programme is the best fit for you. Please contact us via studieren(at)hnee.de to arrange an appointment. Consultations are available by phone, online, or in person.
If your Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) consists of a school-based and a practical part, you can only apply once both parts have been completed. For example, if the practical part ends after the application deadline, you will have to apply in the following year.
For applications to a master’s degree programme, we require a transcript from your university showing at least 150 ECTS credits, your current grade point average, and the expected date of graduation.
Admission, rejection, or exclusion notices are made available in the online application portal. At the same time, a notification is sent to the email address registered in your applicant account.
For restricted-admission degree programmes, the notices are usually sent out two to four weeks after the application deadline for the respective programme.
Contacts
Content-related questions
General study guidance
Stadtcampus Haus 5 ground floor, right
Schicklerstraße 5
16225 Eberswalde
+ 49 3334 657-149
studieren (at) hnee.de
Please make an appointment by phone or e-mail.
Student counselling
Organisational issues
Study programme coordination
Projektmitarbeiter im Fachgebiet Nachhaltige Waldressourcenökonomie
Head of study programme
Professorship in Ecosystem-based Transformation Management in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves