Study regulations for the Joint Master’s Programme Environmental Policy and
Planning of the Department of Politics and Social Sciences at the Freie Universität
Berlin and the Faculty Planning Building Environment at the Technische Universität
Berlin
Preamble
On the basis of Section 74 of the law regulating higher education institutions in Berlin (Berlin
Higher Education Act – BerlHG) in the version of the publication of the amended version of
26 July 2011 (Law and Ordinance Gazette [GVBl] p. 378) in conjunction with Section 14
paragraph 1 nor. 2 of the Partial University Constitution (Trial version) of the Freie Universität
Berlin of 27 October 1998 (FU Mitteilungen [Gazette of the Freie Universität Berlin] 24/1998)
and Section 18 paragraph 1 no. 1 of the University Constitution of the Technische Universität
Berlin (Amtliches Mitteilungsblatt [Official Gazette] of the Technical University Berlin 2/2006),
the Joint Committee for the Joint Master’s Programme Environmental Policy and Planning of
the Department of Politics and Social Sciences at the Freie Universität Berlin and the Faculty
Planning Building Environment at the Technische Universität Berlin issued the following
study regulations for the Joint Master’s Programme Environmental Policy and Planning on 27
May 2013.*
Contents
Section 1 Area of application
Section 2 Qualification aims
Section 3 Programme content
Section 4 Structure and organisation
Section 5 Teaching and learning units
Section 6 Study abroad
Section 7 Academic advisory centre and departmental advisory service
Section 8 Coming into effect
Annexes
Annex 1: Module descriptions
Annex 2: Sample programme plan
*
The executive board of the Freie Universität Berlin confirmed these regulations on 26 August 2013. The executive board of the
Technische Universität Berlin confirmed these regulations on 20 August 2013.
Section 1
Area of application
(1) These regulations apply to the aims, content and structure of the Joint Master’s
programme in Environmental Policy and Planning in the Department of Politics and Social
Sciences at the Freie Universität Berlin and the Faculty Planning Building Environment at the
Technische Universität Berlin (Master’s programme) on the basis of the examination
regulations for the Master’s programme of 27 May 2013.
(2) This is a consecutive Master’s programme in accordance with Section 23 paragraph 3
No. 1 a) of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG).
Section 2
Qualification aims
(1) Graduates of the Master’s programme are familiar with the theories, methods and
practice of environmental policy research and environmental planning. As social scientists
with an interdisciplinary training, they are able to apply their knowledge in the field of
environmental policy and planning. They are capable of working independently on
problematic scientific issues and developing practical solutions. They can analyse the
interrelationships of policy and planning issues in environmental and climate protection and
develop appropriate ideas for solutions which are soundly based on policy and planning
science.
(2) The programme’s graduates are equipped with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary
abilities and skills which enable them to face the challenges of complex environmental and
planning issues. They can work on scientific and application-oriented issues in groups and
have the capacity for teamwork, collaboration and communication as well as social
competence, leadership ability and the ability to assert themselves while focusing on the
issues. They can efficiently work out the interrelationships of interdisciplinary problems in the
environmental field while taking gender and diversity aspects into account, presenting their
findings in a comprehensible way. They are able to make scientifically-based decisions
taking the current situation into account and to reflect on the potential impacts in the wider
context. The graduates can structure complex topics, presenting them appropriately both in
writing and orally. They have the ability to link knowledge and issues in a range of subject
areas and disciplines. They can also adapt and gradually develop their own skills.
(3) The graduates are qualified to take up professional positions or study for doctorates.
They are suitably qualified for academic positions in environmental policy, planning and
related topic areas – for example, climate change and renewable energy sources. They may
find possible professional fields of activity in national and international authorities,
associations, organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and offices for policy,
planning and business consulting. The graduates may work in the public field, above all in
higher education institutions, research institutions and subject-specific offices in the German
federal government or the Länder. International research institutions and organisations also
offer a range of job opportunities.
Section 3
Programme content
(1) The compulsory modules in the Master’s programme teach subject-specific or scientific
and methodological knowledge of environmental policy and planning, enabling students to
think scientifically and critically about issues and research tasks. In the compulsory electives
and elective modules, the students’ perspective on the subject and their knowledge is
expanded through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work. The students can gain
experience of environmental policy and planning through an internship. The Master’s
programme modules enable the students to deepen and specialise their knowledge, abilities
and skills through studying a wide spectrum of content. The programme content comprises
the topics of national, European and international environmental and climate protection and
energy policy, which are covered and analysed in the light of political and planning science.
They cover problem fields, institutions, stakeholders and processes of environmental policy
and planning which are viewed in the national context, in relation to governance in multi-level
systems and in an international comparative perspective. The students learn to analyse the
interrelationships of environmental and planning processes and problems and to evaluate the
selection of instruments and strategies.
(2) The programme includes subject-specific and interdisciplinary theories and methods as
well as gender and diversity concepts. The students demonstrate the application of the
theories and methods learnt through research design and projects. The students take up
current issues in environmental and climate policy as well as issues from research and
practice and reflect on them alone or in groups. The aim is to determine the appropriate
working methods, instruments and technologies relating to each issue. The findings must be
clearly documented, presented and critically viewed.
Section 4
Structure and organisation
(1) The Master’s programme is structured in units of defined content (modules) which usually
cover two types of topic-related learning and teaching units. Study and examination
attainments (attainments) totalling 120 credit points (CP) are to be completed, of which 90
CP are allocated to in the modules and 30 CP to the Master’s thesis with its accompanying
colloquy.
(2) In the compulsory area the following modules comprising a total of 50 CP must be taken:
- Module: Introduction to Environmental Policy (10 CP),
- Module: Introduction to Environmental Planning (10 CP),
- Module: Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects (15 CP) and
- Module: Project in Environmental Planning (15 CP).
(3) In the compulsory elective area, modules comprising a total of 30 CP must be selected
from the following list and completed:
- Module: International Comparative Environment-, Climate- and Energy Policy (10
CP),
- Module: Environment, Climate and Energy Governance (10 CP),
- Module: Vulnerability, Resilience and Catastrophe (10 CP),
- Module: Internship in Environmental Policy and/or Planning (10 CP),
- Module: Environmental Assessment (5 CP),
- Module: Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment (5 CP),
- Module: Landscape Planning (5 CP),
- Module: Landscape Planning and Society (5 CP),
- Module: Geoinformation Systems (5 CP),
- Module: Remote Sensing in Environmental Planning (5 CP),
- Module: Economic Analysis of Environmental Policies (5 CP) and/or
- Module: International Environmental Policy Analysis (5 CP).
(4) In the elective area, one or more modules comprising a total of 10 CP must be selected
and completed from other study programmes at the Freie Universität Berlin or the
Technische Universität Berlin – but above all from the Environmental Policy Research Centre
of the Freie University Berlin and the Faculty Planning Building Environment at the
Technische Universität Berlin. The students on the Master’s programme must ensure that
these modules are eligible for selection on the basis of the relevant institutions’ decisions.
(5) The module descriptions of each module in Annex 1 give information about content,
qualification aims, teaching and learning units, time required, forms of active participation,
usual duration and how often the module is offered. For the modules in the elective area in
accordance with paragraph 4, we refer students to the relevant study regulations.
(6) The sample study schedule in Annex 2 gives information about the recommended study
plan.
Section 5
Teaching and learning units
The following types of teaching and learning units are provided in the Master’s programme:
(1) Lectures (L) give either an overview of a larger area of the subject and its methodological
and theoretical principles or knowledge of a specialised subject area and related research
issues.
(2) Seminars (S) give students the opportunity to approach the topics taught in more depth
on the basis of specialist literature and taking into account the current state of research and
the relevant source material; they promote independent scientific work. Active participation in
discussion is an essential part of the seminars.
(3) Integrated units (IU): Here the different types of teaching units alternate, not in
accordance with a set schedule, so that theoretical communication of material and practical
application can take place within a single unit.
(4) Colloquies (Co) give the opportunity to reflect on and discuss the concepts of the
master’s thesis and of third party research projects.
(5) Project seminars (PS) give the opportunity for joint interdisciplinary work on tasks and
issues in the field of environmental policy and planning.
(6) Practicals (PR) are designed to foster the transfer of theory into practice, professional
orientation and finding out about professional fields.
(7) Projects (P) give the opportunity for joint interdisciplinary work on tasks and issues in the
field of environmental policy and planning.
Section 6
Study abroad
(1) Students are recommended to take a period of study abroad. In the course of their
studies abroad, they should achieve attainments which can be credited to their Master’s
programme.
(2) Before starting to study abroad, the student should reach an agreement with the chair of
the examination committee responsible for the programme and the relevant position at the
university to be visited, covering the duration of the study period abroad, the attainments to
be completed during the study period abroad which must be equivalent to the attainments in
the Master’s programme and the credit points allocated to the attainments. Attainments
which comply with the agreement will be credited.
(3) The third semester of the Master’s programme is recommended as a suitable time for a
period of study abroad.
Section 7
Academic advisory centre and departmental advisory service
(1) The general student advisory centre cover issues related to academic studies and also
includes psychological counselling. These services are provided by the central academic
advisory centre and the psychological counselling service at the Freie Universität Berlin and
the student service at the Technische Universität Berlin.
(2) The departmental advisory service is provided both at the research centre for
environmental policy at the Freie Universität Berlin and at the Faculty Planning Building
Environment at the Technische Universität Berlin.
Section 8
Coming into effect
These regulations come into effect on the day after their publication in the FU Mitteilungen
(Gazette of the Freie Universität Berlin) and the Amtliches Mitteilungsblatt (Official Gazette)
of the Technische Universität Berlin.
Annex 1: Module descriptions
Explanations:
Unless other regulations are referred to, the following module descriptions specify the
following for every module in the Master’s programme:

Module name

Module content and qualification aims

Module teaching and learning units

Students‘ study time estimated as necessary to complete the module successfully

Forms of active participation

How often the module is offered.
Statements on students’ study time required take into account the following in particular:

Active participation in the compulsory attendance phase,

Students‘ study time required to complete small tasks in the compulsory attendance
phase,

Time for independent preparation and follow-up,

Working on study units in online study phases,

Preparation time for examinations,

Examinations.
The notional times given for independent study (including preparation, follow-up and
preparation for examinations) are intended as guidance to help the students in managing the
time required for the module-related work.
The statements on study hours correspond to the number of credit points allocated to the
module as a unit of measurement for the student’s approximate study hours required to
complete the module successfully.
Active participation, regular attendance at the teaching and learning units and successful
completion of the examinations in a module are all prerequisites for gaining the credit points
allocated to each module. For modules without an examination, the prerequisites for gaining
the credit points allocated to the module are active participation and regular attendance at
the teaching and learning units.
The number of credit points and other examination-related information on each module can
be found in Annex 1 of the examination regulations for the Master’s programme.
Compulsory modules
Module: Introduction to Environmental Policy
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Otto Suhr Institute
of Political Science
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims: All students are aware of the interrelationships of environment, climate and energy issues and are
familiar with the prevailing research trends and issues in these fields. They have a basic knowledge of the major problem
areas. They can apply the relevance of these problem areas of environmental policy to a range of countries and regions.
They can identify interdisciplinary interrelationships of problems in the environmental field, taking gender and diversity
aspects into account and can present them in a comprehensible way both orally and in writing.
Content: This module introduces students to environmental policy and environmental policy analysis. It gives an overview
of current political and scientific discussions in the fields of the environment, climate and energy. The focus is on the
interrelationships between climate protection with various areas of environmental protection and the energy industry as well
as the challenges, potentials and limitations of transdisciplinary scientific research.
Teaching and learning
units
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours
per week = SH)
Lecture
2
Seminar
2
Forms of active participation
Paper, written report
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
Study time
(hours)
Attendance
Preparation and follow-up
Preparation for examination
Examination
English
Attendance recommended
300 hours
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
60
180
60
10 CP
Module: Introduction to Environmental Planning
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims:
The students have gained knowledge of:

the principles of the instruments and methods of landscape planning, environmental assessments, landscape
/environmental economics and geoinformation and their significance, function and weight in the political context.

the interplay of social, environmental-economic, environmental policy and environmental and spatial planning
processes and contents
The students are able to:

analyse and evaluate the interrelationships of planning and policy, thereby gaining the capacity to

apply this knowledge and these skills in the context of evaluating and developing concepts both in planning and policy
programmes (including legal aspects).
Content: the following topics are covered:

Content, tasks and aims of planning instruments in environmental and nature protection, both formal and informal

The political conditionality and emergence of planning instruments for the protection of nature and the environment,
coverage and implementation issues; relevant political institutions for different cases

Methods of environmental economy and approaches to analysing and promoting aims and measures of
environmental planning instruments

The contribution of geographical information systems to planning instruments and social and political decision-making
processes
The topics mentioned above are covered in the context of teaching current environmental policy topics and concepts (e.g.
climate change, the transition to renewable energy sources, biodiversity, ecosystem services, TEEB etc.).
The module comprises lectures and an integrated unit (IU) which is to be selected from one of the following four modules in
the compulsory elective area (CE module):
1. Environmental Assessment (CE module)
2. Landscape Planning (CE module)
3. Geoinformation Systems (CE module)
4. Economic Analysis of Environmental Policies (CE module)
The integrated unit selected for this module excludes the additional selection of the CE module of which this IU is a part.
Teaching and learning units
Lectures
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Forms of active
participation
2
-
Study time
(hours)
Attendance at lectures
Lecture preparation and
30
60
follow-up
60
Integrated unit (IU)
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
4
Papers
Practice seminars
Reading and discussing
texts
Attendance at IU
IU preparation and followup
60
Preparation for
examination
Examination
90
English
Attendance recommended
300 hours
10 CP
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Otto Suhr Institute
of Political Science
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with scientific working methods and fundamental theoretical concepts of
environmental policy analysis which are of essential importance for the entire master’s programme, including the master’s
thesis. In addition, knowledge of the methods and theories forms the basis for structured, independent work. The students
are capable of applying the theories and methods in research practice. They can work on scientific and application-oriented
issues with a consistent research concept in a project both independently and in groups.
Content: The seminars deepen the knowledge of theories and methods of environmental policy analysis and test their
practical application. Both fundamental and application-oriented research are covered. The seminars focus on the selection
of research subjects and issues and develop criteria for evaluating the relevance of research issues in terms of
environmental, climate and energy policy and assessing how innovative they are. Aspects covered include the identification
of relevant scientific discussions, the description of the state of research, the selection of appropriate theories, the
development of an analytical framework for research projects and the critical discussion of research designs. These topics
are introduced in a peer review process and their application tested in practice. Participants develop research designs and
critically evaluate research concepts. A student research project is designed in individual or group work. It is possible to
take part in related university and non-university research. During the project seminar, those working on the project receive
supervision and feedback from lecturers, students and external experts from the scientific and political fields.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Seminar A
Discussion
Seminars
90
2
Paper
Reading
90
Working group
Paper and research
60
Seminar B
Peer Review
Working group
40
2
Moderation
Peer Review
30
Project report
Research design
20
Project seminar
Research design
Project work
120
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
English
Yes
450 hours
15 CP
Two semesters
Seminar A in winter semester; Seminar B & project seminar in
summer semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning,
Master’s programme Political Science
Module: Project in Environmental Planning
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims: The students gain the ability to independently structure a complex problem situation or task, to define
the steps required to solve the task, to carry out the stages of the work, to document the work in a project report and to
present it to a large audience.
In doing this, the students gain skills in time management and project management, in working on complex planning and/or
research tasks and in communication and presentation.
Content: Taking a concrete case study from planning-policy practice, the students apply and expand the knowledge and
skills they have learnt in other parallel units in practice. The issue may be more oriented on planning practice or on
research.
The actual contents vary according to the project, but are taken from a subject area relevant to the professional field such
as e.g. preservation and utilisation of biodiversity, climate protection or adaptation to climate change, energy supply and
consumption, human health, water supply etc. These topics are worked on in the context of environmental planning
instruments and methods, including environmental / landscape accounting and geoinformation / remote sensing.
Teaching and learning units
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Project, part 1
Topic finding, fundamental
research, work planning
2
Project, part 2
Implementation,
Documentation, Presentation
4
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
Forms of active
participation
Study time
(hours)
Task definition
Attendance
Literature research and
evaluation
90
Preparation and follow-up
Project planning
Text writing
120
Preparation for
Independent work on the
240
examination
task,
Examination
Project organisation,
Presentations, Reporting
English
Attendance recommended
450 hours
15 CP
Two semesters
Part 1 of the project in the winter semester and part 2 of the
project in the summer semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Compulsory elective modules
Module: International Comparative Environment-, Climate- and Energy Policy
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Otto Suhr Institute
of Political Science
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the modules “Introduction to Environmental Policy”, “Introduction to
Environmental Planning”, “Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects” and “Project in Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with the scientific fields of application, research perspectives and issues of
international comparative policy research. They can apply the theories and methods of international comparative policy
research in the fields of environmental, climate and energy governance. They can independently analyse and evaluate
empirical research and present it in an accessible way.
Content: The module gives an introduction to relevant theories, models, analytical frameworks and empirical research
fields of comparative environmental, climate and energy policy. It covers the significance of institutions, political parties,
socio-economic factors, path dependencies of energy systems, civil society structures and knowledge for environmental
and climate policies. The variety of political systems and the differences between them are also considered. Conditions
which explain success or failure are discussed. Research fields cover international and intranational comparison of
established industrialised countries as well as countries in transition and developing countries. Taking case studies of
empirical research, the students learn how complex masses of information can be transmuted into adequate comparative
research concepts appropriate to the experimental aims.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Seminar
Discussion,
Attendance
60
2
Paper,
Seminar work
Preparation and follow-up
100
Seminar
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
Preparation for
examination
Examination
140
English
Yes
300 hours
10 CP
Two semesters
Every semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning,
Master’s programme Political Science
Module: Environment, Climate and Energy Governance
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Otto Suhr Institute
of Political Science
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the modules “Introduction to Environmental Policy”, “Introduction to
Environmental Planning”, “Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects” and “Project in Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with analytical concepts and theories of governance research in the
examination of policies, instruments and implementation processes of environmental, resource and climate protection and
the energy industry. They can examine different forms of governance in multi-actor and multi-level structures and explain
and classify specific aspects of governance.
Content: The seminars give an introduction to issues of environmental and climate governance. They cover the formal and
informal institutions, multi-actor structures and multi-level structures which the state and society use to deal with
environmental, climate and energy issues. The seminars cover forms of governance for pollution control and prevention, for
nature protection and for the utilisation of natural resources. They differentiate between the term “government” which refers
to government institutions and actors and the concept of “governance” and give an introduction to the theoretical concepts
of governance. Environmental governance is examined as a mechanism which is not limited to the government’s top-down
mechanisms to regulate behaviour; it also includes non-regulatory approaches such as voluntary and market-based
instruments or educational programmes. The relationships between governments and market actors, civil society and the
scientific community are also covered. With reference to relevant international empirical research, the module covers topics
such as governance for sustainable development, sustainable production and sustainable consumption; resource
efficiency; climate protection, mitigation and adjustment to climate change.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Seminar
Discussion,
Attendance
60
2
Working group,
Paper
Preparation and follow-up
100
Seminar
Preparation for
examination
Examination
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
140
English
Yes
300 hours
10 CP
Two semesters
Every semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning,
Master’s programme Political Science
Application
Module: Vulnerability, Resilience and Catastrophe
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Institute of Social
and Cultural Anthropology
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the modules “Introduction to Environmental Policy”, “Introduction to
Environmental Planning”, “Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects” and “Project in Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with analytical concepts and theories of social science research into
vulnerability, resilience and catastrophes and with methods to determine and assess vulnerability, resilience and
susceptibility to disaster. They are able to estimate and assess vulnerability and resilience in a variety of social and cultural
contexts, multi-actor constellations and multi-level structures and in relation to a range of risks and hazards. They have a
differentiated understanding of disasters.
Content: The module gives an introduction to social science research into vulnerability, resilience and catastrophes. It
focuses on the vulnerability and resilience of a range of socio-cultural units or constellations which often face a range of
multiple hazards or stresses and examines disaster potentials. The units in this module discuss vulnerability and resilience
e.g. of cultural minorities, whole societies, (mega) cities, linked socio-ecological systems etc. and investigates the
underlying and interacting social, cultural, political and natural processes. Formal and informal institutions, multi-actor
structures and multi-level structures in which the state and (civil) society negotiate the concern and assessment of hazards
and protective measures are scrutinised in their social context. With reference to relevant international theoretical and
empirical research, the module covers topics such as global environmental and climate change, economic and social crises
and the potential for disaster they contain. Options for social transformation and methods for sustainable reduction of
vulnerability and increasing resilience to reduce susceptibility to disasters are discussed.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Seminar
Discussion
Attendance
60
2
Working group
Paper
Preparation and follow-up
100
Seminar
Preparation for
examination
Examination
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
English
Yes
140
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
300 hours
10 CP
Two semesters
Every semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Module: Internship in Environmental Policy and/or Planning
University/Department/Institute: Freie Universität Berlin / Department of Politics and Social Sciences / Otto Suhr Institute
of Political Science and Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the modules “Introduction to Environmental Policy”, “Introduction to
Environmental Planning”, “Environmental Policy: Theory, Methods and Projects” and “Project in Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students have explored an actual professional field and can master practical professional
demands. They have well-thought-out experience and active knowledge in relation to a future professional activity in the
environmental field in European and international job markets.
Content: The core of the module is a six-week internship in the fields of environmental policy and environmental planning.
This gives the students the opportunity to explore an actual professional field and to practice mastering practical
professional demands against the background of the qualifications gained during their studies.
A colloquium takes place alongside the internship in which strategies for a successful internship and typical internship
constellations and situations are covered. The colloquium takes place either at the Freie Universität Berlin or at the
Technische Universität Berlin.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Internship
Attendance at internship
240
240h
Attendance at colloquium
15
Colloquium
Preparation for
examination
Examination
1
45
Discussion
English
Attendance recommended
300 hours
10 CP
One semester
Every summer semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
Module: Environmental Assessment
University/Department/Institute Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment, Environmental
Assessment & Planning Research Group
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims: The students are able to

apply the main instruments of environmental assessment in planning practice, building on their Bachelor degree

master the subject content and the planning processes of instruments to compensate for interventions (e.g. Impact
Mitigation Regulation, Habitats Directive Assessment, wetland mitigation), environmental impact assessment and
strategic environmental assessment

process ecological demands in a planning-oriented way and to identify interfaces with the field of ecology

apply the instruments in Germany and in the international field

evaluate the instruments‘ efficacy and generate the relevant research demand

identify and formulate research approaches to develop the instruments further

identify and analyse gender aspects in planning processes.
Content: The module covers the Impact Mitigation Regulation, the Habitats Directive Assessment, the Environmental
Impact Assessment and the Strategic Environmental Assessment in the German, European and international context. The
strategic environmental assessment is examined in the context of expert planning (e.g. road construction, waste disposal
industry etc.). The teaching units initially focus on screening, the relevant subjects of protection, the decision-making and
the procedural process. The content of a landscape conservation support plan, a habitat directive assessment and
environmental impact assessment and finally an environmental report for expert planning are also covered. The module
also presents recent international developments and demands on the instruments, e.g. the extension of the assessment
procedure to a sustainability appraisal or the opportunities for using German planning know-how in the international
context.
Teaching and learning units
Integrated unit Environmental
Impact Assessment and
Strategic Environmental
Assessment
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Forms of active
participation
Study time
(hours)
Attendance
2
Short presentation
Discussions
60
45
Preparation and follow-up
45
Integrated unit Impact
Mitigation
Preparation for
examination
Examination
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
English
Attendance recommended
150 hours
5 CP
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Application
Module: Methods of Environmental Impact Assessment
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment, Environmental
Assessment & Planning Research Group
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the module “Introduction to Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are able to

apply the main methods to predict environmental impacts on a range of environmental subjects of protections

carry out planning-oriented preparation of ecological models and content and identify interfaces with ecology

apply the methods and instruments both in Germany and in the international context

and are familiar with the most recent research approaches to environmental impact prediction and are able to
formulate new issues.
Content: The teaching unit “Methods of Impact Prediction and Environmental Impact Assessment – project level” covers
methods of determining relevant environmental impacts in relation to a range of different types of project. The focus is on
the planning application of suitable simple prediction models and simple qualitative active-factor negative impact chains.
The prediction of impacts on subjects of protection such as soils, water, air, climate, biodiversity, people, cultural and
material assets and landscape and their interplay is closely related to ecological impact models. In terms of content, for
example from the international area, the DPSIR model is covered (Driving Force, Pressure, State, Impact, Response), or
ecological hazard analysis with the relevant overlay techniques. In addition, the unit covers issues of impact levels and the
principles of monitoring unexpected environmental impacts. Examples of technical planning strategies to avoid and
mitigate environmental impacts are also dealt with. The teaching unit “Methods of Impact Prediction and Environmental
Impact Assessment – planning, programme and policy levels”, initially covers methods of estimating environmental
impacts with the focus on approaches for the strategic level. For example, the unit covers the topic of scenario technique
to examine strategic planning alternatives or cumulative impact assessment. Approaches to sustainability appraisal are
also discussed.
Teaching and learning units
Integrated unit: Methods of
Impact Prediction and
Environmental Impact
Assessment – project level
Integrated unit - Methods of
Impact Prediction and
Environmental Impact
Assessment – planning,
programme and policy level
Language of instruction
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours
per week = SH)
Forms of active
participation
Study time
(hours)
Attendance
2
Short presentations
Discussions
2
Preparation and follow-up
Preparation for examination
Examination
60
45
45
English
Compulsory regular attendance
Attendance recommended
Study time, total hours
150 hours
Duration of module
Two semesters
Module offered
Summer semester (Methods of Impact Prediction and
Environmental Impact Assessment – project level),
Winter semester ( Methods of Impact Prediction and
Environmental Impact Assessment – planning, programme and
policy level)
Application
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
5 CP
Module: Landscape Planning
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the module “Introduction to Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims
The students have gained knowledge of

formal and informal instruments of landscape planning, site planning and nature protection in Germany and
selected European and non-European states

current trends in landscape development, their causes (e.g. changes in land use, climate change) and possible
planning options for dealing with them

planning-relevant international concepts and agreements relating to biodiversity protection, nature and
environmental protection, climate protection / climate adaptation.
They are able to

apply the instruments and concepts covered in the module independently in practice in relation to concrete issues

to classify these instruments and concepts in relation to their relevance in practice

to address the issue of these instruments and concepts appropriately in the context of scientific issues.
and can

evaluate the performance and perspectives of instruments and concepts and the necessity of developing them
further

qualify themselves for working abroad and reflect on the special features of German landscape planning in
comparison with planning systems in other countries

perceive and assess the significance of current planning policy developments and developments in the subject
area for planning, biodiversity protection and nature and climate protection.
Content: The module covers formal and informal instruments of landscape planning, environment/landscape related site
planning and nature/biodiversity protection in Germany and other selected countries. In detail, topics covered include the
following among others: landscape planning in Germany; how far it may be applicable and is applied in other countries;
examples of dealing with environmental/landscape planning topics with the planning instruments of other selected
countries; informal instruments such as regional energy plans, urban development plans, participation procedures and
others, including the discussion on the meaningfulness and necessity of informal instruments and how they relate to formal
instruments. There is also the opportunity to think critically about the perspectives of landscape architecture as a
preventive instrument and possibilities and demands for developing it further. International developments in and
approaches to landscape development and planning and in nature/biodiversity protection are also covered. This includes
current trends in landscape development (e.g. due to climate change, demographic developments and other causes), as
well as institutions, documents and planning approaches (e.g. IUCN, Convention on Biodiversity, Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment. TEEB, adaptive planning and management, ecological footprint). The principles of planning theory are also
discussed.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Integrated unit
Attendance
60
Preparation and follow-up
Papers
45
4
Practice seminars
Preparation for
Written reports
examination
Examination
45
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
English
Attendance recommended
150 hours
5 CP
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: Landscape Planning and Society
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the module “Introduction to Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with

individual intellectual, social, administrative and political influences on landscape planning and environmental
planning

the historical development and complexity of basic terms in the discipline (nature, landscape)

normative ethical justifications and principles of nature and environmental protection.
They can

estimate the significance of the above-mentioned influences on landscape and environmental planning and take
them into consideration appropriately in the planning process

consider the significance of basic terms in order to be able to argue clearly, clarify obscurities and avoid
misunderstandings in planning and academic practice

asses the planning relevance of nature protection concepts and planning concepts related to selected basic terms
and can apply them in planning practice

assess the social conditionality and validity of normative ethical justifications and develop their own normative
position and basis for their personal action.
Content: In the summer semester, the module first covers the conditions for action of social actors (e.g. in the context of
administration, land use sectors). Based on this, the module deals with the influence of individual psychological factors
(e.g. cognition, complexity reduction, perception selection, basic needs), social factors (e.g. social roles, community asset
issues), administrative factors (e.g. administrative structures) and political factors (e.g. power, influence) including genderspecific aspects on the practice of landscape and environmental planning and nature/biodiversity protection. In the winter
semester, the module focuses on ethical normative principles of landscape planning and evaluation issues and with basic
terms in the discipline, their history and in particular their complexity and ambiguousness. These terms include above all
landscape (cultural landscape, natural landscape) and nature. The understanding of nature in (Western) history is
contrasted with how nature and the environment were actually treated in various eras and areas. Leading on from this, the
issue is discussed of what perception of nature lies behind nature /environmental protection and which “nature” is actually
intended to be protected or is protected. The question of the reasons for protection is discussed, based on a range of
environmental ethical positions.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Integrated unit
2
Papers
Attendance
Practice seminars
60
Integrated unit
Reading and discussing
Preparation and follow-up
texts
45
Essays
Preparation for
2
examination
Examination
45
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
German
Attendance recommended
150 hours
5 CP
Two semesters
Winter semester (cultural dimensions)
Summer semester (social aspects)
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: Geoinformation Systems
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment, Department of
Geoinformation in Environmental Planning
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualifications aims:
The students are familiar with

goeinformatics terms and methods

planning-relevant areas of application and methods of geoinformatics in research and practice
The students gain the skills and competencies to

independently solve complex environmental planning issues and analysis using geoinformation systems (GIS)

apply GIS as an instrument for evaluating landscape, building scenario models and visualisation

evaluate and critically assess the potentials and limitations of GIS methods

apply GIS methods in a range of national and international planning instruments

identify and formulate new research approaches to environmental planning and analysis using GIS
Content: Building on knowledge of GIS principles, the module covers the fields of data collection, analysis and
presentation of site-related data in more depth. Complex site-related issues are worked on using interactively prepared
function models. The teaching units will cover 3-D visualisation as one form of data presentation and analysis. The second
part of the module focuses on the modelling of site-related environmental issues. The students will work on tasks relating
to topics of GIS –based environmental analysis and evaluation. These include e.g. the evaluation of ecosystem services,
favourable and unfavourable locations, terrain modelling and the analysis of landscape structures. A range of raster-based
and vector-based processes are used.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Integrated unit
Attendance
Lectures form the basis for
60
mainly practical exercises on
Preparation and follow-up
2
computer, independent
45
presentations and written
Preparation for
Independent work on the
reports
examination
computer, reading texts,
45
short presentation as poster, Examination
Integrated units
discussions
Lectures form the basis for
mainly practical exercises on
2
the computer, independent
presentations and written
reports
Language of instruction
English
Compulsory regular attendance
Attendance recommended
Study time, total hours
150 hours
5 CP
Duration of module
One semester
Module offered
Winter semester
Application
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: Remote Sensing in Environmental Planning
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment, Department of
Geoinformation in Environmental Planning
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: none
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with

remote sensing terms and methods

a range of analogue and digital sensor systems

planning-relevant areas of application and methods of remote sensing in research and practice
The students gain skills and competencies enabling them to

independently solve complex issues in environmental planning and analysis using digital remote sensing
methods

use remote sensing as an instrument for landscape analysis and assessment

evaluate and critically assess the potential and limitations of remote sensing

apply remote sensing methods in the context of a range of national and international planning instruments

identify and formulate new research approaches to environmental planning using remote sensing
Content: The module equips the students with knowledge about the collection of remote sensing data, their geometrical
and physical properties and methods of processing and interpreting them. Alongside the theoretical principles of the
different sensor systems and the physical processes of image formation, examples from research and practice are taken
to teach students the techniques of image processing and analysis and give them the opportunity to put them into
practice independently on the computer. At the same time the potential and limitations of remote sensing as an
instrument in a range of fields of application in landscape analysis and assessment are discussed. Students are
introduced to a range of classification concepts and algorithms.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Integrated unit
Attendance
Lectures form the basis for
60
mainly practical exercises on
Preparation and follow-up
computer, independent
2
45
presentations and written
Preparation for
Independent work on the
reports
examination
45
computer, reading texts,
Examination
discussions
Integrated unit
Lectures form the basis for
mainly practical exercises on
2
computer, independent
presentations and written
reports
Language of instruction
English
Compulsory regular attendance
Attendance recommended
Study time, total hours
150 hours
5 CP
Duration of module
One semester
Module offered
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Application
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: Economic Analysis of Environmental Policies
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the module “Introduction to Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with

institutional economics approaches and their application to the institutional framework conditions of environmental
planning in Germany and in international comparison

current trends in land use and the development of sector policies which are significant for land use, such as
agricultural policy, forestry policy and water policy and their institutional and instrumental organisations

the approaches to linking the above-mentioned sector policies with the aims of environmental planning and the
instruments developed for this purpose.
They are able to take the above-mentioned conceptual approaches to institutional economics and knowledge of sector
policies and can independently

identify the significance of the institutional conditions of landscape planning and environmental policy in relation to
other sector policies and in international comparison

apply them in practice in relation to concrete issues

address them in the context of scientific issues
and can

apply the institutional economics approaches independently to newly arising environmental problem situations and
develop strategic approaches to action

further qualify themselves for working abroad and reflect on the special features of German landscape planning in
comparison with planning systems in other countries and

identify existing gaps in research and formulate approaches to deal with them.
Content: The module covers the principles of institutional economic analysis of politics and political field analysis and their
application to nature protection policy and water policy. The focus is on the presentation and evaluation of the range of
different approaches, their fields of application and methodological issues. Topics are the property rights theory,
transaction costs and principal agent models, common property regime, the new political economy, the economic
bureaucracy theory, the political field analysis and multi-level analysis. These are studied in more depth in relation to
examples of nature protection and water policy in Germany and in international comparison.
Building on the principles of institutional economics, the application to inter-sectoral coordination between land useoriented sector policy and environmental planning are examined in more detail. Linking environmental and nature
protection policy to individual sector policies and their institutional base, such as agricultural and forestry policy, water and
regional policy gives more depth to the study. All federal levels, the European Union and the coordinating mechanisms
which exist there are covered.
Teaching and learning units
Compulsory
attendance
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Forms of active
participation
Study time
(hours)
Attendance
Integrated unit
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
4
Papers
Practice seminar
Reading and discussing
texts
Preparation and follow-up
Preparation for
examination
Examination
60
45
45
English
Attendance recommended
150 hours
5 CP
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Module: International Environmental Policy Analysis
University/Department/Institute: Technische Universität Berlin/Faculty Planning Building Environment
Responsible for the module: module lecturer
Admission requirements: successful completion of the module “Introduction to Environmental Planning”
Qualification aims: The students are familiar with

legal, economic and political principles of international cooperation between states, particularly in areas of
environmental policy

international treaties in the fields of biodiversity, nature protection and water policy

the structure of European Union environmental policy and how it functions
and are able to

independently apply scientific approaches to newly emerging international environmental problems and to develop
strategic courses of action

identify the significance of the institutional framework conditions of international environmental policy for national
environmental policy and for (German) landscape planning

understand the wide range of scientific approaches to their analysis in relation to their theoretical principles and
working methods and to identify their relevance for planning practice

identify existing gaps in research and to formulate approaches to deal with them.
They have learnt to view international framework conditions in relation to gender aspects.
Content: The module deals with the principles of the economic and politological analysis of international environmental
policy as a mechanism of inter-state cooperation. The focus is on the analysis of the preconditions for cooperation between
states in the environmental field and the evaluation of the efficacy of agreements. This is supplemented by the analysis of
the increasing influence of non-state actors and of cooperation mechanisms which are supported by non-state actors.
Building on the teaching unit on institutional economic principles, the application to the European Union is examined in
more depth. The range of theoretical approaches to explain the EU environmental policy is introduced and studied in more
depth using examples.
Study time
Compulsory
Forms of active
(hours)
attendance
Teaching and learning units
participation
(Semester hours per
week = SH)
Integrated unit
Attendance
60
Preparation and follow-up
2
45
Papers
Preparation for
Practice seminar
examination
45
Reading and discussing
Examination
Integrated unit
texts
Essays
2
Language of instruction
Compulsory regular attendance
Study time, total hours
Duration of module
Module offered
Application
German
Attendance recommended
150 hours
5 CP
One semester
Winter semester
Master’s programme Environmental Policy and Planning
Master’s programme Environmental Planning (TU)
Annex 2: Sample programme plan for the Master’s programme in Environmental Policy and Planning
Semester
1st semester
WiSe
(30 CP)
2nd semester
SuSe
(30 CP)
3rd semester
WiSe
(30 CP)
4th semester
SuSe
(30 CP)
Compulsory modules
Module:
Introduction
Environmental
Policy
(10 CP)
Module:
Introduction
Environmental
Planning
(10 CP)
Module:
Environmental
Policy: Theory,
Methods and
Project
(15 CP)
Module: Project
Environmental
Planning
(15 CP)
Compulsory elective modules
Compulsory elective
modules
(10 CP)
Elective modules
Compulsory elective
modules
(10 CP)
Compulsory elective
modules
(5 CP)
Master’s thesis with accompanying colloquium (30 CP)
Compulsory elective
modules
(5 CP)
Elective module or
modules
(totalling 10 P)