M.Sc. Biogeosciences
Facultyies Faculty of Chemical and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy
Type: research-oriented
Language of instruction: German (German proficiency proof mandatory!)
Starting date: winter semester (October) and summer semester (April)
Application period:
summer term:
1 December - 15 January
winter term:
International applicants 1 April - 15 July
German applicants
1 April - 15 September
Open to students with degrees in: Biogeosciences or similar disciplines
Programme summary: The interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere, and
bioosphere is the main focus of the Master of Science in Biogeosciences. This natural
science programme emphasizes the processes involved in the transfer of toxic substances
from minerals through ground water and surface water into the biological system. The
interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to acquire a great deal of useful
knowledge, as the transfer processes between geological and biological systems have not
yet been thoroughly explored.
Special features: Students in this programme may spend one semester abroad.
Career opportunities: Graduates of this programme are qualified to work in the field of
environmental protection and in the area of decontamination, typically for engineering
companies. They are also well equipped to pursue additional academic degrees (such as a
Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or geology) and a scholarly career.
Application requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a
related field. In addition, proficiency in English at level B1 of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages is required. Applicants whose native language is
not German must also pass the DSH Level 2, TestDaF 4x4, or another internationally
recognized German examination of the same level. Applications will be evaluated based on
the following criteria in this order:
1. Grade point average
2. Work experience
3. Motivation
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Application documents:
You have to send by post (please see also the step-by-step explanation):
• Signed online application form "Application for Admission at the Friedrich Schiller
University Jena to the Masters Programme" (generated automatically at the end of
the online application)
You have to upload online (please see also the step-by-step explanation):
• Motivation letter, in which you describe your intention to pursue graduate studies in
the field of your choice (written in GERMAN)
• Curriculum vitae including complete contact information, educational background,
and professional experience
School education:
• Your secondary school leaving certificate (baccalauréat, high school diploma, etc.)
University education:
• All previous university degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if
available before the application deadline - otherwise, please make a note of the
anticipated date of issue
• The corresponding transcripts for each degree, including your cumulative grade
point average (minimum requirement is the proof of credits of the term before last)
• For foreign Bachelor degrees: Proof of the grading system used by the university
Language proficiency proof:
• German proficiency proof at the level DSH-2 (for details see German language
requirements)
• Optionally: Proof of English proficiency
Special requirements for international applicants:
• APS certificate: applicants with a Chinese, Mongolian or Vietnamese degree
• College Entrance Examination: Iran (since 2011 no college entrance examination,
but pre-university year), Republic of Korea (Scholastic Ability Test)
Additional information on application documents and procedure is available here.
Contact persons for general questions (application/enrolment process , framework
conditions):
Master Service Centre
Contact persons for subject related questions:
Prof. Dr. Kai Uwe Totsche
Chair of Hydrogeology
Burgweg 11
07749 Jena
GERMANY
Email: kai.totsche[at]uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641 948651
Dr. Dirk Merten
Email: dirk.merten[at]uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641 948616
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URL: www.bgw.uni-jena.de
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