Applications Invited for International Joint MSc Programme: Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

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About the Organization

The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic arm of the United Nations and acts as a global think tank. The mission of the Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) is to carry out cutting edge research on risks and adaptation related to environmental hazards and global change. The institute’s research promotes policies and programmes to reduce these risks, while taking into account the interplay between environmental and societal factors.

Research areas include climate change adaptation incorporating insurance-related approaches, environmentally induced migration and social vulnerability, ecosystem services and environmental deterioration processes, models and tools to analyse vulnerability and risks linked to natural hazards, with a focus on urban space and rural-urban interfaces. Research is always conducted with the underlying goal of connecting solutions to development pathways.

About the Program

The main purpose of the two-year Master of Science programme 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 programme 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.

As a joint programme offered by the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn and the United Nations University in Bonn, the course provides a unique combination of advanced conceptual and applied engagements within the field of environmental risks and human security in an international context.

Fields of expertise include Vulnerability Assessment, Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development, Disaster Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Human-Nature Relationships, Science & Technology Studies, Development Geography, Geomorphology, Socio-Hydrology, Future Studies, GIS and Remote Sensing.

The Programme consists of 12 modules, of which ten are taught in the first three semesters followed by a compulsory internship and the independent work on the Master’s thesis. An internship of at least eight weeks is a compulsory part of the programme.

Since its launch in October 2013, a total of 256 students from 46 different countries have been studying within the programme.

The programme’s primary goals are:

• Theoretical and methodological expertise in the field of environmental risks and human security combined with practical experiences
• Strong focus on developing countries/ the “Global South”
• Intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment
• Possibility to engage in ongoing research projects at both institutions
• Close cooperation with the UN system & international organizations

The Master’s programme 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, international relations, research on climate change, food security, spatial planning, and policy. Career opportunities may be pursued in all of these areas depending on individual interest and professional goals.

How to Apply

The Joint Master’s Programme has one intake every year. The next intake will start in October 2024. Applications are accepted during the application period from 15 September to 15 December 2023.

To apply, please

• read the information below as well as the FAQs thoroughly,
• submit the online application form,
• gather the required documents (including the academic writing sample) precisely as explained below,
• rename the merged application documents’ file as [your last name.your first name].pdf,
• and send your application documents via e-mail to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.

The following documents need to be submitted via email as one PDF package, not exceeding 8MB in size, and in this exact order. The sample of your academic work must be attached as a separate file, if necessary in a separate email. Incomplete documents, late, as well as paper applications sent via post will not be considered.

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