Augsburg University

What you'll study

This programme builds foundational knowledge in ecology, soil and water science, biodiversity and sustainable resource use alongside applied skills in field methods and data analysis. Early semesters focus on core natural science subjects — ecology, chemistry for environmental scientists, and basic statistics — while later work emphasises applied modules such as habitat management, freshwater conservation, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental monitoring and conservation policy.

• Core scientific modules: ecology, population biology, soil and hydrology, biogeochemistry.
• Applied skills and methods: field survey techniques, laboratory analysis, GIS and remote sensing, ecological modelling and statistics.
• Society and policy: conservation policy and law, natural resource economics, stakeholder engagement and land use planning.
• Research and practical experience: a supervised research project or capstone dissertation, regular field courses, and a work placement or internship with a conservation organisation, government agency or research group.

Teaching combines lectures, small‑group seminars, laboratory practicals and extensive fieldwork. Assessment methods typically include lab reports, field notebooks, written exams, group projects and an independent research project in the final year.

Entry requirements

Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised secondary school leaving qualification with passes in mathematics and at least one science subject (biology, chemistry or environmental science). Typical university entrance requirements include evidence of strong science and numeracy skills and academic references that speak to your suitability for a research‑led, field‑orientated degree.

• Academic qualifications: recognised high school diploma or equivalent; specific grade thresholds vary by admissions cycle and country of origin.
• Subject background: prior study in biology or environmental science and mathematics is advantageous.
• Language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not the language of instruction, a recognised English language qualification is normally required.
• Relevant experience: practical experience such as voluntary work, field courses or laboratory exposure strengthens an application but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates move into professional roles in conservation, resource management and environmental research. Typical entry‑level positions include ecological surveyor, conservation officer, environmental monitoring technician, field research assistant and GIS analyst. The degree also provides a direct pathway to postgraduate study (MSc or research MSc/PhD) for careers in academic research or specialist technical roles.

• Employment with conservation NGOs and charities, environmental consultancies and ecological consultancies.
• Roles in government and local authorities: protected-area management, environmental regulation and natural resources planning.
• Technical positions in habitat restoration, wildlife management, water quality monitoring and environmental impact assessment.
• Further study leading to research scientist, university teaching or specialist professional accreditation.

Why study at Augsburg University

Augsburg University combines small‑group teaching with practical, local field opportunities and access to laboratory facilities for analytical work. Students benefit from strong links with regional conservation organisations and public agencies, which support placements, applied projects and real‑world research collaborations. The programme emphasises an interdisciplinary approach, equipping graduates with both the scientific rigour and the communication and stakeholder skills needed to influence conservation practice.

Field‑based learning is central to the curriculum, with repeated field trips to nearby forests, wetlands and freshwater systems, plus training in industry‑standard tools such as GIS and environmental monitoring equipment. Small cohort sizes support personalised supervision for final‑year research projects and ongoing academic mentoring.