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Published: 31 Aug 2026 1,097 views
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 Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University, 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.
| Application Deadline | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Country to study | Germany |
| School to study | University of Bonn |
| Type | Masters |
| Sponsor | United Nations University (UNU) |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Eligible candidates should fulfil the following requirements in addition to the general eligibility criteria for the Master’s programme:
Applicants must possess a first higher education qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Geography or a related/relevant academic field. Out of all achieved academic performances (Bachelor’s, Master’s, additional coursework, etc.) the majority of attended courses (as reflected in your transcripts) must be related to the three following areas:
Note: The programme is not targeted at graduates in Engineering-related subjects. Likewise, graduates in International Relations or similar subjects cannot be considered unless their profile relates strongly to the field of environmental risks. PhD students or PhD holders cannot be considered.
A strong motivation to contribute to the area of human security and management of risks related to environmental change is a prerequisite to study in this Master’s Programme. Applicants should be highly motivated to learn in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
All applicants need to provide proof of their English language proficiency, except for native speakers from countries specified hereafter: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Joint Master’s Programme has one intake every year. The next intake will start in October 2027. Applications are accepted during the application period from 31 July to 31 October 2026 (to be confirmed).
To apply, please:
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.
For additional questions not covered below or in the FAQs, please contact: [email protected].
Note: All documents need to be submitted as scans in PDF format. Smartphone pictures in PDF format will not be accepted. To combine, arrange and compress your PDF application package, kindly use freely available software.
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A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE:
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Required Documents |
Formal Requirements |
| 1) Online Application | – Confirmation will be sent via email after completing the online application – sign and date as explained, attach to application as scan |
| 2) Motivation Letter | – see the additional information below – min. 1 – max. 2 pages, must be dated – for EPOS applicants: must explain preferences if applying for more than one EPOS-funded programme |
| 3) Recent CV in EUROPASS format | – in reverse chronological order, dates must correspond to attached references precisely – max. 3 pages, must be dated |
| 4a) Academic Degree Certificate(s)* [Bachelor’s or equivalent & Master’s if available] |
– in German or English, otherwise add certified translation – for EPOS applicants: must be stamped and/or signed by the issuing university on original document. |
| 4b) Transcript(s) of Records* [Bachelor’s or equivalent & Master’s if available] * if not graduated yet, please see the FAQs |
– in German or English, otherwise add certified translation – must include a current, identifiable total average grade – must include an overview of the applicable grading system (except for applicants from the German education system) – include other academic credit such as exchange semesters, summer schools, etc. – for EPOS applicants: must be stamped by the issuing university on original document or sent directly from Registrar’s Office to [email protected]. |
| 5) English Language Proficiency | – see additional information below |
| 6) Academic Reference(s) (Recommended) |
– Optional: at maximum two references by former university lecturers – in German or English, otherwise add certified translation – recent, dated, stamped, signed & must contain a letterhead |
| 7) Copy of Passport | – page displaying your name and personal information |
| 8) Other Relevant References (Optional) |
– e.g. internships, previous employments, trainings, volunteering; at maximum three references (for EPOS applicants, see below) – as stated in online application, do not include school certificates |
| 9) Only for applicants from China, India or Viet Nam | – scan of your APS Certificate (more information here: APS China | APS India | APS Ha Noi) |
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Additionally, if applying for a DAAD EPOS scholarship: |
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| 10) DAAD EPOS Checklist | – must be signed and dated on page 2 as indicated: location & date of signature, name, signature. Signatures must be made by hand; digitally inserted signatures cannot be accepted by the DAAD. |
| 11) DAAD Application Form | – must state all EPOS programmes applied for (page 2) – must be filled in typed, not by hand, must be dated |
| 12) Scholarship Motivation Letter | – min. 1 – max. 2 pages, must be dated – may build on the above 2) Motivation Letter, however – must additionally include all aspects indicated in the additional information below. |
| 13) Professional Reference from Current Employer | – recent, dated, stamped, signed & must contain a letterhead – issued by employer / supervisor / HR department – in German or English, otherwise add certified translation – may substitute work certificate if fulfilling criteria (see below) |
| 14) Work Certificate(s) | – only relevant, postgraduate work experience accepted – must state duration to the day, i.e. dd.mm.yyyy-dd.mm.yyyy – must be issued by a person authorized to do so – must in total amount to at least two years of documented experience by time of application. Work experience gathered after the application deadline cannot be counted. – also: dated, stamped, signed & must contain a letterhead |
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Additionally, to be submitted as a separate PDF: |
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| + Sample of Academic Work | – in English, see the additional information below – must include a declaration of authenticity |
2) Motivation Letter
A written statement illustrating the individual suitability for the Joint Master’s programme in a specific and convincing manner. Should refer to own academic and professional qualification, display knowledge of the curriculum, indicate specific scientific interest & future career aspiration, and outline how the applicant expects to benefit from the programme in this regard. Applicants currently registered in another postgraduate degree should explain why they wish to change programmes.
5) English Language Proficiency
12) Scholarship Motivation Letter
In addition to the above, EPOS applicant's scholarship motivation letter must
Sample of Academic Work
Writing Sample Instructions for Applicants:
Please answer the following question in English for your 2027 intake application:
How has your own academic or professional experience influenced the areas of focus you plan to pursue in your studies? Please elaborate on 1) on your own experiences, 2) how you would like to bring them into your planned thesis work, and 3) why you think that perspective could help close a research gap.
Instructions:
For more information, kindly visit UNU Scholarship webpage.
