///
MSc
Master
MSc Global Change Geography - The Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems
Winter: May 31, 2026
Duration
4 semesters
Language
English
EURTuition
Free (315.64 EUR/sem)
Intake
Winter
About MSc Global Change Geography - The Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems
Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is a renowned institution known for its excellence in research and teaching. The MSc Global Change Geography program offered at HU Berlin focuses on the physical geography of human-environment systems, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment. The course curriculum covers topics such as climate change, land use, and natural resource management, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address global environmental challenges. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, students at HU Berlin have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and gain valuable practical experience in the field of global change geography. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers in environmental consulting, policy-making, and sustainable development.
Specialization
-None
Fields of study
Environmental Engineering(Engineering)
Geography & Geology(Earth & Environmental)
How to apply
Channeluni_assist
Modeonline
Admission eligibility
What you need to apply for MSc Global Change Geography - The Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems at Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)
English language
IELTS Overall
5.5/ 9.0
Public info
View English requirements detailsHide details
English level B2 (European framework) or equivalent
Ways to prove English language skills:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): A-C
ETS Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Internet-based Test: 87
Paper-based Test: 560
"HU-Leistungsnachweis Stufe" UNIcert® II: 2.7
Test of English for International Communication TOEIC: 785
"DAAD-Sprachzeugnis": minimum C in all areas
For more information (especially for German applicants), please refer to
Academic requirements
Minimum ECTS credits
180
Public info
View academic requirements detailsHide details
If you do not yet have a bachelor's degree, you must provide proof that you are in the final examination section. This requires 150 SP. If not all modules from the last semester have been graded and more than 30 credit points are missing, you must obtain certification that the bachelor's degree was obtained before the start of the master's degree.
Knowledge gained outside of university education such as relevant professional qualifications or relevant professional experience with a minimum of 900 hours. It can be proven by an informal certificate from the employer with confirmation of the overall hours worked.
Prerequisites
Applicants hold a B.Sc./B.A. degree and prove substantial credits in physical geography, statistics and the analysis of geoinformation data. Upon date of the application deadline, all applicants must...
1) have successfully completed 5 ECTS in statistics and/or non-spatial modelling,
2) plus 10 ECTS in geodata analysis (i.e. GIS, remote sensing, geostatistics, spatial modeling, digital cartography or similar),
3) plus 30 ECTS in physical geography (i.e. Climate Geography, Geomorphology, Geography of soils/Soil science, Hydrogeography/-logy, Biogeography, Vegetation geography, Landscape ecology, Geo-ecology, Earth system science, Land system science),
4) plus additional 25 ECTS in applied geosciences (i.e. geology, geophysics, geomathematics, geoinformatics, geobotany, geochemistry, ecology, ecosystem modelling meteorology, oceanography, climatology, environmental engineering or planning). For this section credits from 1), 2), 3) that exceed the minimum requirement can be counted.
5) AND present a completed bachelor certificate or a statement from their home university on the successful completion of 150 ECTS in form of [this certificate](https://www.geographie.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/study-prog...) ("Zusatzbescheinigung"). The certificate needs to show that no more than 30 ECTS are missing for the completion of the degree. International applicants can submit a statement from the home institution showing the total and open number of credit points. International applicants can use [this form](https://www.geographie.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/study-prog...).
Language skills: English skills at B2-level are required for all students (equivalents/exemptions see p. 95 in[ ZSP-HU](https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/beratung/faecherueber...)). Students with an academic degree or school leaving certificate from an institution where English is a formal language can use this certificate to prove English skills. Students with a German school leaving certificate may use this certificate to prove their English skills, please refer to page 95 of the [ZSP-HU](https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/beratung/faecherueber...) (German only) for details. German language skills are not required for this study programme, yet students are advised to visit German classes at the university's language center.
Documents checklist
What to prepare for your application to MSc Global Change Geography - The Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems
Programme-specific documents
Standard documents (most universities also require)
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor's degree certificate (original + certified translation)
- Bachelor's degree transcript (original + certified translation)
- English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- German language certificate (if required by the programme)
- Statement of Purpose / Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Passport copy
- APS certificate (required for India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan applicants)
This programme applies directly or via uni-assist. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.
Open application portalApostille and notarization
Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.
Need help preparing your documents?
Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.
View document bundleHow to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying for MSc Global Change Geography - The Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems at Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)
Application procedure
Starting a course of study at the Humboldt University of Berlin is only possible if you submit an application in advance.
A distinction is made between two application paths:
Apply directly via the online application portal of the Humboldt University of Berlin or
Application via the preliminary examination office uni-assist eV
Which of these two options applies to you depends on which access authorization you base your application on. Your nationality doesn't matter. The only decisive factor is whether it is a German or a foreign access authorization.
Note: Experienced professionals without a primary school-based university entrance qualification can, under certain conditions, rely on a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification in accordance with Section 11 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (BerlHG). In any case, you register and apply directly to the Humboldt University of Berlin .
Selection process
https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/notes-maste...
Depending on obtaining your school leaving certificate or a study degree abroad or in Germany, you apply during the application periods (for deadlines see academic dates and deadlines) depending either exclusively via uni assist or the online application portal directly at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. It is essential that you find out about the formalities and application procedure in advance of your application and contact the counseling office for degree seeking International Students.
Application quick facts
Apply via
uni_assist
Mode
online
Application fee
75 EUR
Estimated time
Varies by programme
Complexity
Varies
Address
Dr Sebastian van der Linden, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin
Not admitted to this programme?
Germany has thousands of programmes across hundreds of universities. Use the compare tool to find similar programmes and see which fits your profile better.
Tuition
FREE
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
315.64 EUR
per semester
Application fee
75 EUR
one-time
Estimated year-1 total cost
23,576 – 34,976 EUR
Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs. Range accounts for lifestyle differences.
Additional fee information
Free
Plan your total budget for Germany
Use the MS in Germany cost calculator to estimate living expenses, insurance, and your full year-one spend.
Open cost calculatorAdmission outcomes
Community-reported data from MS in Germany students (2018-2025)
Acceptance rate
0%
0 accepted out of 1 total applications
Grade benchmarksGerman scale (1.0 = best, 4.0 = passing)
2.52
Avg. rejected grade
German scale
Based on 1 applications from MS in Germany students 2018-2025.
Similar programmes
Other Environmental Engineering programmes ordered by QS ranking
- Master
Advanced Green Engineering & Sustainable Management
No tuition feesTaught in EnglishWinter and summer intake176 days left - Master's
Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis (AFEPA) [Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Program]
Tuition over 1,500 EUR per semesterTaught in English4 semestersWinter intake253 days left - M.Sc.
Analytical Chemistry and Quality Assurance
No tuition feesBilingual (English and German)4 semestersWinter intake100 days left - Master of Science in Applied & Environmental Geoscience
Applied & Environmental Geoscience (AEG)
University of TubingenTübingenTuition under 1,500 EUR per semesterTaught in English4 semestersWinter intakeApplications closed - Master of Science
Applied Ecology
Tuition over 1,500 EUR per semesterTaught in English4 semestersWinter intake115 days left - MA
Architecture - Design for the Built Environment
SRH University HeidelbergHeidelbergTuition over 1,500 EUR per semesterTaught in EnglishSummer intake176 days left
Looking for more programmes at Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)?
View university pageData freshness unknown. Please verify details with the university directly.