Double Degree Environment and Resources Management (Master)

Latin American and Caribbean countries experience a positive economic development, but at the same time concerns on environmental degradation and contamination continue to grow. The region faces serious challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. Population growth, urbanization and industrialization require efficient environmental policies, programs and expertise to sustainably manage the natural resources.

The double degree program ENREM qualifies experts who can use their knowledge and expertise to develop and apply integrated socio-cultural, technical and economic solutions for the management of the environment and natural resources in an international setting. In the context of German-Latin American cooperation, the Master's program is aimed at applicants with a strong interest in learning and working in an intercultural and multidisciplinary environment.

The four-semester program is based on the accredited master's programs " Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales (Multidisciplinary Postgraduate Program for Environmental Sciences ) – PMPCA" at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP) and "Natural Resources Management and Development" (NRM) at the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences. The Double Degree Master's Program is not offered as an independent master's program but as a combination of selected modules, along with mutual recognition of credit points (ECTS) from both national programs, creating a structured and predefined curriculum.

The program's structure, concept, and mobility enable students to learn about environmental issues and potential solutions in Latin America from a local perspective at UASLP, while also gaining a global approach from TH Köln. The Master's thesis prepares students for implementation in the regional context of their chosen country in Latin America.

The first and second semester take place in San Luis Potosí, the third semester in Cologne and the fourth semester in Latin America. The first, second and third semester consist of mandatory and elective modules, the fourth semester is dedicated to the master thesis and defense (colloquium). The structure of the master program follows a clear phased approach of enhanced knowledge and competencies.

In order to apply for the master‘s program the applicants should at least fulfill the following requirements:

• Bachelor degree related to environmental management: natural sciences, engineering sciences, geography, agricultural or social sciences
• A relation to natural resources management, environmental management or sustainable development, either by previous studies (minimum 15 ECTS) or relevant practical work experience related to environmental and sustainability topics
• Minimum grade of 8.0 based on the Mexican grading system or equivalent (according to the Mexican System with 10,0 the best grade and 6,0 the minimum passing grade)
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS academic 6 or Cambridge First (FCE) certificate)
• Proof of Spanish language proficiency (applies to applicants from nationalities that do not have Spanish as their mother language)
• Letter of motivation explaining why you would like to study the master program (1 page)
• Research idea related to the master program and according to areas of PMPCA and Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems/ITT (2 pages)
• Two Recommendation letters (academic and professional)
• Basic knowledge of German language is an advantage for Mexican and Latin American applicants
• Highly motivated to learn in a multicultural environment

The international Master's program ENREM offers many advantages:

• Two degrees in two years: Students acquire an individual Master’s degree from each university.
• Professional expertise and expansion of your knowledge: Students can take advantage of the strengths of both universities and broaden their academic and methodological horizon.
• Personal development: Experiencing two different cultures and higher education systems strengthens personal and interpersonal skills as well as intercultural competence.
• International networking: Networking with international students, being part of alumni networks of both universities, establishing an own global contact network.

Scholarships

• The DAAD EPOS Programme offers full time scholarships (including travel allowance) for applicants from DAC-list countries.
• The CONACYT Mexican donor agency offers full time scholarships (not including travel allowance) for applicants from all countries.