UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027: Applications Open with Fully Funded DAAD EPOS Scholarships

Applications are open for the 2027 intake of the Joint Master of Science in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, an international postgraduate programme jointly offered by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn.

The two-year, full-time programme is delivered in Bonn, Germany, and combines advanced academic study with practical training in environmental risks, climate change, disaster management, human security, vulnerability, resilience and sustainable development.

A limited number of fully funded scholarships are available through the German Academic Exchange Service’s Development-Related Postgraduate Courses programme, commonly known as DAAD EPOS. These scholarships are intended for qualified professionals from eligible developing and emerging countries who have relevant postgraduate work experience and plan to continue working as development practitioners after completing the degree.

Applications for the October 2027 intake must be completed by 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time. Both the online application and the complete application documents submitted by email must be received before the deadline.

Programme Summary

• Programme: Joint Master of Science in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
• Institutions: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and University of Bonn
• Degree level: Master of Science
• Programme location: Bonn, Germany
• Study format: Full-time and residential
• Programme duration: Two years
• Normal study period: Four semesters
• Programme start: October 2027
• Application opening date: 31 July 2026
• Application deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET
• Teaching language: English
• Minimum English level: B2
• Recommended English level: C1
• Tuition fees: None
• University semester contribution: Approximately €310 per semester
• Additional UNU contribution: €100 for each of the first three semesters
• Scholarship opportunity: Limited fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships
• Compulsory internship: At least eight weeks
• Application method: Online form followed by submission of application documents by email
• Application email: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu
• Official programme page: Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
• Online application: Start the 2027 programme application

About the Joint Master’s Programme

The Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security was developed to provide postgraduate students with the theoretical knowledge, research methods and practical tools necessary to understand environmental risks and their consequences for societies.

The programme examines how natural hazards and environmental changes emerge, how they affect human-nature relationships and why certain communities, regions and population groups are more vulnerable than others.

Students investigate concepts such as:

• Environmental risk
• Natural hazards
• Human security
• Social and environmental vulnerability
• Community and institutional resilience
• Climate change adaptation
• Disaster risk reduction
• Risk governance
• Sustainable development
• Human-nature relationships
• Humanitarian response
• Earth system science
• Environmental policy

The programme combines the academic strengths of the University of Bonn’s Department of Geography with the applied, policy-oriented and international research environment of UNU-EHS.

This collaboration enables students to study environmental risks from both physical and human geography perspectives while connecting their academic learning to international development, policymaking and humanitarian practice.

The official 2027 call for applications highlights the programme’s strong interest in environmental risk governance, human-nature relations and challenges facing the Global South.

Main Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Develop advanced theoretical and methodological expertise in environmental risks and human security
• Connect academic knowledge with practical experience
• Examine vulnerability, resilience and adaptation in different geographical contexts
• Maintain a strong focus on developing countries and the Global South
• Create an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning environment
• Strengthen students’ qualitative and quantitative research capabilities
• Develop competence in geographical information systems and remote sensing
• Provide opportunities to participate in research projects at UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn
• Facilitate interaction with the United Nations system and other international organisations
• Prepare graduates for professional careers in development, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian work, environmental governance and related fields

Academic Areas Covered by the Programme

The programme brings together a wide range of fields and research interests, including:

• Vulnerability assessment
• Ecosystem services
• Sustainable development
• Disaster management
• Disaster risk reduction
• Climate change adaptation
• Human-nature relationships
• Science and technology studies
• Development geography
• Geomorphology
• Socio-hydrology
• Future studies
• Geographic information systems
• Remote sensing
• Risk management
• Human security
• Risk forecasting and prediction
• Humanitarian response
• Environmental policy and governance

This combination allows students to evaluate environmental risks as interconnected physical, social, political, technological and economic challenges.

Programme Curriculum and Modules

The Joint MSc consists of 12 modules. Ten modules are principally taught during the first three semesters. The programme then includes a compulsory internship, a master’s colloquium and independent work on the master’s thesis.

Major modules include:

1. Theories and Concepts of Risk

This module introduces the central theories and conceptual approaches used to understand environmental risks, hazards, vulnerability, resilience and human security.

2. General Approaches to Risk and Human Security

Students examine new approaches to development geography and Earth system science, connecting social and physical processes.

3. Research Methods

This module develops the methodological skills required to design, conduct and evaluate interdisciplinary research.

4. Academic Writing and Intercultural Skills

Students strengthen academic communication, structured scientific writing and intercultural collaboration.

5. Advanced Debates on Risk and Human Security

The module examines contemporary academic and policy debates surrounding environmental change, social vulnerability and human security.

6. Research Seminar

Students participate in applied research and project-based work connected to environmental risks and human security.

7. Academic Presentation and Communication Skills

This module develops the ability to present complex scientific findings clearly to academic, professional and policy audiences.

8. Risk Management in the Context of Climate Change

Students study climate-related risks, adaptation strategies, governance arrangements and practical risk-management approaches.

9. Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response

The programme examines disaster preparedness, emergency response, humanitarian systems and disaster risk reduction.

10. Field Trips

Students participate in field-based learning activities lasting at least three days and prepare an associated report.

11. Compulsory Internship

Students must complete an internship of at least eight weeks. The internship must be directly connected to the subject matter of the programme.

Students receive support in searching for suitable opportunities, but the programme does not automatically place students with an internship host.

12. Master’s Colloquium and Thesis

Students develop and present their research proposal through the master’s colloquium before completing an independent master’s thesis.

The thesis carries 30 credit points and is normally completed over six months. Students must have earned at least 60 credit points before beginning the thesis.

The current programme structure can be reviewed in the official curriculum overview.

General Academic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold a first higher education qualification, normally a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognised qualification, in Geography or a closely related and relevant academic discipline.

The selection committee reviews all academic achievements, including:

• Bachelor’s-level coursework
• Any completed master’s-level coursework
• Exchange-semester credits
• Summer schools
• Additional university courses
• Other recognised academic studies

The majority of the applicant’s completed coursework must relate to the following three areas:

1. Human Geography and Social Sciences

Relevant subjects should focus on topics such as:

• Spatial patterns
• Society
• Development
• Human geography
• Population and settlement
• Social vulnerability
• Regional development
• Human-environment relationships

2. Scientific Methodology and Empirical Research

Applicants should have studied research-related subjects, including:

• Scientific research design
• Qualitative methods
• Quantitative methods
• Data collection
• Statistical or empirical analysis
• Field research
• Academic writing
• Research methodology

3. Physical Geography, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences

Relevant coursework should address areas such as:

• Earth system science
• Physical geography
• Environmental systems
• Geosciences
• Climate processes
• Natural hazards
• Ecosystems
• Environmental change

Applicants should carefully compare their academic transcripts with these three areas before applying. The final decision regarding the relevance and adequacy of previous academic study can only be made by the programme’s selection committee after reviewing the complete application.

Applicants Who May Not Be Eligible

The programme is not principally designed for applicants whose academic background is dominated by engineering subjects.

Graduates of International Relations or similar programmes will generally not be considered unless their academic profile has a strong and demonstrable connection with environmental risks.

Current PhD students and people who already hold a PhD are not eligible for this master’s programme.

Applicants with multidisciplinary degrees should not rely only on the title of their qualification. Their transcripts must show that most of their academic coursework is relevant to human geography, research methods and environmental or Earth system sciences.

Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?

Applicants who will complete their bachelor’s degree after the application deadline may submit an application using their current transcripts.

If admitted, they must subsequently provide their final transcript and bachelor’s degree certificate. The qualifying degree must be completed before the Joint MSc begins in October 2027.

Motivation Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a strong and genuine motivation to contribute to the fields of human security, environmental change and risk management.

The programme seeks applicants who are:

• Interested in interdisciplinary research
• Prepared to study in a multicultural academic environment
• Motivated to address environmental and development challenges
• Capable of connecting scientific knowledge with practical solutions
• Interested in environmental risks affecting developing countries and the Global South
• Able to explain how the programme relates to their future career

The required programme motivation letter must specifically address:

• The applicant’s academic background
• Relevant professional experience
• Knowledge of the programme curriculum
• Particular scientific interests
• Future career aspirations
• How the programme will support those aspirations
• The applicant’s suitability for the programme

Applicants currently enrolled in another postgraduate programme must explain why they intend to leave or change their existing programme.

English-Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate at least B2 proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, although C1 proficiency is recommended.

Merely completing a degree taught in English does not automatically exempt an applicant from submitting a recognised language certificate.

The following tests and minimum results are accepted:

English test	Minimum score
TOEFL Paper-Based Test	550
TOEFL Internet-Based Test	79
TOEFL Computer-Based Test	213
IELTS Academic	6.5
Cambridge Advanced English	At least B2
Cambridge Proficiency in English	Accepted
telc English	B2–C1
Pearson Test of English Academic	67
Duolingo English Test	120

Native English speakers from the following countries are exempt from providing a language certificate:

• Australia
• Canada
• Republic of Ireland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

German applicants who completed the relevant advanced English course through the “Leistungskurs Abitur” may provide suitable documentation in place of one of the listed tests.

Applicants should consult the official programme requirements and FAQs before selecting or booking an English test.

DAAD EPOS Fully Funded Scholarship

The Joint MSc is among the selected development-related postgraduate programmes supported through the DAAD EPOS funding scheme.

A limited number of fully funded scholarships may be awarded to highly qualified applicants from eligible developing and emerging countries.

Admission to the master’s programme does not guarantee a DAAD EPOS scholarship. Applicants can be admitted academically without receiving funding and may then choose to enrol as self-funded students.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Benefits

According to the current DAAD EPOS scholarship information, funding for graduate-level scholarship holders may include:

• A monthly scholarship payment of €992
• Payments toward health insurance
• Payments toward accident insurance
• Personal liability insurance coverage
• A travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by another source

Depending on individual circumstances, recipients may also receive:

• A monthly rent subsidy
• An allowance for accompanying family members

Applicants should consult the current DAAD call and their eventual scholarship award documents for the final financial conditions.

Additional DAAD EPOS Eligibility Requirements

Candidates seeking the DAAD EPOS scholarship must satisfy the general academic requirements of the master’s programme and the following additional conditions:

• Be from an eligible developing or emerging country
• Hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree
• Have strong academic results, normally placing them within the upper third of their graduating group
• Have accumulated at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing the bachelor’s degree
• Complete the required two years of experience by the application deadline
• Have obtained their most recent academic degree no more than six years before the application deadline
• Not already hold another master’s degree in a similar field
• Intend to pursue a practitioner-oriented career in development after graduation
• Not use the scholarship principally as preparation for an academic career or PhD
• Demonstrate development-related motivation
• Be prepared to take social responsibility and support positive change in their professional environment
• Commit fully to completing the Joint MSc if selected
• Normally not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline

Relevant professional experience may have been acquired through:

• A government organisation
• A public authority
• A non-governmental organisation
• A state-owned organisation
• A private company
• A development agency
• Another professional institution working in a relevant field

Only work experience obtained after completion of the bachelor’s degree is counted toward the two-year requirement. Experience accumulated after the application deadline cannot be included.

Tuition Fees and Other Study Charges

There are no tuition fees for the Joint MSc.

Students are nevertheless required to pay certain institutional contributions:

• Approximately €310 per semester to the University of Bonn, including the local public-transportation ticket
• €100 to UNU for each of the first three semesters

These amounts do not include accommodation, food, personal expenses, visa costs or other living expenses in Bonn. Institutional contributions may also change before enrolment.

The programme is full-time and residential. It cannot be completed remotely or on a part-time basis, and students must live in or near Bonn so they can attend classes.

Documents Required from All Applicants

Applicants must arrange their documents in the exact order prescribed by the programme.

1. Online Application Confirmation

After completing the online application form, applicants will receive confirmation by email. This confirmation must be signed, dated and included as a scanned document in the application package.

2. Programme Motivation Letter

The motivation letter must:

• Be between one and two pages
• Be dated
• Explain the applicant’s academic and professional suitability
• Demonstrate knowledge of the programme
• Identify specific scientific interests
• Explain future career aspirations
• Describe how the programme will benefit the applicant

3. Europass Curriculum Vitae

The CV must:

• Use the Europass format
• Be arranged in reverse chronological order
• Not exceed three pages
• Be signed and dated
• Include exact dates
• Correspond precisely with the dates appearing in supporting references and certificates

4. Academic Degree Certificates

Applicants should submit:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent
• Master’s degree certificate, if available
• Certified translations where documents are not in English or German

DAAD EPOS applicants must ensure that the original academic certificate has been signed or stamped by the issuing university.

5. Academic Transcripts

Transcripts should cover the bachelor’s degree, any available master’s study and other relevant academic credits.

The transcripts must:

• Be in English or German or accompanied by certified translations
• Show an identifiable overall average grade
• Include an explanation of the applicable grading system, except for German qualifications
• Include relevant exchange semesters, summer schools and additional credits

For DAAD EPOS applicants, transcripts must be stamped by the issuing university or sent directly by the university registrar to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.

6. Proof of English Proficiency

Applicants must provide one of the accepted English-language certificates unless they qualify for a specified exemption.

7. Academic References

Academic references are recommended but optional.

Applicants may provide no more than two references from former university lecturers. Each reference should:

• Be recent
• Be dated
• Be signed and stamped
• Appear on official letterhead
• Be written in English or German or accompanied by a certified translation

8. Passport Copy

Submit the passport page displaying the applicant’s name and personal information.

9. Other Relevant References

Applicants may submit up to three additional references covering relevant:

• Employment
• Internships
• Professional training
• Volunteering
• Practical experience

School certificates should not be included.

10. APS Certificate Where Applicable

Applicants from China, India and Viet Nam must include a scan of their applicable Academic Evaluation Centre certificate.

Additional Documents for DAAD EPOS Applicants

Scholarship applicants must also include:

1. DAAD EPOS Checklist

The required checklist must be completed, dated and signed on the specified page. DAAD requires a handwritten signature; a digitally inserted signature is not accepted.

2. DAAD Application Form

The form must:

• Be completed electronically rather than by hand
• Be dated
• Identify every EPOS programme for which the applicant is applying
• List programme preferences in the required order

Applicants may normally apply for a maximum of three EPOS courses and must explain their priorities consistently.

3. Scholarship Motivation Letter

The scholarship motivation letter must be between one and two pages and must be dated.

It may build upon the general programme motivation letter, but it must additionally explain:

• Why the applicant is seeking a DAAD scholarship
• Why the applicant wants to study in Germany
• How the application is related to development
• How the scholarship will support the applicant’s professional ambitions
• How the applicant expects to contribute as a development practitioner
• The applicant’s programme preferences if applying to more than one EPOS course

4. Professional Reference from the Current Employer

The reference must:

• Be recent
• Be dated
• Be signed and stamped
• Be issued on official letterhead
• Come from the employer, supervisor or human resources department
• Be written in English or German or accompanied by a certified translation

5. Employment Certificates

The certificates must:

• Document at least two years of relevant work experience after the bachelor’s degree
• State the precise starting and ending dates in day-month-year format
• Be issued by an authorised person
• Be dated
• Be signed and stamped
• Appear on official letterhead

Mandatory Academic Writing Sample

Every applicant must submit a separate academic writing sample in English for the 2027 intake.

The essay should explain:

1. How the applicant’s academic or professional experiences have influenced the subjects they want to explore during the master’s programme
2. How those experiences could contribute to a possible master’s thesis
3. Why the proposed perspective could help address an identifiable research gap

The writing sample must:

• Be written as an academic essay
• Be no longer than 1,000 words, excluding references
• Draw upon relevant scientific literature
• Use no more than 10 references
• Follow APA referencing style
• Be original work written personally by the applicant
• Be submitted as a separate PDF
• Include the required declaration of authenticity

The programme requires applicants to add the following declaration:

“I confirm to have written the essay myself, without the use of AI.”

The programme warns that plagiarism and artificial-intelligence checks may be applied. Applicants must therefore write the academic essay independently and should not submit AI-generated or plagiarised work.

Required Application Format

Applicants must comply with the following submission rules:

• Complete the online application form first
• Download or obtain the application confirmation sent by email
• Sign and date the required confirmation
• Submit the documents in the exact prescribed order
• Merge the main documents into one PDF
• Ensure the merged PDF does not exceed 8MB
• Name the application file as: LastName.FirstName.pdf
• Submit the academic writing sample as a separate PDF
• Use a separate email for the writing sample if attachment limits make this necessary
• Submit scans rather than smartphone photographs
• Use certified translations where required
• Do not send original documents
• Do not send a paper application through the post
• Ensure the complete package is received before the deadline

Applicants may be asked to present original certificates for verification after admission.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria

Check the programme requirements, academic subject requirements, English-language conditions and DAAD EPOS criteria where applicable.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Submit the official 2027 online application form.

The form can only be submitted once. Applicants who are not ready to complete it in one session should use the “Save and Continue Later” option.

Step 3: Receive and Sign the Confirmation

After submitting the online form, obtain the confirmation sent by email. Sign and date it as instructed.

Step 4: Prepare the Main Application Package

Arrange all required documents in the exact prescribed order and merge them into one PDF not exceeding 8MB.

Step 5: Prepare the Academic Writing Sample

Save the original academic essay as a separate PDF and include the required declaration of authenticity.

Step 6: Email the Application

Send the complete package to:

master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu

Both the online form and emailed application documents must be received by the deadline.

Applications sent directly to DAAD at the initial stage will not be forwarded to the programme.

Selection Process

The number of places is limited, and admission is regulated through a local Numerus Clausus selection process.

The selection committee considers:

• Academic performance
• Relevance of previous academic coursework
• Research and methodological preparation
• Ability to communicate at a scientific level
• Quality of the academic writing sample
• Motivation
• Career plans
• Relevant professional experience
• Overall suitability for the programme

Formally complete applications are first assessed for academic eligibility.

Suitable candidates are expected to be shortlisted and invited to an interview in January or February 2027. The interview may assess their academic and professional background, motivation, career objectives and overall fit.

Candidates shortlisted for DAAD EPOS funding are subsequently forwarded to DAAD. The EPOS selection process is expected to take place between February and April.

Applicants are expected to receive a final update on their application status around April or May 2027.

An applicant who is admitted to the programme but is not awarded the DAAD EPOS scholarship may still accept the place as a self-funded student.

Can Admission Be Deferred?

Admission cannot be deferred to the following year.

An admitted applicant who cannot begin the programme in October 2027 will lose the place, which may be offered to another candidate on the waiting list. The applicant would need to submit a new application for a future intake.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in organisations working on environmental change, risk management, human security and international development.

Potential employers and sectors include:

• United Nations agencies
• International organisations
• Government ministries and public authorities
• Federal agencies
• Development organisations
• Humanitarian agencies
• Non-governmental organisations
• Research institutes
• Universities and academic institutions
• Environmental consultancies
• Private companies
• Disaster preparedness organisations
• Climate change and sustainability programmes
• Food-security organisations
• Spatial-planning institutions
• Environmental and development-policy bodies

Potential areas of work include:

• Disaster risk reduction
• Disaster preparedness
• Humanitarian response
• Climate change adaptation
• Environmental risk assessment
• Human security
• Sustainable development
• Vulnerability and resilience analysis
• Environmental policy
• Geographic information systems
• Remote sensing
• Food security
• Spatial planning
• Risk governance
• International development
• Research and policy analysis

Important Application Deadline

The application deadline for the October 2027 intake is:

31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET, Bonn, Germany time.

The application period runs from 31 July to 31 October 2026.

Late, incomplete and paper applications will not be considered. Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because the process requires both an online submission and a complete email application package.

Application Links and Contact Information

Official programme information: UNU-EHS Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security

Online application form: Apply for the October 2027 intake

DAAD EPOS scholarship information: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses

Programme email: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu

Conclusion

The Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security provides an exceptional opportunity to study environmental risks, climate adaptation, disaster management and human security within the combined academic environments of the United Nations University and the University of Bonn.

Its interdisciplinary curriculum, research opportunities, compulsory internship and connection with the United Nations system make it particularly relevant for professionals seeking careers in environmental governance, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, international development and climate policy.

Applicants from eligible developing and emerging countries may also compete for a limited number of fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships. Scholarship candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, at least two years of relevant postgraduate professional experience, development-related motivation and a clear intention to continue working as practitioners after graduation.

Prospective candidates should examine their academic transcripts carefully, arrange their English-language evidence, prepare all certificates in the required format and write the mandatory academic essay independently. The complete online and email applications must reach the programme no later than 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.

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