Applications are open for the 2027 intake of the Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, a two-year international Master’s programme jointly offered by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the University of Bonn in Germany.
The programme is particularly attractive to international applicants interested in climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental risks, sustainable development and human security. Eligible candidates from developing countries can also be considered for a limited number of fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships.
The next cohort is scheduled to begin in October 2027, while the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027 Overview
Programme: Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
Host institutions: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and University of Bonn
Location: Bonn, Germany
Degree level: Master’s
Duration: Two years
Study format: Residential
Programme start: October 2027
Scholarship: DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Funding: A limited number of fully funded scholarships for eligible students from developing countries
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
The programme normally has one intake each year. For the 2027 intake, applications are indicated as being accepted from 31 July to 31 October 2026, although the programme page notes that this application period is to be confirmed.
About the Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security
The Joint Master’s programme is designed to provide postgraduate students with advanced knowledge and practical tools for understanding environmental risks and their relationship with human security.
Students examine theoretical and methodological debates in geography while exploring how environmental risks and natural hazards emerge and affect relationships between humans and nature.
Particular attention is given to areas including:
- Vulnerability
- Resilience
- Adaptation
- Environmental risks
- Natural hazards
- Disaster management
- Climate change adaptation
- Sustainable development
- Human-nature relationships
- Development geography
- GIS and remote sensing
The programme combines the academic expertise of the Department of Geography at the University of Bonn with research and international perspectives provided by UNU-EHS.
Fully Funded DAAD EPOS Scholarships
One of the biggest attractions for international applicants is the programme’s participation in the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) funding scheme.
The programme is among a selected group of international postgraduate degrees eligible for EPOS support.
Through this scheme, some fully funded scholarships may be offered to students from developing countries.
It is important to understand that admission to the Master’s programme does not automatically guarantee a DAAD EPOS scholarship. Scholarship applicants must meet additional DAAD requirements and submit the required EPOS documentation with their programme application.
Who Can Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Applicants seeking DAAD EPOS funding must satisfy additional requirements beyond the general Master’s admission criteria.
Eligible applicants should:
- Come from an eligible developing country.
- Have accumulated at least two years of relevant professional experience since completing their Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.
- Have completed their most recent academic degree no more than six years before the application.
- Not already have another Master’s degree in a similar field.
- Intend to pursue a professional career as a development practitioner after completing the programme rather than pursuing an academic career or PhD.
- Be prepared to commit fully to the Joint Master’s programme if admitted and awarded the scholarship.
These additional conditions make it particularly important for applicants to check their EPOS eligibility before preparing the scholarship documentation.
General Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Geography or another relevant academic field.
The majority of the applicant’s previous university coursework should relate to three main areas:
- Human Geography and Social Sciences, particularly spatial patterns, society and development.
- Scientific methodology and empirical research methods.
- Physical Geography, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences, particularly Earth System Science.
Applicants should therefore carefully examine their academic transcripts before applying.
Who May Not Be Eligible?
The programme specifically states that it is not targeted at graduates from engineering-related disciplines.
Graduates in International Relations and similar subjects generally cannot be considered unless their academic profile has a strong relationship with environmental risks.
Additionally, current PhD students and applicants who already hold a PhD cannot be considered for the programme.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency unless they are native speakers from the specified exempt countries: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States.
Importantly, simply completing a previous university programme taught in English is not automatically sufficient to satisfy the requirement.
Accepted minimum results include:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- TOEFL paper-based: 550
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- PTE Academic: 67
- Cambridge CAE: ≥ B2
- Cambridge CPE
- telc: B2–C1
Applicants should arrange their language test early enough to have the required evidence available for the application.
Programme Structure
The MSc consists of 12 modules.
Ten modules are taught during the first three semesters. Students then undertake a compulsory internship and independently complete their Master’s thesis.
An internship lasting at least eight weeks is compulsory.
The programme’s study areas include:
- Geographical approaches to risk, vulnerability and resilience
- Development geography
- Earth system science
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- GIS and remote sensing
- Social-ecological systems
- Risk and technology
- Risk management and governance
- Forecasting and prediction
- Disaster management
- Disaster risk reduction
- Humanitarian response
Strong Focus on the Global South
A notable feature of the Master’s programme is its emphasis on developing countries and the Global South.
Its goals include combining theoretical and methodological expertise with practical experience while creating an interdisciplinary and intercultural learning environment.
Students may also have opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects at UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn and benefit from the programme’s connections with the United Nations system and international organizations.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
The programme may be particularly valuable for candidates planning careers involving environmental and development challenges.
Students gain exposure to international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, private organizations and other actors working in areas such as:
Disaster risk reduction | Humanitarian assistance | Climate change | Food security | International relations | Spatial planning | Environmental research | Policy
Career outcomes will depend on each student’s interests, professional experience and specialization.
For DAAD EPOS applicants in particular, candidates are expected to intend to pursue a practitioner-oriented career in development following graduation.
Documents Required for the Master’s Application
Applicants need to prepare a comprehensive application package.
Core documents include:
- Completed online application
- Motivation letter
- Recent CV in Europass format
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and any additional relevant degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Academic references, if provided
- Passport copy
- Relevant internship, employment, training or volunteering references, where applicable
- APS certificate for applicants from China, India or Viet Nam
- Academic writing sample
The main application documents must generally be combined into one PDF file not exceeding 8MB, while the academic work sample is submitted separately.
Additional Documents for DAAD EPOS Applicants
Candidates seeking the fully funded DAAD scholarship have additional requirements.
They must provide:
- Signed and dated DAAD EPOS Checklist
- Completed DAAD Application Form
- Scholarship motivation letter
- Professional reference from their current employer
- Work certificates demonstrating relevant postgraduate employment experience
The work certificates must document at least two years of relevant postgraduate professional experience by the application deadline. The certificates must specify employment dates and meet the programme’s documentation requirements.
DAAD Scholarship Motivation Letter
EPOS candidates must also prepare a scholarship-specific motivation letter.
The statement should explain:
- Why the applicant is specifically seeking a DAAD scholarship.
- Why they want to study in Germany.
- How their motivation for the programme relates to development.
- How receiving the scholarship would support their professional ambitions.
- How the qualification would contribute to their future career as a practitioner.
- Their programme preferences if applying to more than one EPOS-supported programme.
Candidates should therefore avoid submitting a generic scholarship motivation letter.
Academic Writing Sample
Applicants must also submit an academic writing sample in English.
For the 2027 intake, candidates are asked to discuss how their previous academic or professional experience has influenced the areas they plan to pursue during their studies.
The response should explain their own experiences, how those experiences could inform potential Master’s thesis research, and how their perspective could contribute toward closing an identified research gap.
The essay has a maximum length of 1,000 words excluding references, should use APA referencing, and may include up to 10 references. The official instructions state that it must be the applicant’s own original work and may be subject to plagiarism and AI checks.
How to Apply for the UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027
The application process involves both an online submission and an emailed document package.
Applicants should:
- Carefully review the programme information and application FAQs.
- Complete the official online application form.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Combine the required application documents into the specified PDF package.
- Name the file according to the programme’s required format.
- Submit the application documents by email to the programme.
Incomplete, late or paper applications sent by post will not be considered.
Application Deadline
31 October 2026
The successful 2027 intake will begin studying in Bonn, Germany, in October 2027.
Applicants seeking DAAD EPOS funding should prepare particularly early because of the additional professional references, employment certificates, scholarship motivation letter, and DAAD documentation required.
The EPOS scholarship selection process for shortlisted candidates is expected to take place between February and April.
Final Thoughts
The UNU–University of Bonn Joint MSc 2027 provides an opportunity for professionals interested in addressing the growing challenges created by climate change, environmental hazards, vulnerability and disaster risk.
Its combination of teaching from the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security and the University of Bonn, a strong Global South focus, compulsory practical experience and links with international organizations makes the programme particularly relevant for candidates pursuing development-focused careers.
For eligible applicants from developing countries, the availability of a limited number of fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships makes the programme even more attractive.
Candidates should, however, remember that admission to the Master’s programme does not guarantee scholarship funding, and EPOS applicants face additional eligibility and documentation requirements.
Applications for the October 2027 intake are due by 31 October 2026.
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