Individual academic requirements
The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the specialized master's degree program in Climate Sciences (mono):
| a) |
Bachelor’s degree from a university or an equivalent or higher degree in any area of Natural Sciences or Technology |
| b) |
For the special qualifications in Economics and in Economic, Social and Environmental History, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in the relevant branches of studies (e.g. B A in History, B Sc in Economics) is required |
Admission to the master’s degree program may depend upon evidence of additional knowledge and expertise that was not acquired as part of the student's bachelor's degree program. This coursework may only be completed on an extra-curricular basis. The maximum scope of this additional coursework is 60 ECTS credits. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.
As a rule, an average grade (average weighted according to ECTS credits) of at least “good” serves as an additional indicator of suitability. The grades that shall be taken into consideration are those that are available at the time of the interview and submitted with the record of individual achievement. In general, these are grades for at least 150 ECTS credits.
Definitive admission is dependent on an admission interview with the directorate of studies.
The degree used for assessment purposes may not be more than ten years old.
Language requirements
Courses at the Graduate School of Climate Sciences are given in English or, depending on the audience, in German. Advanced skills in English (oral, written and reading) corresponding to CEF level C1 are required. Students with CEF level B2 are admitted to the program with the obligation to reach CEF level C1 within the first year. This can be achieved by taking classes offered by the Academic English Services, for instance. The master thesis is usually written in English. Training in scientific writing and scientific presentations in English are part of the compulsory courses, and you will do a placement test at the beginning of the training.
If existing, you may provide an English language certificate with the admission documents or at the admission interview, but no English language certificate is required at this stage. Non-native German speakers do not have to pass any German exam for admission to the M Sc program.
For the everyday life in Bern, basic knowledge of German is helpful and taking German classes during your stay here in Bern is strongly recommended.
