Study Curriculum
Your path through the ERM program
The Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Management (ERM) is structured across four semesters, offering a balanced and progressive academic journey. Students complete core and advanced modules, specialize through a study project, and culminate their studies with a master’s thesis.
1st Semester (30 Credits)
- Compulsory Elective Modules and/or Complementary Modules
- Introduction to ERM II (mandatory, strongly recommended for the first semester)
The first semester lays the foundation for your master’s studies. You will select from compulsory electives and complementary modules to broaden your knowledge base and prepare for advanced specialization.
Introduction to ERM II
This module is designed to prepare you for academic writing and research. You will learn how to publish scientific papers according to international standards, structure and organize a master’s thesis, and receive introductory training in statistical methods and ecological modeling. This module is mandatory and must be completed before registering for the master’s thesis.
To find more information about the "Introduction to ERM II" module
2nd Semester (30 Credits)
Compulsory Elective Modules and/or Complementary Modules
The second semester builds upon the first by allowing you to deepen your knowledge in chosen areas of environmental and resource management. By combining compulsory elective and complementary modules, you can tailor your curriculum to reflect your interests and career goals.
This semester provides flexibility and prepares you for applied work in the following semester’s study project.
From the chosen specialization, you must choose a minimum of 7 modules. The remaining 5 modules that you must complete in the area of compulsory elective modules can be chosen from all three specializations.
Compulsory Elective Modules, divided into three scientific fields:
- Environmental Sciences (ESC)
- Environmental Engineering (EE)
- Environmental Economics, Planning, and Law (EPL)
Complementary Modules:
Complementary modules may substitute 5 compulsory elective modules (30 credits). They need to be approved in advance by the head of the study program and the head of the examination board. Complementary modules listed on the official timetable are already approved. They can be taken at BTU or at a foreign university (e.g., as part of a semester abroad). If the modules are taken at a foreign university, the grades will not be incorporated into your overall grade.
Please note that the catalog of the modules is constantly updating until the four weeks before the start of the semester; therefore, make sure that you check the catalog multiple times to make sure not to miss any new information.
3rd Semester (30 Credits)
- Compulsory Elective Modules and/or Complementary Modules
- Study Project (12 Credits, strongly recommended)
The third semester is dedicated to practical, interdisciplinary application. Alongside modules, you will work on a study project, where you investigate a freely chosen subject in detail.
The focus of the study project is on developing problem-solving skills through:
- independent information gathering
- teamwork and social interaction
structured communication of results
Beyond gaining deeper expertise in your field, you will also acquire the ability to critically assess and develop processes in relation to sustainable production, planning, and resource management.
The workload of the study project corresponds to 360 hours of work, giving you the opportunity to conduct substantial, real-world-oriented research.
The selection of topics is the same as for the master's thesis.
Further information and available topics can be found on the Moodle page of the ERM Master’s program.
You should register the "Study Project" directly with Student Services-Team 1. Please make sure to inform your supervisor and provide your chosen topic during registration.
4th Semester (30 Credits)
The final semester is devoted to your master’s thesis, where you independently research a topic of your choice within the ERM framework.
Master’s thesis:
- Focuses on in-depth research and academic contribution
- May be combined with additional modules if you still need credits
- Can only be started after completing the Study Project and successfully passing the mandatory Introduction to ERM II module
To find a topic/theme:
You choose the topic and a supervisor you choose yourself, according to your interests. Simply contact the lecturers whose fields of research interest you.
Please have a look at the homepage of the institutes that interest you.
Sometimes topics for master's theses are also advertised there. It is also possible to write a master's thesis at non-university research institutions, companies, or government agencies.
You can find more information about the non-university research institutions to complete your master's thesis with on the Moodle page of the program.
Registration for Master's Thesis
Before registering your thesis, you must:
- Successfully complete all mandatory modules
- Have at least 78 credit points officially registered with the Admissions & Registrar’s Office
- Identify your supervisor and agree on your thesis topic
Submit the official application form by email to the Admissions & Registrar’s Office
Completion Time:
The thesis must be completed within six months from the date of registration.
Here you can find the module description of the master thesis.
Please note that the curriculum presented here is a recommended study plan to help you organize your studies efficiently across four semesters.
You are encouraged to consult with the study coordinator if you wish to adjust your course schedule based on your personal, academic, or professional needs.