ClimaTalk – Climate is Talking

by Anonymous

Course name: Sustainable Resource Management

Type of course: MSc

University: Technical University of Munich 

Course Length: 2 Years

Location: Munich, Germany

Language: English

Course summary

The course offers learning methodologies to evaluate the effect of human activity on the environment and how to manage the natural resources in a sustainable manner. With a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach which accounts for the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability, the course provides an opportunity to enhance knowledge and understanding of climate discourse.

The degree has eight separate specialization areas (Forest, Land, Climate, Energy, Wildlife, Soil, Waste and Agriculture) and allows you the possibility of either doing a specialization in any two specified areas or choosing courses from any of the specialization options. I am taking courses from two specialization areas, climate and energy.

1. What did you like most about the course?

First, the degree offers you a wide range of courses which gives you the freedom to explore your interests. Secondly, with as many as eight specialization areas and students from around fifty nationalities, the degree provides a huge space for mutual appreciation of different cultures. 

2. What did you do before this course? Are there any specific requirements for being able to apply to and take this course?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and work experience in the energy sector and at environmental NGOs. There are no specific prerequisites to apply, although your personal statement letter and motivation to study this specific course really defines the likelihood of your selection into the program.

3. What sort of work do you do during the course (e.g. more group work/more individual work; more project-based work/more essay writing, etc.)?

For my energy module, I am far more interested in observing the social and political aspects of energy transition. Therefore, in my study, a lot of course evaluations are based on collaborative paper writing and on essay writing.

4. Is there anything you would change about the course?

N/A.

5. Why did you choose this course over other courses you may have been considering?

It allows me to study environmental protection from a socio-economic and ecological perspective.

6. What is life at this university like?

My first year was online, and so a lot of events, workshops and seminars were also conducted online. In my opinion the university tried its best over lockdown to adopt every possible way of enhancing the learning experience. Now, as of winter 2021, the classes are back in person, so there is lovely hustle and bustle which can be observed in the campuses, dormitories, and the city of Munich.

7. What are you planning on doing after you’ve graduated/what are you currently doing if you have graduated?

I am planning to work for the Environmental Lobby’s agencies and eventually in the Ministry of Environment and Climate.

8. What are typical jobs graduates do after completing the course?

Possible careers range from working within  UN bodies, consultancies, public environmental agencies, ministries and NGOs to working in CSR, depending upon where your interest and effort lies.

The author is currently a candidate for the Master’s Program at Technical University of Munich in Sustainable Resource Management and has previously worked in the energy sector and at NGOs advocating for climate justice. Their research focus is on assessing public participation in environmental governance regimes and they are currently doing an internship at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Their interests lie in journaling, climate politics and mental health advocacy.