Geoscience M.Sc. Governance of Risk and Resources
The M.Sc. program "Governance of Risk and Resources", which has been offered at the Heidelberg Center for Latin America (HCLA) in Santiago de Chile since 2011. The program focuses on the understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between people and the environment from a governance perspective. It integrates theories on risk and resource management, applying them to empirical problems and case studies. It is aimed at professionals working for the public and private sectors, companies, institutions or organizations with an interest in risk and resource management. It is also ideal for those who wish to strengthen their international networks.
It aims, in particular, to provide in-depth training for specialized personnel employed as planning authorities in private companies and research institutions. The program also focuses on the promotion of international networks of young researchers with a thematic focus. The master's degree is taught in Spanish and English.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Fist application deadline, November 4th 2024. Apply and enroll before this date and access to a 10% discount on the overall program fee.
- Final application deadline January 7th. 2025.
- Classes start on March, 2025,
- Clases take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays 18:30 - 21: 00 hours. Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00 hours (Chilean time).
- A posibiltiy of an English course could be available for applicants with a reduced fee, which will be returned if the enrollment process is completed.
- Free German courses for all enrolled students during their master program.
Contact and applications
M.Sc. Diego Rivera.
Accademic Coordinator, Master in Governance of Risk and Resources
d.rivera@heidelbergcenter.cl
Objetives
The overall objective of the program is to train specialists capable of integrating and applying scientific advances in nature and natural resource and risk management to territorial planning, as well as to the governance of institutions at regional and local scales. This master's program offers an interdisciplinary dialogue - specifically from the perspective of the social, economic and natural sciences - and has a strong research orientation. Thus, students will strengthen their ability to develop research questions autonomously, deepen their theoretical and conceptual knowledge and acquire methodological competencies focused on scientific dialogue. In addition, the program provides students with professional competencies that enhance their own profile and meet the current needs of a very broad labor market.
Upon completion of the thesis and passing the master's examination, Heidelberg University awards the academic degree of “Master of Science” (M.Sc.).
Video
Learn more about the prestigious Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Germany, and about the Heidelberg Center, its cooperations in Chile and Latin America and the M.Sc. program in "Governance of Risk and Resources". Students and professors comment on their experiences and the singularities of this high-level international program.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Estefanía González Del Fierro currently works as Deputy Director of Greenpeace Campaigns in Argentina, Chile and Colombia. She is in charge of a wide variety of environmental issues, from climate change and international environmental negotiations, to socio-environmental conflicts such as water scarcity, the expansion of oil activity, and the impacts of harmful industries such as salmon farming.
"Completing the master’s degree in "Risk and Resource Governance" at the University of Heidelberg has helped me not only to update my knowledge regarding the management of a wide range of natural resources, but also to approach them from the perspective of the current challenges and the different parties involved. It has allowed me to incorporate current theoretical perspectives and debates into my practical and daily work, establishing links between the academic world and the work of civil society, which seeks to influence society and public policy. Establishing these bridges and connections is fundamental in these times of climate and ecological crisis that we are going through, in the search for integral solutions.”
Pamela Franeth Martínez Aguilar is an engineer in Forestry Sciences, currently working in watersheds at the Institute of Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF) in the Man and the Biosphere Reserve of the Río Plátano.
“Having been a student of the Risk and Resource Governance program has brought about a positive change in me. I can certainly say that I have been able to improve my critical thinking and at the same time broaden my perspective. Combining the technical aspect with academics has enhanced my professional capabilities to understand local issues. Broadening my perspective means for me that today I visualize micro-watersheds as potential planning opportunities for water resources management and conservation, and a long-term strategy to save the biosphere. Having completed this academic degree from the University of Heidelberg has allowed me, in addition to making progress in the academic world and in field practice, to be able to progress professionally and access salary improvements”.
FIELD TRIPS
As part of the program, field trips are made to the Cajón del Maipo where students put into practice the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired in the classes and learn about specific research cases in the Metropolitan Region and the Andes.
Stay in Heidelberg
The program offers a limited number of scholarships for students in the program to cover a one-semester stay at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. During this stay, students can attend courses and colloquia offered by the Faculty of Geosciences and have access to the library and archives of the University of Heidelberg to prepare their thesis, in addition to maintaining a face-to-face exchange with their guiding professors.
The Master of Science in Governance of Risk and Resources provided me with knowledge and competencies from a multidisciplinary perspective, contributing to a comprehensive professional development and to take on work challenges that escape from what was previously my comfort zone. In particular, the experience in the city of Heidelberg allowed me to deepen my research work with an innovative perspective in terms of the structure of thought and theoretical approach to be addressed throughout this process; finally, it gave me the opportunity to share and interact in a multicultural environment, with students and researchers of very high level, as well as to improve my German language skills.
Uri Colodro Gotthelf, graduate of the M.Sc. program
STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
The program has a duration of three semesters, which are divided into two academic periods offered in Santiago de Chile, and one semester for the elaboration of the thesis. The two academic periods consist of mandatory and elective courses, which must be approved before starting the thesis. In the third semester the thesis must be written.
The compulsory modules are taught by professors from Heidelberg University and the Ponticia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC). The elective courses are part of the programs offered by the UC. The courses are taught in Spanish or English. If desired, participants can enroll in German courses, free or charge.