Nature Con­ser­va­tion and Land­scape Plan­ning (M.Sc.)

Course content and objectives

The consecutive Master’s programme Nature Conservation and Landscape Planning at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences builds on a relevant Bachelor’s degree and combines sound ecological and scientific knowledge with landscape planning, nature conservation law and the practical implementation of conservation measures. The programme is closely aligned with current challenges in nature conservation.

Key topics of the programme include biodiversity loss, climate change, the sustainable development of agricultural landscapes, ecological restoration and habitat management, as well as global and European requirements for nature conservation.

The programme is structured around six key thematic areas:

• Biodiversity, Ecology and Species Knowledge: Advanced understanding of ecological relationships and knowledge of plants, animals and their habitats.
• Landscape Planning, Implementation and Law: Planning, assessment and implementation of conservation measures, as well as relevant legal and planning instruments.
• Data and Methods: Applied statistics, data analysis, GIS, remote sensing and ecological modelling.
• Agroecology and Restoration: Ecological relationships and approaches to promoting biodiversity and sustainable development in agricultural landscapes, as well as restoring other habitats.
• Global Challenges: Global environmental challenges, international approaches to nature conservation and European requirements.
• Communication and Participation: Science communication, conservation education, stakeholder participation and mediation.

A particular focus is placed on species identification skills, which form an important foundation for practical work in nature conservation. They are essential for the recording and assessment of habitats and species, for field surveys and monitoring, and for the planning and implementation of nature conservation measures. In the Master’s programme, species identification skills are therefore not only taught theoretically but also applied and further developed through practical fieldwork.

In addition, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences offers students the opportunity to obtain BANU Species Expert Certificates. These certificates provide a recognised way of documenting species identification skills acquired through university studies and independent learning. In the field of botany, examinations are offered at different levels. The programme also includes certification opportunities for other species groups, such as butterflies and burnet moths. This allows students to formally document the species identification skills they acquire during their studies through an additional, nationally recognised certification system.

Another focus is on the connection between nature conservation and agriculture. Developing biodiversity-friendly strategies for agricultural landscapes and the associated skills in biodiversity management and advisory services are becoming increasingly important. In its 2025 publication “Biodiversity Advisory Services and Management in Agricultural Higher Education”, the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) highlights the importance of basic knowledge in both agriculture and nature conservation, practical skills for implementing and financing biodiversity measures, as well as advisory, communication and facilitation skills. This combination of professional expertise and interpersonal skills is also an important component of the Master’s programme.

The integration of the programme into the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development enables interdisciplinary exchange with the degree programmes in Agriculture and Landscape Architecture. This allows ecological, nature conservation and agricultural perspectives to be brought together and shared questions relating to the sustainable development of agricultural landscapes to be addressed collaboratively. The international Master’s programme “Sustainable Land Management and Conservation” also provides further opportunities to engage with international perspectives on sustainable land management and nature conservation.

Excursions, projects and exchange with partners from nature conservation practice, public authorities and applied research complement the academic training. This enables students to apply their knowledge to real-world questions and gain early insights into professional practice and research.

Further Information

BfN Publication 743: Biodiversity Consulting and Management in Agricultural Education at Universities (2025)

BANU Species Identification Certificate at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences 

BANU Field Botany Certificate – Offenlandinfo 

Offenlandinfo provides insights into current research projects, activities and topics in the fields of biodiversity, agricultural landscapes, restoration and nature conservation involving researchers and lecturers from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.

An earlier overview of nature conservation education at German universities is provided by the WWF study “Nature Conservation Education at German Universities – A Guide for Prospective Students”. The study provides an overview of the higher education landscape at the time and already highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and practice-oriented education in nature conservation.