Forest Science and Resource Management
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Understand the forest in all its versatility and recognize the dynamics of the ecosystem! In the degree program Forest Science and Resource Management you will learn about the role of the forest as a habitat, for the climate and biodiversity. The focus is on the sustainable production of wood as raw material, taking into account its social and socio-political importance. Trace the utilization paths of the most important renewable raw material and recognize its potential in times of climate change in terms of material, energy use, and as a carbon store. Discover the versatility of forestry and study with us at the TUM in Weihenstephan for a Bachelor's degree in Forest Science and Resource Management.
Key Data
| Type of Study | Full Time |
| Standard Duration of Studies | 6 Semesters |
| Credits | 180 ECTS |
| Start of Degree Program | Winter Semester |
| Application Period | May 15 - September 15 |
| Admission Category | Unrestricted Admission |
| Language of Instruction | German |
| Main Location | Weihenstephan (Freising) |
| Costs |
Climate change and sustainability – challenges that have shaped recent years and will continue to do so in the coming years. Forests as complex ecosystems play an important role in shaping the future. In the Bachelor's program in Forest Science and Resource Management, you will deal with the most important terrestrial biodiversity hotspot in the world. Habitat for animals and plants, guarantor of numerous protective functions, recreational area, and at the same time producer of the world’s most important renewable raw material. Holistic management and a trained eye are necessary to meet the diverse and sometimes conflicting demands.
We provide you with the necessary specialized knowledge, economic, social and natural scientific foundations, system understanding, and methodological competence. After your studies, you will be able to analyze and understand the forest ecosystem from a holistic perspective. Sustainability is the basis and motivation for our actions.
With the Bachelor's program in Forest Science and Resource Management you will be ready to take over the management of small forest enterprises, find employment with companies in the forestry and timber industry, or work in the forestry consulting sector.
There is also great demand for forestry scientists in the paper, furniture and packaging industries. Your Bachelor's degree also qualifies you for training as a senior technical forestry service ranger (3rd level of qualification). You can then become a district forester, for example.
Would you rather be active in the field of nature conservation or be involved in international development cooperation? Both are possible thanks to the ecological, economic, and socio-political skills you acquire during your studies. And if your hunger for knowledge is not satisfied after graduation, we recommend our advanced Master’s of Forest and Wood Science, which paves the way for managerial roles and scholarly activities.
At the beginning of your studies, the focus is on the fundamentals of natural sciences and comprises ten compulsory modules. In addition to Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Economics, you will be immersed in the first specialist modules such as Dendrology, Ecoclimatology, Forest and Environmental History and the Material Properties of Wood.
From the second year of study onwards, you will then take the modules specific to forestry. Various elective modules provide you with the opportunity to specialize in different areas during your studies. Besides, you can build your profile by choosing your 8-week internship and the topic of your Bachelor's thesis.
Interested? Take a look at our curriculum.
The forestry competences you will acquire during your Bachelor's program are based on natural, engineering, economic and social sciences. Through your specialized competences you will be able to understand the role of the forest for the environment and the climate as well as its social significance.
You will be able to apply this knowledge to concrete and practical questions and develop problem-solving strategies. You will also be able to apply silvicultural and operational concepts and adapt them to changing conditions. You will be familiar with forest rejuvenation, establishment and maintenance, and be able to carry them out.
Due to your profound knowledge in soil science, ecology, and biology, you will be able to evaluate deciduous and coniferous tree species by differential diagnosis, to derive forest site characteristics, and to make recommendations for the selection of tree species. You will be familiar with the water and nutrient balance of trees and be able to identify the most important causes of damage. In addition, you will know wood technologies and utilization paths, and be able to evaluate forest and wood products in environmental analyses.
Basic planning knowledge helps you in the field of landscape development and makes you aware of the importance of the forest as a landscape element. The acquired knowledge will prepare you for the start of your professional life or for a master's degree.
Application requirements and eligibility
To apply for the Bachelor`s program Forest Science and Resource Management you must hold a higher education entrance qualification (HZB) or show proof of a professional qualification. More information on university entrance qualification
It is a degree program without admission restrictions. Further information about Admission-free Degree Programs
Proof of language skills
The language of instruction for the degree program is German, therefore applicants whose language of instruction is not German must provide proof of language proficiency.
Please find out whether you need to submit a language certificate and which German certificates are accepted.
Preliminary review documentation (VPD)
All applicants for a bachelor's degree, who did not obtain their university entrance qualification in Germany or from a school that offers the equivalent of the German Abitur exam need a preliminary documentation (VPD) have to apply via uni-assist e.V.
| Important: the processing of the VPD at uni-assist can take 6-8 weeks! |
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| An early application is therefore recommended, otherwise delays in processing the application documents at TUM must be expected. This is because only complete application documents can be processed. |
Semester fees and tuition fees at TUM
All students have to pay a semester fee for the student union (Studierendenwerk).
| Tuition fees for international students |
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| For international students from third countries, i.e. countries that do not belong to the European Economic Area, tuition fees will be charged. All information on fee levels, waivers and scholarship programs can be found on the website on tuition fees for international students. |
Application period and start of studies
The application period is from 15 May to 15 September each year for the following winter semester. Start of the degree program is only possible in the winter semester.
Further information about dates and deadlines. For international students, we strongly recommend to apply as early as possible.
Online application
Application is only possible via our online application portal, where you need to set up an applicant account.
Instructions for your online application.
Please upload all documents to TUMonline before the end of the application deadline. Documents submitted via email cannot be processed.
Documents issued in German or English do not have to be translated. Documents that are not issued in German or English must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator. You must upload both the original and the translation as one PDF file. The documents required for the application can be found in the country-specific regulations and in the glossary of documents.
| Please note: |
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| We can only consider your application if you upload all required documents and submit the complete application within the application period. |
Enrollment
After admission to the program, the study place must be accepted in the applicant's account, the application for enrollment has to be signed and uploaded together with the missing documents for enrollment. And also the semester fees must be paid. All relevant information is displayed in the TUMonline applicant account.
Details on the enrollment process
Glossary of documents
| Please note: |
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| From the time of admission, we will only contact our students via the tum.de or mytum.de email address, which can be found in the applicant account. Instructions for setting up the e-mail address at TUM. |
Suitable Master's programs at the TUM School of Life Sciences
Other degree programs that might also interest you:
Forestry and public relations
“Even though the job of a forester is often associated with loneliness in the forest, it is anything but isolated. There are numerous areas in which public relations work plays an important role. It is in this interplay between nature and communication where I see my professional future.”
Diversity in study program
“What I particularly like about studying forest science at TUM is the variety of topics - from botany and wildlife biology to site and soil science and silviculture, where you directly apply the knowledge you've gained in the forest.”
Field trips and practice
“I decided to study at TUM because I am fascinated by the forest of tomorrow. I like the variety of projects, the field work and the opportunity to gain insights into research. A highlight was the fourth semester with the excursions, for example to the Alps. For me, TUM offers the perfect balance between theory and practice in the forest.”
- Degree documentation
The degree program documentation presents the concept of the study program. - Module catalog
The module catalog lists all modules of the current version of the degree program, and is updated before the start of each semester.
Enrolled students who are studying in previous degree program versions can find their module catalog in TUMonline.
Tip: For completed modules, you can create an individual module catalog in the TUMonline application “My Studies” (icon top right). TUM School of Life Sciences recommends to use this option every semester (at the latest after graduation), as it facilitates the recognition of modules and achievements in your future professional life!
- Curriculum
- Curriculum (from start of degree program WS 23/24)
- Curriculum (until start of degree program WS 22/23)
- The degree chart gives you an overview and recommendation, which modules you should take in which semester according to academic and examination regulations (FPSO).
- Timetable (TUM ID required for login):
This timetable is intended to give you an overview of the planned compulsory and elective modules of a semester. It is for orientation purposes only and will not be updated during the semester!
Via TUMonline you can have a timetable created for each semester according to FSPO.
You can also create your own individual timetable, which can contain not only the dates of the selected courses, but also your personal appointments.
First steps with TUMonline
- General Academic and Examination Regulations at TUM (APSO)
- Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO)
- Academic and Examination Regulations 20231 (from start of degree program WS 23/24 available)
- Examination dates & registration via TUMonline
- Further examination matters
- Board of Examination
The board of examination is a committee consisting of university professors and lecturers of the degree program. The chairperson of the board of examination of your degree program is Apl. Prof. Dr. rer. silv. Gabriele Weber-Blaschke. Applications to the board of examination are received by the secretary and submitted to the board of examination for decision. You can reach the secretary by sending an email to examination.co(at)ls.tum.de.
Internship
A pre-study internship is not required for admission to the course. However, to complete your studies, you must complete and provide evidence of an 8-week subject-related internship (11 ECTS). The internship can be completed before or during your Bachelor's degree and can be divided into several sections. Please note, however, that an internship section shorter than 4 weeks cannot be credited. An internship report must also be prepared. Further details can be found on the website Praktikantenamts Weihenstephan.
The completion of the internship is defined in the internship regulations.
More information about
Detailed, degree program - specific information about graduation can be found in the
Wiki Life Sciences – Study and Teaching - Graduation (TUM ID required for login)
Personal student advising
Ralf Moshammer
Campus Office
ground floor, room 03c
Tel. +49 8161 71 4550
forestry.co(at)ls.tum.de
Consultation hours: by arrangement
Everything you need to know!
Many general questions can already be answered by the FAQs.
Current and course-specific information for students of the TUM School of Life Sciences
Wiki Study and Teaching (with TUM login only)
TUM School of Life Sciences
