NHRE
NATURAL HAZARDS AND RISKS IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Master of Science (English-language)
The English-language Master's program »Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering« (NHRE) is a strongly internationally oriented program that trains students who can perform demanding engineering activities under specific external influences, such as earthquakes. We teach modern tools that can be used to assess natural hazards, enable modeling and simulation, and prepare students to perform concrete risk analyses. Thus, the program offers key qualifications to be innovative and pioneering engineers in the fields of various natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods or storms.
About the study programme
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Duration | 4 semesters standard period of study, on-campus studies |
| Field of specialisation | Structural engineering + hazard and risks, Structural Mechanics, Applied Mathematics and informatics |
| Application (EU inside) | Online application by 30 September |
| Application (International) | Online application by 15 July |
| Application (International with DAAD-EPOS-scholarship) | Online application by 15 October one year before the start of studies |
| Prerequisite | Completed Bachelor of Science / Engineering, proof of English language skills. |
| Start of studies | each winter semester (October) |
The occurrence of an increasing number of natural hazards all over the world and their various effects on individuals, societies and modern economies is one of the major challenges for future decades. The master course in »Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering« faces this challenge by providing indispensable tools for taking into account those phenomena in the different design processes in civil engineering. Thereby, the master course aims at combining practical structural engineering with state-of-the-art concepts regarding computational mechanics, dynamics and probability theory/stochastic analysis. Consequently, the master course provides key qualifications for innovative work in the field of earthquake, flood and wind engineering and offers an international setting in which students will achieve both technical success and personal advancement.
Experience from around the world
STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS
The Master of Science in Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering is a four-semester program focusing on earthquake engineering, structural design, geotechnical and hydrotechnical engineering, finite element methods, non-linear analysis under extreme loading, stochastics, risk assessment, and disaster management. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical topics as well as most recent research results in the field of natural hazard mitigation and structural engineering.
The programme is structured as follows (click to enlarge):
What our students say...
»NHRE allowed me to expand my knowledge in many areas of civil engineering. From learning about different types of structures to natural hazards (and everything in between), I feel that NHRE prepared me in the understanding of both prevention of risks in structures, as well as corrections when damages happen. What I liked the most, though, is that the professors and tutors were very dedicated to teaching us, and I felt supported every step of the way«.
Marjorie Pons
PhD on the use of alternative raw materials for sprayed concrete applications at TU Graz, Austria
»Embarking on a journey to a new country, with a different culture and on a different continent, can be an intimidating challenge for anyone. However, pursuing my Master of Science degree in Natural Hazards and Risk in Structural Engineering as a DAAD scholar was one of the greatest opportunities of my life. This Master's program is flexible and offers a broad range of specialties to choose from. The various faculties in NHRE were very welcoming and supportive in assisting students in mastering various fields. The classrooms were filled with international students from different countries, providing a diverse and enriching learning experience.«
Astha Poudel
Marie Curie – ITN Fellow
Early-Stage Research (Jointly at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Université Grenoble Alpes)
2016 Batch (DAAD Scholar)
»The NHRE Master's programme at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar offers a rich selection of study modules, each with its own unique research focus. International students have the benefit of tailoring their education, thanks to the flexibility of the programme and the use of English as the language of instruction. They are also able to learn German alongside their studies. For those seeking a more specialised path, the option to choose from a range of elective modules provides a truly personalised experience. I found this programme to be very beneficial in gaining a comprehensive understanding of structural engineering and discovering diverse career options available in Europe.«
Abdulmagid Bendalla (Alumni 2019)
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
This intensive, application-based program »Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering« offers a strong technical foundation in structural engineering, integrating research and practical applications. Students develop advanced oral and written skills, enabling them to tackle complex engineering tasks related to planning, construction, and risk analysis of structures in the context of natural hazards.
The curriculum enhances theoretical and scientific competence while cultivating skills in modelling, simulation, and performance-based design. It explores the interplay between engineering and related disciplines, focusing on structural engineering's role in mitigating natural disaster impacts and assessing structural vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the program emphasizes engineering technology's global and regional demands through international project models. Elective modules prepare students for professional careers or further research opportunities.
You would like to get to know your lecturers?
PROSPECTS AFTER GRADUATION
From experience we know: Graduates of our degree programme enter the professional world quickly and successfully. The demand for well-trained civil engineers is still greater than the supply. Take advantage of the opportunity to prepare yourself for a dynamic and exciting professional world in a Master's degree programme at a small and yet internationally oriented faculty.
The Master's degree programme NHRE directly addresses the various regions at risk from natural hazards. The target group of students is mainly located in areas that are affected by annually recurring disasters (e.g. tropical storms and floods) as well as by disasters that occur at irregular intervals (e.g. earthquakes and landslides) (South America, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa). Also addressed are employees of authorities with a connection to disaster management, of engineering companies (planning, construction supervision, support) and of research institutions.
The assignment of graduates is inherently oriented towards the professional sector in their target countries, whereby particular emphasis is placed on engineering practice. Networking with local university institutions is desirable, but not mandatory. At the same time, and currently to a particular extent, the European and German labour market is also open to graduates with the appropriate language skills.
What our alumni say...
»One of the rewarding aspects of the program for me was the opportunity to work as a tutor for two semesters in the subjects of Geotechnical Engineering and Stochastic and Risk Assessment. This experience gave me a chance to apply the skills and knowledge that I had learned and helped me to further develop my confidence. [...] This experience has been invaluable to my personal growth and has prepared me well for my current pursuit of a PhD jointly at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and Université Grenoble Alpes, France, under the URBASIS Project, funded by the European Commission with an MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) fellowship.«
Astha Poudel
Marie Curie – ITN Fellow
Early-Stage Research (Jointly at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Université Grenoble Alpes)
2016 Batch (DAAD Scholar)
»I liked the structure and the diversity of the NHRE degree programme. The programme was potentially diverse which makes it easier for one to choose a suitable career for oneself. Furthermore, I like that the program includes projects that need computer programming skills. During those project works one gets an extensive experience in different programming skills. I find the experiences gathered in computer programming skills during NHRE program are priceless and help oneself to grow in the further professional environment«.
Mahfuzul Islam
Digital Construction Engineer at Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG
»The M.Sc. program NHRE not only expanded my knowledge in core structural engineering, but also in different dimensions of natural hazards like earthquake, wind and flood. The opportunity to learn from the experts in the field of structural engineering, earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, stochastics, and more was truly unique and invaluable. The courses are blended to improve research skills and projects are facilitated to achieve individual goals. The program's structure is very favorable for job opportunities in Germany and further education as it offers networking opportunities with both industry and academia. I am grateful to have had an easy access to a PhD opportunity in Italy due to the international linkages developed during the two years of the master's program.«
Bharat Pradhan
Structural Engineering Consultant, Co-founder and Chairperson of Pro Eth Pvt. Ltd., Nepal
Lecturer as part-time faculty member at engineering colleges in Nepal
Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy (2021)
ARE YOU BAUHAUS?
You would like to study at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering? Here you will find all the important information about the application process. Do you still have questions? Our individual orientation and advisory services offer you the best opportunity to get to know the campus and the city. Try out workshops, visit our laboratories and get advice from students and lecturers!
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Typically, a »Bachelor of Science« in Civil Engineering or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution is required. The examination committee will verify the equivalence of the applicant’s degree; if not equivalent, additional admission requirements may be imposed. The final grade of the Bachelor’s degree should generally be 2.5 (according to the German system) or higher. In case not Bachelor thesis is written in your bachelor’s degree and not mentioned in your transcript of records, please submit your bachelor’s thesis or an equivalent project done during your Bachelor studies.
An APS is necessary for Chines, Vietnamese, and Indian applicants.
The application procedure, deadlines and application portals differ for applicants with a Bachelor's degree obtained in the EU, an international degree and if you wish to apply for a DAAD-EPOS scholarship. Please refer to the explanations below for the information that applies to you.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
The candidates must provide proof of English language proficiency level B2 by submitting either:
- Proof of English proficiency as a native speaker (certificate of higher education entrance qualification or first-level professional qualification (i.e., undergraduate degree) from an English-speaking country), or
- Proof of English proficiency level B2 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, certified by one of the following internationally recognized certificates:
The certificate must not be older than 2 years at the planned start of studies in the forthcoming winter semester.
You have a Bachelor's degree from a country of the European Union.
| Formal requirements | Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, see General requirements |
| Language skills | English language proficiency |
| Admission procedure | Enrolment procedure, admission to winter term |
| Application | Online-Application, Deadline: until 30th September |
You are requested to submit the following application documents:
- Include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including all information up to the time of application. We suggest to use the format of EUROPASS
- A legally certified copy of your upper/higher secondary school diploma or leaving certificate. If national examinations are given in your country, submit also a legally certified copy of the certificate from the »Examining Board« showing subjects taken and grades earned. If your original documents were not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to them legally certified English or German translations.
- A legally certified copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate. If your original document was not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to it a legally certified English or German translation.
- A legally certified copy of your credit/mark sheets showing clearly subjects taken and grades earned during your Bachelor’s studies. If your original credit/mark sheets were not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to them a legally certified English or German translations.
- In case no Bachelor thesis is written in your Bachelor's degree and not mentioned in your transcript of records, please submit your Bachelor's thesis or an equivalent project done during your Bachelor studies.
- A proof of English language proficiency. A German »Abiturzeugnis« with proven B2 level in English is also accepted as proof of language skills.
All photocopies of documents that need to be enclosed with your application must be legally certified. Legally certified photocopies of documents can be obtained in Germany from sources like, e.g., city halls, district courts or public notaries. Secondary schools and universities are permitted to make legally certified photocopies of their own documents only. In countries outside Germany, legally certified photocopies may be obtained from the German foreign missions or the respective country’s authorities which are authorised to legally certify photocopies. A photocopy of a legally certified photocopy must always be legalized again. You can apply online only. Please do not send documents. Also, do not send original documents, since the university cannot be held responsible for the possible loss or damage of such documents.
All necessary documents have to be uploaded online until the deadline! You can apply online only. The certified documents have to be presented when you get registered in our university.
If you have any other questions regarding the application process/status, admissions and registration, please contact the Student Office.
You have an international acquired Bachelor degree and you don’t want to apply for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship.
| Formal requirements | Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, see General requirements |
| Language skills | English language proficiency |
| Admission procedure | Enrolment procedure, admission to winter term |
| Application | Online-Application, Deadline: until 15th July |
You are requested to submit the following application documents to uni-assist only:
- Include an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including all information up to the time of application. We suggest to use the format of EUROPASS
- A legally certified copy of your upper/higher secondary school diploma or leaving certificate. If national examinations are given in your country, submit also a legally certified copy of the certificate from the »Examining Board« showing subjects taken and grades earned. If your original documents were not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to them legally certified English or German translations.
- A legally certified copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate. If your original document was not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to it a legally certified English or German translation.
- A legally certified copy of your credit/mark sheets showing clearly subjects taken and grades earned during your Bachelor’s studies. If your original credit/mark sheets were not issued in English or German language, please provide in addition to them a legally certified English or German translations.
- In case no Bachelor thesis is written in your Bachelor's degree and not mentioned in your transcript of records, please submit your Bachelor's thesis or an equivalent project done during your Bachelor studies.
- A proof of English language proficiency.
All photocopies of documents that need to be enclosed with your application must be legally certified. Legally certified photocopies of documents can be obtained in Germany from sources like, e.g., city halls, district courts or public notaries. Secondary schools and universities are permitted to make legally certified photocopies of their own documents only. In countries outside Germany, legally certified photocopies may be obtained from the German foreign missions or the respective country’s authorities which are authorised to legally certify photocopies. A photocopy of a legally certified photocopy must always be legalized again. You can apply online only. Please do not send documents. Also, do not send original documents, since the university cannot be held responsible for the possible loss or damage of such documents.
All necessary documents have to be uploaded online until the deadline! You can apply online only. The certified documents have to be presented when you get registered in our university.
If you have any other questions regarding the application process/status, admissions and registration, please contact the Student Office.
International acquired Bachelor's degree with application for a DAAD-EPOS scholarship.
| Formal requirements | Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, see General requirements |
| Language skills | English language proficiency (must not be older than one year at the time of application) |
| Admission procedure | Enrolment procedure, multi-stage admission process, admission to winter term of the following year |
| Application | Online-Application, Deadline: until 15th October of the previous year |
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) grants four to eighth scholarships to admit applicants of the Master course NHRE within the programme »Postgraduate Courses for Professionals with Relevance to Developing Countries« who have graduated outside of Germany. The scholar ships start only in winter semester.
Application is open to experts and executives from developing countries who hold a university degree and have gained at least two years of career experience in a position in industry, business or administration which is relevant to the respective chosen postgraduate degree course.
Further information about the focus of the scholarship programme can be obtained from the DAAD website and here.
The additional application form for the DAAD scholarship you can download from the DAAD website. And don’t forget to read and submit the checklist together with all requested documents! Without these correctly filled in documents your application will not be processed.
All necessary documents including the checklist have to be uploaded online until the deadline! You can apply online only. The certified documents have to be presented when you get registered in our university.
All photocopies of documents that need to be included with your application must be legally certified. Legally certified photocopies of documents may be obtained from the German foreign missions or the respective country’s authorities which are authorised to legally certify photocopies. A photocopy of a legally certified photocopy must always be legalized again. You can apply online only. Please do not send documents. Also, do not send original documents, since the university cannot be held responsible for the possible loss or damage of such documents.
If you have any other questions regarding the application process/status, admissions and registration, please contact the Student Office.
If we accept you for our master program NHRE – you will get admission letter in any case - independently if you get the scholarship from DAAD or not.
ABOUT THE CITY
Weimar is a lively cultural city with an important history: two universities, 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, numerous parks, cafés, design shops and great names like Goethe, Schiller and Liszt characterise the cityscape. Even today, the spirit of upheaval and modernity can be felt - at the founding place of classical music, German democracy and Bauhaus, many creative minds come together and actively shape coexistence in numerous student initiatives. Four cinemas, the German National Theatre, several cabarets, more than 20 museums and galleries as well as regular open-air concerts and festivals create a unique flair.
Bauhaus-Universität from above
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The campus of the Bauhaus University Weimar is located in the centre. It takes less than ten minutes to walk to the lecture hall and laboratory buildings, library, refectory, university sports centre, examination office or BAföG office. There is plenty of time for a round of table football in the student house "M18" or a power nap in the nearby shared flat.
The research and teaching facilities of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering are concentrated in two locations: Most of the laboratories are located in Coudraystraße. Most of the lecture halls, seminar rooms, PC pools and the administration are located in Marienstraße.
What our alumni say...
»I appreciate the university's friendly environment and assistance in making my stay in Weimar smooth and hassle-free. The city office at Weimar was particularly helpful in matters related to visas and residence permits. Finally, I cannot stress enough the beauty of studying at Bauhaus: making friends from different countries was an incredible experience that enriched my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. I highly recommend the NHRE program at Bauhaus University Weimar to prospective students looking for an exceptional education in natural hazards, risks and structural engineering.«
Bharat Pradhan
Structural Engineering Consultant, Co-founder and Chairperson of Pro Eth Pvt. Ltd., Nepal
Lecturer as part-time faculty member at engineering colleges in Nepal
Ph.D. in Structural Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy (2021)
