Courses are held in English.
Application period
1 March to 15 June
Environmental changes at any scale, from global to local, are of crucial importance to life on planet Earth. In addition to climate change, the major contemporary challenges include changes in biodiversity, soil degradation, and increases in mass movements. Often the dynamics of such environmental processes require an understanding of the spatial and temporal couplings between the atmosphere, biosphere, relief sphere, pedosphere, and hydrosphere. In addition, the interaction with human activities is of utmost importance. Physical geography – as an interdisciplinary field with a marked focus on the environment-society nexus – is among the core disciplines addressing and examining these environmental changes.
The English-taught Master’s programme Environmental Geography provides expertise and practical experience in the field of environmental systems science from an explicitly interdisciplinary perspective. The combination of core areas in the natural sciences and contextualisation from the social sciences (e.g., ecosystem services and geographical conflict research) ensure that our students receive training that is unique in Central and Eastern Europe. Research-led teaching, state-of-the-art quantitative methods, and training facilities such as a dating laboratory or the university’s Botanical Garden allow for an application- and target-oriented programme of study. Students receive training in the analysis and evaluation of complex environmental systems, in critical reflection upon the research process, and in abstraction of research results, as well as in oral and written communication of findings.
Fields of Employment
The ongoing trend of global environmental change, depletion of resources, and the social perception of these developments are leading to an increased political and economic focus on topics relating to the environment and sustainability. This situation is driving up demand for experts with research- and practice-oriented training in the environmental sciences. Our graduates are thus prepared for a broad range of career opportunities in the private and public sectors. Possible fields of activity include:
The thematic structure of the MSc programme consists of the following:
In addition, the following is offered:
In general, this Master's programme is intended to give the students a variety of choices. Apart from the mandatory courses, you can choose courses from other Master's programmes to find the ones best suited to your personal interests.
For further details on the modules as well as their ECTS awarded, please refer to the study plan:
For a detailed insight in aims and structure of the MSc programme as well as the module descriptions, please have a look at the study guide:
In Germany, students at all higher education institutions pay a semester contribution. This payment (University of Bayreuth: 142.85 EUR per semester) has nothing to do with tuition fees; rather, it covers your contributions to student services and the student government. At the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach), it includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transport in the region.
The cost of living in Germany, e.g. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, is about average compared to other European countries. Living expenses are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg or Switzerland, but they are rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy. Compared to other large German cities, such as Munich, Berlin or Hamburg, Bayreuth's low cost of living and affordable housing make the city and the region particularly attractive to young people and families. The DAAD website will tell you what living expenses to expect in Germany: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/voraussetzungen/en/9198-financing/.
Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply to the International Office for a study grant. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.
Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.
We welcome applications from graduates who are interested in exploring the patterns and processes of environmental change, who have a strong commitment to physical geography and who are motivated to undertake rigorous training.
You should have already earned a degree, preferably in geography, landscape ecology, or a different branch of environmental science. If you are not yet able to submit your degree certificate, you can still temporarily enrol for one semester if you have already earned at least 135 ECTS points and it will be possible for you to present a Bachelor’s certificate with a final grade of "good" or better (2.5 on the German grading scale). Please also see https://www.envigeo.uni-bayreuth.de/en/admission_application/entry/index.html.
After we receive your application, two members of our selection committee will rate it on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst score and 10 being the best score.
I. Motivation letter (up to four points)
II. Subject-specific coursework and examinations (up to four points) from the Bachelor's programme in Physical Geography or an equivalent programme (e.g. Geo-Ecology or Landscape Ecology) with curricular analysis being based on competencies rather than schematic comparison of the modules
III. Interdisciplinary Study skills (up to two points)
If you are invited for an interview, you will receive the date for your interview at least one week in advance. Please see our website.
Students are required to have knowledge of the German language equivalent to the A1 level. For requirements regarding English, please have a look at the examination and study regulations.
Application period
1 March to 15 June
Your application can only be processed and considered if submitted via CampusOnline. You can find further details here.
There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.
The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.
For information regarding the Corona virus, please visit our website and also see https://www.daad.de/en/coronavirus/.
Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.
More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/studies/accomodation/index.html. Please also read the DAAD’s information.
Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).
Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.
International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching
Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.
The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 13,000 students. Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.
We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools are conducted in English. There are presently around 1,770 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.
Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2021 THE ranking of “475 under 50”, the University of Bayreuth once again achieved a top position among the best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.
Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.
Coronavirus
Be sure that there is a comprehensive and high-quality range of courses in all degree programmes that will enable students to successfully begin and continue their studies – on campus or online.
Welcome to Bavaria!
Seventy-six thousand people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 13,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.
Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.
A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.
Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a fast variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two-and-a-half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.
Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!
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