International Programmes 2022/2023

Global Food, Nutrition and Health Global Food, Nutrition and Health

University of Bayreuth • Kulmbach

Degree
Master of Science (MSc)
Course location
Kulmbach
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

15 June

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Providing our planet with a secure and sustainable supply of safe and healthy food is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Nutrient deficiency and malnutrition in its many forms as well as the planetary, social and cultural determinants of health are major challenges of the 21st century.

These global health problems are not to be seen exclusively as challenges of medicine and the natural sciences, but also as challenges of the economy, culture, society and politics. It is therefore imperative to better understand the link between the production and supply of sufficient and safe food ("Food"), the social and cultural aspects of nutrition (“Nutrition”) and their impact on health (“Health”) from a global and interdisciplinary perspective.

The English-language Master’s degree programme in “Global Food, Nutrition and Health” provides its graduates with the skills required to deal with these global challenges. The programme takes a holistic approach, combining insights from health and nutritional sciences with an interdisciplinary social and behavioural science perspective that draws on political science, psychology and sociology as well as economics, ethics and law.

Course organisation

The international Master's programme in "Global Food, Nutrition and Health" (MSc) takes four semesters (full-time) and comprises 120 ECTS credits. In each semester, 30 ECTS credits are earned. The programme is structured in modules.

During the first and second semesters, students gain fundamental knowledge in the subject fields of food, nutrition and health in a global context. Furthermore, they are trained in different research strategies and methods in science and practice. In the third semester, elective modules and a compulsory internship enable students to acquire competences according to their own fields of interest. The fourth semester is devoted to preparing the Master's thesis, which concludes the programme.

The interdisciplinary approach of the study programme is strengthened both by the corresponding course offerings and by innovative teaching and learning methods, such as a lecture series, co-teaching and a summer school, including the examination forms throughout the entire course of study.

The study programme takes place at the newly founded Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health in Kulmbach (around 25 km away from the main campus of the University of Bayreuth). Kulmbach is home not only to some globally recognised companies in the food industry but also to the Max Rubner Institute, the Bavarian Control Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine, the State Technical College for Food Technology and the Kulmbach Clinical Centre. In this dynamic environment, currently this new interdisciplinary and international campus is established, which brings together different perspectives of natural sciences, economics, law, social and behavioural sciences in a unique way. Be part of it and apply for the Master's programme! We are looking forward to welcoming you in Kulmbach.

Get a deeper understanding of the Faculty of Life Sciences upfront by enrolling in the University of Bayreuth’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) "Conscious Grocery Shopping: Sustainability, Nutrition, Health and Law". The free audit track is a great way to get to know the lecturers and the research at the University of Bayreuth. On top of that, you can earn a certificate after passing an exam (paid verified track).

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Specialist literature in other languages
Integrated internships

An internship provides an inside view and experience that is crucial for an orientation in the job market. You will get the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical issues and thus deepen your knowledge. You are free to choose the place that best suits your interests. If you need help in finding an internship, of course, we will give you adequate support.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

In Germany, students at all higher education institutions pay a semester contribution. This payment (University of Bayreuth: 116.03 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.

Costs of living

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/.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

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.

Academic admission requirements

The academic admission requirement is a Bachelor's degree with a final grade of 2.5 ("gut") or better in nutrition or health sciences, e.g. in (food and) health sciences, nutrition sciences, health economics, nursing/care, psychology, social sciences, politics, medicine or public health.

Applicants from outside the EU who have obtained their degree abroad also have to upload the application documents via uni-assist and undergo a fee-based special procedure. Applicants can find the relevant information for the document checking process here.

There will be an aptitude test.

For further information on the application process, please visit our website.

Language requirements

Proof of English language skills: Test results proving CEFR Level C1

Proof of German language skills: Test results proving CEFR Level A1 (can be obtained during the first year of the programme)

Application deadline

15 June

Submit application to

https://campusonline.uni-bayreuth.de/ubto/webnav.ini

For this course, you have to obtain a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist.

Find out more: https://www.international-office.uni-bayreuth.de/en/come-to-bayreuth/degree-students/uni-assist/index.html

Possibility of finding part-time employment

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

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.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Accompanying programme

University of Bayreuth

Content Bild
The University of Bayreuth is one of the most successful young universities in Germany. © University of Bayreuth

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.

University location

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!