Digitalisation & Sustainability in Materials Science & Engineering University of Bayreuth

95% English (5% German)

The internationally-oriented "Digitalisation & Sustainability in Materials Science & Engineering" Master’s programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, combining the three areas of Materials Science, Digitalisation, and Sustainability.

The programme is designed to cover all essential topics in these fields while allowing you the flexibility to choose your areas of focus.

Module Overview:

Connected Knowledge in Materials Science
Get an introduction to key Materials Science concepts from the undergraduate studies.

Basic Area:
Build a solid foundation in the fields of Materials Science, Informatics, and Sustainability.

Basic Area 1: Materials Science
Select at least three modules based on your interests, including:

• Biomaterials
• Polymer Materials
• Functional Materials
• Ceramic Matrix Composites
• Metallic Materials

Basic Area 2: Informatics

• Python and Machine Learning
• Numerical Methods and Applied Statistics

Basic Area 3: Sustainability

• Environmental and Resource Technology
• Carbon & Life Cycle Management

Focus Areas:
Broaden and deepen your knowledge by exploring interdisciplinary focus areas that combine Materials Science with Materials Informatics or Sustainability.

Choose five modules from the following focus areas:

• Sustainable Applications & Processes for Materials
• Circular Economy & Sustainable Raw Materials
• Digitalisation in Materials Science

Research Modules:
Apply your knowledge in practice by selecting two research modules from participating chairs.

Individual Knowledge Development:
Broaden your expertise by choosing one module from another Master’s programme within the engineering faculty.

Social, Economical, and Legal Aspects of Sustainability:
Enhance your understanding of the societal, economic, and legal dimensions of sustainability by taking at least one course in this area.

Master's Thesis:
Complete your Master’s thesis under the supervision of a chair in the Faculty of Engineering.

For detailed information on the content and workload of DSMSE modules, visit this website.

Application periods:

1 March to 15 June (for winter semester)

1 September to 15 January (for summer semester)

The DSMSE Master’s programme is divided into two phases: a basic part and a specialisation part.

In the first year, students complete basic modules in Materials Science, Informatics, and Sustainability. The second year includes advanced modules, research projects, and the Master's thesis.

The programme offers diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical lab work.

You can start the programme in either the winter or summer semester. However, since many courses are offered once a year, the order in which you take modules may differ depending on your start date. This is not a problem, as the basic modules are non-sequential. The introductory module, "Connected Knowledge in Materials Science", is offered every semester.

Detailed study plans for both summer and winter semesters are available here.

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

A Bachelor's university degree in "Material Science & Engineering" or "Engineering Science" at the University of Bayreuth or an equivalent degree

Qualification

A completed course of studies in the Bachelor's programme Materials Science and Engineering or Engineering Science at the University of Bayreuth or a degree equivalent thereto

Equivalency

Equivalency of the completed Bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is underway. For this reason, no information can be provided in advance.

Applying without a degree certificate

Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree. However, a total of at least 150 credits is required by the time of application.

Special Conditions

Conditional admission is possible. Special conditions may comprise up to 20 credit points (see Examination Regulations § 2 para 2).

ENGLISH: level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher)

• Additionally, ONLY students from the following countries can demonstrate their language proficiency with an official letter from their university confirming that their previous Bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English:
  • Asia & Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
  • Africa: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia (only University of Zambia), South Africa, Tanzania (only University of Dar es Salaam), Uganda (only Makerere University)
  • America: USA, Canada
  • Europe: Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Ireland, Great Britain, Sweden

GERMAN: level A1 (can be obtained during the first year of the programme)

Application periods:

1 March to 15 June (for winter semester)

1 September to 15 January (for summer semester)

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. 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.

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.

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.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. 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.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

Support for international students can be found at the International Office of the 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 12,000 students (19% internationals). 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 2,500 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 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 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.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 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 wide 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.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!