Environment, Climate Change and Health University of Bayreuth

All courses are taught in English only.

The Master's programme in Environment, Climate Change, and Health aims to address the global climate- and environment-associated challenges of the 21st century and find solutions within the transdisciplinary framework of planetary health. It focuses on health threats related to environmental and climate change, on strategies to handle and prevent ill-health and preserve well-being, on mitigative and adaptative transformative interventions, on interdependent responsibilities of policy, industry, and the general public, as well as on possibilities and strategies for a climate- and environment-friendly and healthy lifestyle for all.

The study course is organised in modules. In total, you will need to gain 120 ECTS point from the following areas:

• Basics in Environment, Climate Change and Health (30 ECTS, first semester)
  Topics are as follows: Factors, Cause and Consequences of Climate Change, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functions, Climate Change-Associated Diseases and Global Influences on Health Systems.
• Specialisation: Environment, Climate Change and Health in an international context (25 ECTS, second semester)
  Topics are as follows: International Trade and Policies, Economic Evaluation of Health Care and Climate Change and Sociological and Geographical Perspectives. Moreover a lecture series and seminars on scientific writing, science communication and project management are included.
• Elective subjects with focus on Statistic and Analysis Tools, Social Research, International Environmental and Sustainable Law, Sport Ecology, Resource Technology, Nutrition and/ or Health (Policy), Global Economy or a 10-day summer school (25 ECTS, third semester)
• Internship (eight weeks), preferably in a country abroad (10 ECTS, third semester)
• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS, fourth semester)

Application for EU citizens
15 April to 15 June (winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
15 April to 15 June (winter semester)

Students of this Master’s programme benefit from an excellent, far-reaching network of international partners in Australia, Thailand, France, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain, in order to extend the theoretical content of their studies and acquire relevant key skills.

Duration: The overall duration must be at least eight weeks. Part-time work is possible if overall duration is extended accordingly.

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.

The admission requirements are:

• preliminary review documentation via uni-assist (only necessary for international, non-EU citizen)
• curriculum vitae
• ENGLISH language certificate level C1
• GERMAN language certificate level A1 (can be obtained during the first year of the programme)
• a written presentation of course-specific competences (letter of motivation, max. two pages) stating the skills and expertise that qualify you for the study programme
• certificate of general university entrance qualification (copy)
• secondary school leaving certificate including subjects and grades (original language + certified translation in German or English)
• Applicants are required to have an academic qualification via a Bachelor's degree in economics, social, natural or health science, health economics, nursing, philosophy & economics, medicine, public health or teaching with a final German grade of 2.5 or better. The Bachelor's degree should reflect at least lectures comprising 30 ECTS-points within health and/ or natural science, preferably (human-)biology, (bio-)chemistry and geosciences OR transcript of records for the Bachelor's including subjects and grades, thereby the transcript must comprise at least 150 ECTS points with a final grade of 2.5 or better based on the German grading system (original language + certified translation in German or English) and in addition an informal list of modules for which no evidence of performance exists yet.
• if available, evidence of special qualifications (study specific professional training or internships, periods abroad, awards such as scholarships etc.) and interdisciplinary study skills
• if applicable, request for disadvantage compensation

First, your application will be checked for completeness. In a second phase, a selection committee will rate the written presentation of course-specific competences. Moreover, the selection committee will evaluate whether the subject-specific coursework and examinations from your Bachelor's provide you with the necessary competences. Lastly, you have to pass an interview to prove that you are qualified for the study programme (see: https://www.ecch.uni-bayreuth.de/en/application/index.html).

English skills must be proven at the level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Ideally, proof is provided by submitting a recognised language test following the criteria below:

• TOEFL: 95 points
• IELTS "Academic": 7.0
• Cambridge Certificate: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

In addition to your knowledge of English, you must also prove your knowledge of German for daily life (level A1). It can be obtained during the first year of the programme.

Application for EU citizens
15 April to 15 June (winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
15 April to 15 June (winter 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/

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!