Geography of Environmental Transformation University of Bayreuth

Courses are held in English.

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 Geography of Environmental Transformation 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:

• regional and urban planning
• nature conservation
• environmental planning and consulting
• laboratory-based environmental analysis
• science and research
• geoinformation services
• development cooperation

Application period
1 March to 15 June

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.

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.

The programme is taught in English (level B2 required).
Basic German skills (A1) can be acquired during your studies and must be demonstrated by the end of your second semester.

Application period
1 March to 15 June

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/