Global Change Ecology (MSc) University of Bayreuth

University of Augsburg

The teaching language is English (100%). The participants write their Master's theses in English.

The Global Change Ecology (MSc) programme, established in 2006 as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria, is devoted to understanding and analysing the most consequential environmental concerns of the 21st century, namely global change. This is characterised by the nexus between water, land use, climate, ecosystems and biodiversity as well as response of environmental policies and economies. Such problems of an entirely new and interdisciplinary nature require the establishment of innovative approaches in research and education. A special programme focus is the linking of natural science perspectives on global change with approaches in social science disciplines.

Course modules comprise lectures, seminars, and exercises as well as field courses on environmental change, ecological change, and societal change. Method courses such as modelling, statistics, use of remotely sensed data, life cycle assessment of products, geographic information systems, international environmental law, and impact assessment on land use and ecosystem services round out the study programme. The programme offers the unique opportunity to gain credits for internships and science schools (module groups I and S). A research module (R) prepares students for scientific writing, management of research data, writing a research plan and presenting their theses.

The University of Bayreuth provides an excellent profile and background in Ecology and Environmental Science as determined by the expert commission "Science in Bavaria 2020". The academic departments provide special opportunities for the elite degree programme, along with ongoing research projects that examine questions of global change.

For further information, please see: http://www.global-change-ecology.de/ (> Study > Programme Structure).

Lectures commence in mid-October. The week before, the degree programme offers introductory events to familiarise students with the course structure and organisation. These events provide an opportunity for the new cohort to meet and greet. All courses are conducted in person.

Application period for all students
1 March to 15 June

Teaching is organised in module areas. The focus within and between these groups can be set individually.

Module area O: "Global Change Ecology Overview"

Module area A: "Environmental Change"
A1 Climate Change
A2 Ecological Climatology
A3 Extreme Events and Natural Hazards
A4 Changes in Aquatic Ecosystems
A5 Changes in Agroecosystems
A7 Rhizosphere Biogeochemistry
A8 Biodiversity in the Tropics
A9 Mathematical Modelling for Climate and Environment
A10 Land Use Change and Microclimate

Module area B: "Ecological Change"
B1 Biogeography and Macroecology
B2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning
B3 Disturbance Ecology
B4 Spatial Ecology
B5 Global Change Impacts on Species Distributions
B6 Soil Carbon and Global Change
B7 Remote Sensing in Landscape Ecology
B8 Dynamic Vegetation Ecology
B9 Paleoecology and Paleobiology

Module area C: "Societal Change"
C1 Climate Policies and Economics
C2 Ecosystem Services
C3 Global Economy
C4 Global Policy and Governance
C5 Socio-Economic and Political Dimensions of Global Change
C6 Sport Ecology
C7 Land Use Policies, Markets, and Ecosystems
C8 Biodiversity, Climate Change and Health

Module area M: "Methods"
M1 Introduction to R
M2 Statistical Data Analysis with R
M3 Vegetation Science
M4 Foundations of Biogeographical Modelling
M5 Remote Sensing
M6 Time Series Analysis
M7 Research at the Natural and Social Science Interface
M8 Ecosystem Services Assessment of Landscapes
M9 Life Cycle Assessment of Products
M10 Scientific Writing
M11 Project Management
M12 Introduction to GIS
M13 Advanced Multivariate Statistical Methods
M14 International Environmental Law
M15 Science Communication
M16 Modelling Ecosystem Functions with the Soil Water Assessment Tool
M17 Academic Working Methods and Skills
M18 Field Course in Vegetation Science
M19 Quantitative Sport Ecology
M20 Methods in Dynamic Vegetation Ecology
M21 Spatial Statistics and Visualisation with R
M22 Mathematical Modelling for Climate and Environment
M23 Dynamic Ecosystem Modelling
M24 / M25  Disturbance Ecology Field Trip (Europe/Overseas)
M26 Methodology of Social Sciences
M27 Experimental Ecology

Module area F: "Free Choice"

Module area S: "International Science Schools"

Module area I: "Internships"

Module area R: "Research skills"

Master's Thesis: Can also be used as a stepping stone towards a PhD

Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, participation in research projects in lab and field, interactive internet courses, small teaching units

For further information, please see: http://www.global-change-ecology.de/ (> Study > Teaching modules / Teaching courses) and (> Regulations > Handbook of modules).

An international highlight is the annual La Palma Science School, which is led by Professors Carl Beierkuhnlein and Anke Jentsch. The aim of this two-week programme with international experts in the field of biogeography and disturbance ecology is to provide students with practical field experiments, evaluation of self-collected data and first steps towards publishing the results.

At least one internship with a duration of either six or twelve weeks is mandatory. Internships can be completed both within Germany or abroad. They can be based in an economic setting, in science, in administration or in an international organisation. Several institutions have facilitated internships for students:

• internship in an economic setting
• internship in science (e.g. Centre for Environmental Research UFZ Leipzig, German Aerospace Center DLR Oberpfaffenhofen, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK Potsdam, Forschungszentrum Jülich)
• internship in administration (e.g. Federal Environment Agency of Germany, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation Germany)
• internship in an international organisation (UNFCCC, WWF, IUCN, FAO, UNEP)

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.

Academic admission requirements include an excellent Bachelor's degree in biology, geography, geoecology, environmental science, international economics & development, philosophy & economics, physics, law or equivalent graduation such as hydrology, meteorology, environmental physics, environmental informatics, landscape ecology, forestry science, agricultural science.

Applicants must successfully pass an aptitude assessment test consisting of two parts. There is a pre-selection by means of the application documents (motivation letter and Bachelor's transcript of records) and, in case of a positive result, a colloquy. Both the letter of motivation has to be written and the colloquy has to be attended in English.

For further information, see: http://www.global-change-ecology.de (> study > application).

Applicants must speak English fluently. The individual language skills will be evaluated in the aptitude assessment procedure (through the letter of motivation and individual interview). It is not compulsory to provide certificates when applying for Global Change Ecology. However, if you do have proof of your English skills, such as course certificates, confirmation of earlier studies in English or a TOEFL or IELTS test, we recommend that you upload these documents.
Proof of knowledge of the German language at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for international applicants is required by the end of the second semester at the latest. The Language Center ("Sprachenzentrum") offers German courses for the students free of charge.

Application period for all students
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/

Integration into the Elite Network of Bavaria enables students to attend numerous soft skills courses, which further promote their future career (e.g. time management, job application training).

The department Career Service offers consulting (personal and via e-learning) and workshops to support international students in their application and career orientation.

The "Friends of GCE e.V." alumni association supports students in various ways and helps them to build an international network.

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!