Global Food, Nutrition and Health (MSc) University of Bayreuth

English

The gap in food availability between high-income and low-income countries is widening. While the global hunger index published by Welthungerhilfe, IFPRI and Concern Worldwide indicates alarming levels of hunger in many countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and young people is rising worldwide. To understand and address this “double burden of malnutrition”, a comprehensive interdisciplinary perspective is necessary, taking into account the adverse effects of climate change as well as the complex political, social, and cultural dimensions of food, nutrition and health.

The Master’s programme in “Global Food, Nutrition and Health" (GFNH) teaches students the interdisciplinary skills that are necessary to develop and implement solutions to these truly global challenges at the intersection of food, nutrition and health.

The core competencies taught in the programme enable our graduates to understand and solve problems in the field of global food, nutrition and health from an interdisciplinary perspective. To this end, the programme combines insights from health and nutritional sciences with an interdisciplinary social science perspective that draws on political science, law, management, sociology and public health.

GFNH is ideal for graduates of nutrition and health sciences, medicine or ecotrophology who want to upskill and prepare themselves for careers in international organisations, NGOs or development cooperation. GFNH is also a great fit for social science graduates, e.g., in political science, sociology or anthropology, who want to develop or deepen a thematic focus on food, nutrition and health.

The programme expects students to be committed to developing an interdisciplinary social science perspective, given that courses in political science, sociology, law, business and public health are at the core of the GFNH curriculum.

1 March to 15 June

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, including diverse 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 not only home to some globally recognised companies, but also to the Max Rubner Institute, the Bavarian Control Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine, KErn (Competence Centre for Nutrition), the State Technical College for Food Technology and the Kulmbach Clinical Centre. All of them are involved in research projects and teaching at the Faculty. Here, global and local aspects meet in a special place full of creativity and pioneering spirit. Be part of it and apply for the Master's programme! We are looking forward to welcoming you to 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).

International focus: Studying in Kulmbach opens doors to the whole world. The campus in Kulmbach not only offers students the opportunity to study abroad, but also to make international contacts while studying in Kulmbach, as more than half of the students come from abroad. Study contents are taught in a global context and made tangible through intensive intercultural exchange.

Would you like to learn a foreign language? The University of Bayreuth language centre supports the acquisition of foreign language skills in more than 20 foreign languages, both during and integrated into studies. The language courses are free of charge for all students at the University of Bayreuth.

A compulsory internship of at least 8 weeks (10 ECTS) is part of the curriculum of the study programme. The aim of the internship is to give you an insight into an area of your study programme that is relevant to your professional career. Internships can take place, for example, at public authorities, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, private companies and research institutions related to the topics of your study programme. Students are responsible for independently finding and applying for a suitable internship.

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 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.

Proof of English language skills: Test results proving CEFR Level C1 (IELTS: 7.0 or better; Cambridge: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE); TOEFL: 95 or better)

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

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/

University of Bayreuth Career Service

Faculty-specific Study Service

Here you will find helpful information regarding studying in Kulmbach.

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!