Development Studies University of Bayreuth

Understanding development processes in times of global change:
Processes of development and transformation are playing an important role in today’s world. The interdisciplinary Master's programme "Development Studies" addresses the causes, conditions, and consequences of such processes. The programme offers multiple perspectives on "development" that link methodological and theoretical approaches, and reveal connections between economic, social, political, and spatial conditions. Development Studies is mainly taught in English and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes in German broaden the choice, but they are not mandatory.

Master complexity through interdisciplinarity:
The programme combines interdisciplinary academic analysis with practice-oriented approaches by including a mandatory internship and exchanges with practitioners. The disciplinary perspectives that contribute to the programme include economics, human geography, political science, and sociology, amongst other additional choices. Students choose one disciplinary focus area to guarantee that they can be considered for a disciplinary PhD programme after their Master’s.

All disciplines involved address both theoretical and empirical perspectives on matters of global development, while a mandatory general section of the programme ensures the interdisciplinary integration of all four disciplines into the study experience of all students. Students can generally choose from a wide range of courses and opportunities to build their own profile.

Teaching and learning content will be paradigmatically deepened making use of the University of Bayreuth’s unique interdisciplinary expertise in African affairs. However, the programme does not exclusively draw on African experiences, but clearly goes beyond this through the use of global and comparative approaches. The multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective of the programme trains graduates for the broad fields of development cooperation, the sustainable transformation of economies and societies, and the related field of international relations.

The "project-focussed units" tie academic research to practice. Students are required to do an internship or participate in empirical research projects (subject to relevant opportunities) in the broader field of global development. Internships in research or practice are individually prepared with the help of flexible modules that allow students to deepen their understanding of a relevant topic or methodology.

Moreover, students have the opportunity within the project-focussed units to critically examine current processes in development professions. The active participation in planning and organising the project offers important experience and skills that are necessary for employment.

Please find more information about the study scheme and course structure on the programme’s website that go beyond the general set-up presented in the following:

1) General Foundations (28 ECTS)

• Introduction to Development Studies
• Regional Geography
• Macroeconomics
• Qualitative Methods for the Social Sciences
• Contemporary Theoretical Approaches to Global Development

2) Advanced Foundations (20 ECTS)

• Social and Political Processes in Global Development
• Geographies of Environment and Development
• Economics, Governance, and Development

3) Three Individual Focus Areas (students select one out of three; 18 ECTS)

a) Advanced Global Sociology and Politics

• Actors and Policies in Global Development
• Global Entanglements
• Social and Political Processes in Africa

b) Advanced Global Geography

• Spatial Perspectives on Socio-Economic Development Processes
• Development Cooperation / Development Planning
• Political Ecology / Economy of Global Change

c) Advanced International Economics

• Economic Progress and Institutional Change
• Economic Development
• Topics in Economics and Governance

4) Project-Focussed Units (28 ECTS)

• Individual Deepening
• Internship

5) Master's thesis (26 ECTS)

Double degree options in the specialisations Advanced Economics and Advanced Global Geography with Universities in Bordeaux, France

The application period opens in early March.

All applicants are asked to submit the required documents by 15 July in order to facilitate the administrative process. Foreign applicants (except for “Bildungsinländer”) need to submit the required documents by 15 July. The date of application before this date will not affect your chances for admission.

However, international students who have to expect a rigorous visa application process for entering the European Union are advised to apply by 15 March. Admissions are only valid for the application year.

Admission requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from the University of Bayreuth in Applied African Studies, African Culture & Society, International Economics & Development, African Development Studies in Geography, Philosophy & Economics, or Geography (final grade "2.5" or better), or an equivalent degree awarded by another university
• At least four weeks of practical experience abroad dealing with development
• English C1 certificate 
• German A1 certificate (can be submitted up to one year into the study programme; courses for international students are available at the University of Bayreuth Language Center)

Application for admission

• Applications are to be submitted online. Please check the programme website: https://www.developmentstudies.uni-bayreuth.de/en/admission_application/index.html.

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 165.84 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.

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.

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.

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!