Geography of Environmental Transformation University of Bayreuth

Geography of Environmental Transformation

The English-taught Master’s programme centres on the transformations and challenges that define modern environmental research, focusing on climate change, geomorphological processes, hydrological systems, soil dynamics and changes in biodiversity. Physical geography is the core discipline addressing environmental challenges with a marked emphasis on environment-society interaction. Hosted at the University of Bayreuth, which ranks among the strongest research centres in this field, the programme provides a learning environment where cutting-edge research and advanced methodological approaches directly shape the curriculum.

Why you should study in Bayreuth

Environmental research has a long‐standing tradition in Bayreuth, and the University of Bayreuth (UBT) is currently rated among the top young universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) global university ranking "150 under 50". This ranking focuses on the top 150 universities worldwide founded less than 50 years ago.

The student-teacher ratio is excellent, enabling many courses with small group sizes and intensive contact. About 25 research groups are organised in the Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), which provides interesting opportunities for national and international students who seek to advance their academic careers after completing the Master’s programme.

As a small campus university, the University of Bayreuth places high value on its extensive campus infrastructure that unites student residences, libraries, sports facilities, a large cafeteria with warm lunch and dinner options, cafés, cultural events, student clubs and the vast Botanical Garden to relax between lectures.

Coming to Bayreuth as an international student is a unique opportunity to advance your environmental education, learn German in one of the free courses offered by the university and discover Germany. Life in Bayreuth is considered inexpensive compared to many other German cities. Using the extensive public transport network, Bayreuth is connected to other German cities within a short time (one hour to Nuremberg, three hours to Munich, four hours to Berlin).

Fields of Employment

In recent years, sustainability and environmental transformation have gained prominence in public, economic, and political discourse as societies adjust to a warming climate, increasing extreme events, resource depletion and other environmental and ecological challenges. This situation is driving up demand for experts with research- and practice-oriented training in geography and environmental sciences. Our graduates are thus prepared for a broad range of career opportunities.

The English-taught Master’s programme Geography of Environmental Transformation combines theoretical expertise with practical skills and methodological training in physical geography, using an interdisciplinary approach. The integration of core areas in the natural sciences with contextualisation from the social sciences (e.g. ecosystem services and geographical conflict research) ensures that students gain a comprehensive and distinctive academic education. Students acquire hands-on experience in data analysis, learn to evaluate complex environmental processes, develop critical reflection on methodologies and research results, and practice scientific communication. Research-driven teaching, advanced quantitative methods, and hands-on training facilities provide a strong, practice-oriented learning experience.

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.

Please find more details here or on our website.

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/