Global Change Ecology (MSc) University of Bayreuth

The Global Change Ecology (MSc) programme, established in 2006 as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria, addresses the most important and far-reaching environmental issues of the 21st century: global change of climate, biodiversity as well as ecosystem functioning and their services. The study of human reaction and the development of adaptation strategies are also included. Effects of the interaction with other globally relevant developments such as regionally specific land use changes and loss of biodiversity that can intensify the negative effects of global change are also a vital part of course content.

The interdisciplinary and entirely new problems of global change demand innovative and highly efficient approaches in research and teaching. Competencies at the University of Bayreuth, as well as in the Bavarian research community, along with business, public administration and international organisations are therefore pooled together in the programme.

Changes in climate, transformation in land-use and population pressure all bring about drastic changes in the behaviour of ecological systems, making it increasingly difficult to judge. Due to the complex interaction between social and ecological processes, fields in natural science are supplemented by disciplines in social science.

The goal of this programme is to educate and train students to work in science and the environment, in politics, and in business as highly qualified experts and decision-makers. With a well-founded scientific background and expert knowledge, such individuals must be able to analyse complex issues, recognise new problems, and work out and adopt solid solutions. This programme is embedded into the teaching environment at the Department of Earth Sciences at UBT.

The University of Bayreuth (UBT) is a young university but has a long history in research and teaching in environmental system sciences. It provides an excellent profile and background in Ecology and Environmental Sciences 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.

14 Chairs and Professorships in geoecology and geography contribute to the teaching in this MSc programme. This is complemented by teachers of the faculties of biology, economics and law as well as external ones from the University of Augsburg and partners from practice and allows the offering of a wide range of teaching on theories, concepts, and methods relevant to holistically address global change in climate, land use, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

The Global Change Ecology MSc programme is designed to be completed within four semesters and comprises a total of 120 credit points (ECTS). Its structure combines a clear framework with substantial flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies to their academic background, methodological needs, and emerging research interests. 

Teaching is organised in modules, typically worth 5 ECTS each. Students are expected to complete approximately 30 ECTS per semester.

The curriculum is built around three central “Theories & Concepts” module areas (T&C), which run in parallel throughout the programme:

• Global Climate Change and Ecosystems
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions
• Global Policies, Economies, Civil Society and the Environment

Students must complete at least two modules (10 ECTS) in each area as part of their foundational training to gain broad interdisciplinary competence while retaining the freedom to deepen their expertise.

Orientation (O, 5 ECTS)
This interdisciplinary module in the first semester introduces the philosophy, conceptual foundations, and central research questions of the programme. It provides an overview of current global change research and helps assess students’ prior knowledge, ensuring a shared academic basis despite diverse educational backgrounds.

Methods (M, 15 ECTS)
Within six method groups introductory courses allow students to fill knowledge gaps, others support individual interests and equip students with essential skills for advanced modules and research.

Internships and Science Schools (I&S, 15 ECTS)
Through internships and science schools, students strengthen their practical skills and professional orientation.

Focus (T&C) and Free Choice (F) modules (5 ECTS each)
These modules allow individual specialisation.

Research Skills and Preparation for the Master’s Thesis (RS, 5 ECTS)
This ungraded module prepares students for their thesis work. It covers scientific writing and research data management, development of a research plan and the presentation of the Master’s thesis. It ensures that students are equipped to conduct independent scientific work and engage with complex interdisciplinary questions.

Master’s Thesis (T, 30 ECTS)
The thesis must be anchored in one of the three module areas but should demonstrate a multidisciplinary perspective. Students typically conduct their thesis within ongoing research projects at affiliated chairs. The thesis can also be used as a stepping stone towards a PhD.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, participation in research projects in lab and field, interactive e-learning courses and small teaching units.

University of Augsburg

At least one internship with a duration of either six weeks (5 ECTS) or twelve weeks (10 ECTS) is mandatory. Internships can be completed both within Germany or abroad, e.g. in the student's home country. 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 Centre 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)

The internships typically take place during lecture-free periods and allow students to engage with research institutions, governmental agencies, NGOs or private-sector organisations.

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:

• a pre-selection by means of the application documents (motivation letter and Bachelor's transcript of records; non-European international applicants also need a VPD)

and

• in case of a positive evaluation of the documents, an aptitude interview.

The letter of motivation has to be written and the aptitude interview has to be attended in English.

The whole aptitude assessment process will take place online. All documents have to be submitted online via the portal CAMPUSonline, and the aptitude interview will take place online as well.

For further information, see the Global Change Ecology MSc website (> study > application).

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.

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.

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!