Materials Chemistry & Catalysis University of Bayreuth

New materials and catalytic converters are driving innovation in an increasing number of areas in industry, research, and technology. The Bayreuth Master's programme in "Materials Chemistry and Catalysis" enables students to participate successfully in shaping this development with a high level of professional competence. Consequently, new material concepts such as nanomaterials, hybrid materials, composites, colloidal molecules, surface-active material or biomimetic materials, and the design of catalysts are at the centre of the course.

Profile

The Master's offers students a challenging research-related education. Students learn the chemical and physical fundamentals, but also the properties and application potentials of many classes of materials and catalysts that are of particular importance for technological progress and economic growth in the 21st century. Graduates are therefore able to synthesise, modify and characterise materials for various requirements. The campus of the University of Bayreuth offers excellent opportunities for this with modern laboratory facilities and outstanding library equipment. Particularly qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the elite study programme in "Macromolecular Science" parallel to their Master's and doctoral studies.

In addition, the Master's programme is embedded in the following focus areas of University of Bayreuth: "Polymer and Colloid Research" and "Advanced Materials". Important impulses for teaching also emanate from its internationally networked competences in this field. Central scientific facilities of the university promote interdisciplinary contacts on campus and research collaborations with industry.

Structure and content

The Master's programme is aimed at students who have a strong interest in the fundamentals of materials or catalysis research, who want to work on the development of high-performance materials or catalysts with a high level of professional competence and creativity, and who aspire to a responsible position in companies, research institutes or universities.

Programme outline

The two-year Master’s programme begins with fundamental aspects and covers recent developments in the field along with applications of the various soft or hard material classes (ceramics, metals, polymers) and catalysts (heterogeneous & homogeneous). The programme is research-oriented and is taught by reputable scholars who are active in the field and who are experienced in teaching the various aspects of materials chemistry and catalysis.

The Master's programme in "Materials Chemistry and Catalysis" can be started either in the winter or summer semester. In the first year of study, students take seven modules from a selection of fourteen, typically consisting of lectures and laboratory courses that familiarise the subject by experiments and to train their practical skills. In the first semester, students choose four out of seven proposed modules (e.g. for the start in the winter semester: Solid-state Inorganic Materials: Nanochemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, Electrochemical Energy Systems and Energy Conversion, Colloids and Surfaces, Stereoselective Organic Synthesis, Polymer Synthesis, Biomaterials). But they must also take at least one from each of the core areas: "Inorganic Chemistry", "Colloids and Materials" and "Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Materials". This assures that the student will gain the appropriate breadth of the acquired knowledge. The fourth module can also be selected from the other courses offered in this degree programme or other Master's degree programmes in chemistry.

In the second semester, students take three in-depth modules, each worth nine credit points. These modules each include a longer internship in one of the research groups involved in the study programme. Possible modules for winter starters are as follows: Solid-State Inorganic Materials: Properties and Applications; Catalyst Design, High Performance Materials for Electrochemical Energy Systems, Advanced Methods in the Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Materials for Sensors, Catalysis and Energy Conversion, From Macromolecule to Material, Applied Functional Polymers. In addition, students prepare the planning for their own scientific research project by writing a research proposal.

In the third and fourth semesters, two “Advanced Laboratory” courses totalling 30 credit points are to be completed at the student's discretion, whereby one of these can also be carried out as part of an industrial placement and/or abroad. The topic of the Master's thesis on current issues in materials chemistry and catalysis can already be handed out at the end of the second semester, so that the preparation for the independent scientific work can take place in parallel with the advanced laboratory modules. The Master's thesis with a total of 30 credit points is carried out over a period of six months in the fourth semester.

A total of at least 120 credit points must be earned in the Master's programme in "Materials Chemistry and Catalysis" (First semester: 28; second semester: 32; third plus fourth semester: 60). An overview of the courses offered in the Master's programme is given in the following scheme. The contents and details of the individual modules are explained in the remaining part of this module handbook.

Admission requirements for the Master's programme are a first degree (Bachelor of Science) in chemistry, polymer and colloid chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science, or a related discipline in addition to successful completion of an aptitude assessment process.

Aptitude Assessment Process:

Admission to the degree programme is based on an aptitude assessment process.

Admission requirements for the Master's programme in Materials Chemistry and Catalysis are a first degree (Bachelor of Science) in chemistry, polymer and colloid chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science, or a related discipline in addition to successful completion of an aptitude assessment process.

Aptitude Assessment Process:

The prerequisite for admission to the degree programme is passing the aptitude assessment process (see Examination Regulations, Annex 2), which includes the assessment of qualifications based on submitted papers and, if applicable, an aptitude interview.

Applying without a degree certificate:

Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree. However, a total of at least 135 credits are required by the time of application.

Language proficiency:

English at B2 level

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/