Natural Products & Drug Chemistry University of Bayreuth

Profile

The Master’s programme in Natural Products & Drug Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth is a strongly research-oriented, chemistry-driven degree programme that focuses on the design and synthesis of complex organic molecules relevant to natural product research and drug-related chemistry.

The programme addresses one of the core challenges of modern chemical science: how to develop efficient, selective, and sustainable synthetic strategies for biologically active small molecules, and how to understand their structure, reactivity, and interaction with biological systems at the molecular level. These questions are of fundamental importance for human health, innovation, and sustainable development.

Structure and content

The Master’s programme Natural Products & Drug Chemistry is a two-year, research-oriented degree programme (120 ECTS) with a modular structure that allows students to develop a strong profile in advanced chemical research.

The degree programme is rooted in organic chemistry and builds on a strong undergraduate foundation in chemistry. It places particular emphasis on:

• (Stereoselective) synthesis of complex natural products
• Expanding chemical space with modern synthesis methods
• Analytical methods for reaction screening and structural elucidation
• Molecular interactions between organic compounds and targets.

In addition, students complete:

• a research proposal module, preparing them for independent scientific work,
• two extended research modules, carried out in research groups,
• a Master’s thesis, which constitutes an independent research project at the forefront of current chemical research.

The University of Bayreuth provides excellent laboratory facilities and instrumentation. Students are integrated early on into ongoing research projects through laboratory rotations, gaining hands-on experience with modern synthetic, analytical, and mechanistic methods in chemical research.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme prepares graduates for research-intensive careers in academia, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, or related high-technology sectors. Graduates are ideally qualified for positions in the majority of areas of chemistry and for interdisciplinary careers in the pharmaceutical industry, life sciences, agro sciences and health sciences.

The degree also provides excellent preparation for PhD studies in chemistry or closely related disciplines. Successful Master's graduates have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in the PhD programme Molecular Biosciences at the Bayreuth Graduate School BayNAT, including a fast-track access option.

Programme Outline

The two-year Master’s programme in Natural Products & Drug Chemistry focuses on acquiring skills in the organic synthesis and analysis of natural products with biological activity. There is a balanced mixture of lectures and practical hands-on time in the laboratories covering topics from high molecular weight (biochemical) compounds to small molecules. Lab courses are organised in groups as well as on an individual basis for in-depth research topics.

Qualification

A completed course of study in the Bachelor's degree programmes in Chemistry or Polymer & Colloid Chemistry or Biochemistry or Sustainable Chemistry & Energy or Physics or Materials Science & Engineering or Biology at the University of Bayreuth or a teaching programme with Chemistry as a major subject or an equivalent degree

Equivalency

The determination of the equivalency of the completed Bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and will only be bindingly examined within the framework of the application. Therefore, no advance information is possible. Equivalent degrees are specified in § 2 paragraph one, point one of the Examination Regulations.

Aptitude Assessment Process

The prerequisite for admission to the degree programme is passing the aptitude assessment process (see Examination Regulations, Annex 3), which includes an assessment of qualifications and, if applicable, an aptitude interview.

Applying without a degree certificate

An application is already possible before completion of the previous Bachelor's degree, but a total of at least 135 credits must have been completed.

Language proficiency

ENGLISH: level B2 
GERMAN: level A1 (Applicants must provide proof of basic German language skills (CEFR Level A1) within one year after enrolment.)

Special conditions

Admission subject to conditions is possible; conditions may comprise a maximum of 30 credits (see Examination Regulations paragraph two).

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/