Battery Materials and Technology, Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The interdisciplinary Master's degree programme provides students with the necessary battery know-how of the entire value chain: from the electrode and separator materials to the battery pack in the e-car. The teaching of scientific specifics and competencies in the field of battery technology also takes into account subject-specific requirements and qualification paths, and offers excellent career prospects in industry and research for our graduates.

Students will deepen basic background knowledge from their respective bachelor's programs with a battery-specific focus and they will significantly expand their interdisciplinary knowledge in the battery sector.

Through the alignment modules, students achieve a common interdisciplinary basis in the different disciplines of natural sciences and engineering sciences.
The first joint interdisciplinary courses are the Battery Systems Technology and Battery Materials modules, in which the topic of battery is taught from the material and system side in order to enable a holistic understanding of the battery. Electrochemistry is the fundamental science for all internal processes within a battery cell. Only a sound education in this area enables a fundamental understanding of the basic processes. Therefore, there are two modules from each of these three core courses. Accordingly, the corresponding modules take up a broad area in the first year of study.

The compulsory choice modules from the fields of natural sciences and engineering sciences (at least one module from the field of natural sciences must be chosen) facilitate the consolidation of individual knowledge along the diverse technological challenges of the entire battery value chain. They will lead to both specialisation and a holistic understanding of the battery.

Two research modules allow students to apply their newly acquired knowledge creatively and critically to a current research topic. One research module can be carried out externally, abroad or in the form of an internship with a company. The research plan serves as preparation for the master’s thesis. Current scientific papers are presented and discussed in front of a specialist audience. A literature review is conducted and hypotheses on the research project are presented.

The degree program concludes with the master's thesis. It will be prepared based on the research plan. Practical and international periods are possible within the regular study period.

Today, the University of Bayreuth belongs to the top group of young universities and occupies a top position in the worldwide ranking "100 under 50" of the Times Higher Education magazine. This ranking identifies the 100 best universities worldwide that were founded less than 50 years ago. As a small and fine campus university, the University does not focus on growth, but concentrates on expanding its high-quality infrastructure. In doing so, the University of Bayreuth focuses on disciplinary and interdisciplinary priorities that allow it to be among the best internationally.

The "Battery Materials & Technology" degree programme at the University of Bayreuth is unique in Germany. It benefits from the close connection to the "Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology" (BayBatt) where the University of Bayreuth is conducting intensive research from battery materials and analytics to intelligent, networked, and sustainable energy storage systems for the future.

A current estimate for the global demand of batteries for electric vehicles, stationary storage, and consumer electronics assumes an increase by a factor of nearly 15 by 2030. This enormous growing demand is leading currently to a massive expansion of production capacity throughout Europe and the rest of the world, requiring many more highly-qualified specialists with the necessary battery know-how. Modern, powerful, and sustainably produced batteries are keys for a clean energy future. These are excellent prospects for you, because your Master’s degree equips you for exciting tasks in industry and research.

Practical experience as part of the Master’s programme is promoted via research modules in which students work on research questions independently. One research module can also be completed abroad or as part of an industrial internship.

"Battery Materials and Technology" has scientific orientation and is well suited for applicants which want to pursue a PhD as follow up. Benefit from the close link to the "Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology" (BayBatt) and be part of the next generation of highly qualified battery researchers!

The University of Bayreuth Graduate School supervises doctoral students of all subjects who are pursuing a doctorate in a structured programme or at one of the University's seven faculties. We facilitate scientific exchange even in the earliest phase of independent research, and complement the interdisciplinary education of doctoral students with additional teaching and training opportunities. Our aim is to create the perfect research and learning conditions for them.

• Part-time study is possible.
• BayBatt website
• BayBatt brochure

The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. However, every student must pay the semester fee. This includes the fees for the Studentenwerk Oberfranken and the semester ticket for the use of public transport in the cities of Bayreuth and Kulmbach and in many parts of the regional transport system.

The module handbook provides an overview of the various modules that must be taken in a degree programme. It contains all the important explanations on the requirements and types of module examinations as well as on the intermediate or final examinations and serves as a kind of study guide for orientation.

Examination regulations lay down the content and structure of a specific degree programme in a legally binding manner. They must be approved by the Ministry of Science or accredited by an accreditation agency.