Geography of Environmental Transformation, Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The English-taught master’s programme ‘Geography of Environmental Transformation’ combines theoretical expertise and practical training in the field of physical geography using an interdisciplinary approach. The combination of core areas in the natural sciences and contextualization from the social sciences (e.g. ecosystem services and geographical conflict research) makes this programme unique and ensures a comprehensive education. Students gain experience in data analysis, learn to evaluate complex processes, train critical reflection of methodology and research results, and practice scientific communication. Research-led training, modern quantitative methods, and hands-on training facilities ensure a high-quality, target-oriented and practical programme of study. 

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 in the private and public sectors. Possible fields of activity include: 

• environmental planning and consulting 
• science and research 
• regional and urban planning 
• nature conservation
• laboratory-based environmental analysis
• geo-information services
• development cooperation 

Doing a doctorate at the University of Bayreuth

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 already 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.

You can find all the information on doctoral studies in Bayreuth on the homepage of the Junior Scholar Office WiN.

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. 

Over time, multiple excellent master programmes with different environmental focuses have been established at UBT, including M.Sc. Geography of Environmental Transformation, M.Sc. Global Change Ecology and M.Sc. Geoecology. Students benefit from the strong cooperation between these different programmes under the umbrella of "Environmental System Sciences", as they offer a wide range of courses and many options that are open to all students and allow for individual specialization. An overview over all related master programmes can be found here.

The student-teacher ratio is excellent, enabling many courses with small group sizes and intensive contact. About 25 research groups are organized 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 career after completing the master programme.  

As a small campus university, the University of Bayreuth places high value on its extensive campus infrastructure that unites student residences, libraries, sport facilities, a big cafeteria with warm lunch and dinner options, cafés, cultural events, student clubs, the vast Botanical Garden and other green spaces 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 cheap compared to many other German cities. Using the extensive German public transport network, Bayreuth is connected to other German cities in little time (1h to Nuremberg, 3h to Munich, 4h to Berlin).  

Semester fee

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.

Environmental research has a long‐standing tradition in Bayreuth and the university offers multiple excellent master programmes with different environmental focuses. Students benefit from the strong cooperation between these programmes as they offer a wide range of courses and options that are open to all students and allow for individual specialization within geography and ecology.

An overview can be found here.

Do you want to expand your horizon beyond your study programme?

In addition to degree programmes, University of Bayreuth offers various further study areas as supplementary studies. They are open to all students, can usually be integrated flexibly into your studies, and are usually awarded with a certificate. These supplementary studies are offered in Bayreuth: