Global Change Ecology, Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The program is devoted to understanding and analyzing the most important and consequential environmental concern of the 21st century; namely, Global Change. Problems of an entirely new and interdisciplinary nature require the establishment of innovative approaches in research and education. A special program focus is the linking of natural science perspectives on global change with approaches in social science disciplines.

The elite study program combines expertise of the Universities of Bayreuth and Augsburg, with that of Bavarian research institutions, and economic, administrative and international organisations. The program is unique in Germany from the standpoint of content and at the forefront with respect to international efforts. The goal is training of highly qualified leaders for tasks and problem solving in science, environmental protection, and with respect to political or economic decision making.

Future Career Opportunities

The programme in Global Change Ecology relies not only on course modules, but also offers the opportunity to gain practical experience via internships in four main areas including research, administration, economy and international organizations. In this way, students can already start building up a scientific and professional network during their studies. Based on additional research activity, a doctoral degree can be pursued.

Science schools aim to integrate students into current developments in the rapidly changing scientific field of global change research. Intensive external and internal courses allow for students to make direct contact with lecturers and practitioners and peers from other degree programmes and universities.

Based on additional research activity, a doctoral degree can be pursued.

A master's degree in Global Change Ecology opens doors to diverse and impactful career paths. Graduates find themselves well-positioned for:

• Global Change Research: Engaging in cutting-edge research and teaching at universities and research centers.
• National Administration: Contributing to federal agencies and regional environmental offices.
• Political Consulting: Advising on environmental policy and sustainable development.
• Business Consulting: Specializing in risk assessment and environmental due diligence.
• Corporate Sustainability: Leading environmental and sustainability initiatives in sectors like food, energy, and finance.
• International NGOs: Driving change through global non-governmental organizations.
• Scientific Management and Coordination: Overseeing projects and initiatives at the intersection of science and policy.

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.

Further information

• Aptitude Assessment Process

• FAQs
• GCE Student Board
• Social Media: Facebook and Blog of Global Change Ecology
• Homepage

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 define the content and structure of a particular degree programme in a legally binding manner. They must be approved by the Ministry of Science or accredited by an accreditation agency.