Polymer Science, Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The master's programme Polymer Science is geared towards students who have an interest in natural and material science issues, want to work on a future-oriented class of materials and want to hold a responsible position in companies, research institutes or universities. A prerequisite for enrolment in the programme is an initial degree (Bachelor of Science) in polymer and colloid chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline.

The Bayreuth master's programme Polymer Science covers all important areas of polymer science: polymer and colloid chemistry, polymer synthesis, catalyst design, colloid chemistry, polymer analytics, polymer physics, polymer processing, biomacromolecules, biomaterials and polymer technology.

Students are introduced to current research topics at an early stage. In personal contact with their lecturers and in small teams, they acquire basic and application-related skills in all areas of polymer science.

Successful master's graduates have the opportunity to do a doctorate in the Polymer Science doctoral programme of the Bayreuth Graduate School for Mathematical & Natural Sciences (BayNAT). Particularly qualified students are given the opportunity to complete the elite degree programme Macromolecular Science parallel to their master's and doctorate.

The University of Bayreuth's internationally visible expertise in its focus area Polymer & Colloid Research is reflected in a more than 35-year tradition of Collaborative Research Centres. Central scientific facilities at the University in the field of polymer research foster interdisciplinary cooperation on campus.

Graduates of the master's degree in Polymer Science are in high demand in the chemical industry, the plastics producing and processing industry and related industries. They are exceptionally well qualified for a variety of professional fields of work in large and medium-sized companies, at universities and non-university research institutions. After completing a doctorate, graduates have access to interesting management positions in Germany and abroad.

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 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.

On the website of WiN, you will find all the information you need about doctoral research in Bayreuth.

Specific features

Particularly qualified students are given the opportunity to complete the elite degree programme Macromolecular Science parallel to their master's degree and doctorate. 

English language skills at the IELTS C2 or TOEFL C1 level are recommended.

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.