Environmental Chemistry, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Earth Sciences
- Final degree
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Start of studies
- Winter semester
- Standard period of study
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Admission requirements
Language proficiency: English level B2, German level A1
Jump to: How do I apply?- Website
In the two-year master´s programme, you learn to address global environmental chemical challenges with knowledge, skills, and experience from an application-oriented and strongly interdisciplinary perspective. Aside from the core understanding of processes in air, soil, and water, subjects include inorganic and organic chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, ecosystem analysis, and human-environment interactions. Tutorials in small groups enable hands-on experience of the front-end analytical techniques in the individual research groups and development of solution-oriented thinking and creativity. You are trained in critical reflection, abstraction, and logical argumentation as well as oral and written communication. Different perceptions of environmental challenges by students from different countries at different stages of development and with different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds are integrated to sharpen understanding of international contexts.
Fields of Employment
The demand for highly qualified experts in environmental chemistry will continue to grow with increased industrialization and ever‐tighter global interdependence and integration. Our graduates will have various attractive career opportunities in the academic sector, in the industry (experts and consultants of national and international companies, heads of laboratories, company founders) and in the public sector (policy consultation, development cooperation). Excellent employment opportunities are also available in developing and emerging countries in view of increasing industrialisation and demand for expertise.Doing a doctorate at the University of Bayreuth
The 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 .
Environmental Research has a long‐standing tradition in Bayreuth. The study programme geoecology (today with a bachelor and master programme) was designed in Bayreuth in the late 1970s and rapidly became a success story. Today, it can be studied at 6 universities throughout Germany. In 1989, the Bayreuth Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystem Research was founded to investigate complex ecological interdependencies with a focus on forest die-back. Today, the focus has further broadened and about 25 research groups are organized in the . The assembled expertise provides unique opportunities for national and international students joining weekly seminars, using our joint laboratory facilities or our national and international network for your master´s theses. The new programme Environmental Chemistry is centrally organized by six groups, which are the research groups for Atmospheric Chemistry, Environmental Geochemistry, Experimental Biogeochemistry/Microbiology, Hydrology/Hydrochemistry, Isotope Geochemistry, and Soil Ecology/Soil Chemistry (for further details see ).
Specific features and further information
- Part-time study is possible.
Semester fee
The University of Bayreuth does not charge tuition fees. However, every student must pay the . This includes the fees for the Studentenwerk Oberfranken and the for the use of public transport in the cities of Bayreuth and Kulmbach and in many parts of the regional transport system.
Notes on application and enrollment
Application period
for German and EU citizens:
15 March to 15 June for winter semesterfor non EU citizens:
15 March to 15 June for winter semesterApplication guide
Admission requirements
- Qualification
A bachelor's degree from a higher education institution in Germany or abroad in biology, chemistry, geo-ecology, geology, forestry, agricultural sciences, hydrology, ecological engineering, limnology, meteorology, physical geography, environmental physics, environmental economics, environmental law, or an equivalent degree that was completed with a total of at least 20 credit points in physics, biology, and chemistry along with at least 20 credit points in environmental science and a final grade of "good" (2,5) or better.
- Equivalency
Equivalency of the completed bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the board of examiners and is not determined conclusively until the application process is under way; for this reason, no information can be provided in advance
- Aptitude Assessment Process
One prerequisite for admission to the programme is the passing of an aptitude assessment process (see , Annex 2); it includes an evaluation of the applicant's qualifications and, if necessary, a personal interview
- Language proficiency
: level B2
: level A1- Applying without a degree certificate
Applications may already be submitted before completion of the bachelor's degree; however, a total of at least 135 credits and a minimum grade of "good" (2.5) are required by the time of application
- Special conditions
- Conditional admission is possible; special conditions may comprise up to 20 credit points (see § 2 para 2)
Module handbook
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
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.
Study programme flyer
Contact points in the department
- Programme coordinator:
- Student Council:
Central 鶹Ʒ points
- (in German language)
- For international students:
- Examination Office:
Any more questions? Please 鶹Ʒ the coordinator of the degree programme.

Prof. Dr. Martin ObstExperimental Biogeochemistry
Phone: +49 (0)921 / 55-3999
E-mail: environchem@uni-bayreuth.de
Dr.-Hans-Frisch-Str. 1-3
95448 Bayreuth
Have we aroused your interest? You can find all information about the Master's programme Environmental Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth on the website.