This Master’s programme trains students to tackle 21st‑century climate- and environment‑linked threats to human health within a transdisciplinary planetary‑health framework. Teaching concentrates on how environmental and climatic changes affect disease and well‑being, on prevention and mitigation strategies, on transformative adaptation measures, and on the shared responsibilities of policy makers, industry and the public. The course also explores avenues for promoting climate‑ and environment‑friendly, healthy lifestyles for all.
The curriculum is modular and totals 120 ECTS, organised across four semesters (typically completed in two years). Core coursework in the first semester (30 ECTS) provides foundational knowledge on climate drivers, biodiversity and ecosystem functions, climate‑related diseases and global impacts on health systems. The second semester (25 ECTS) focuses on the international context, with topics such as trade and policy, economic evaluation of health care in relation to climate change, and sociological and geographical perspectives; this semester also includes a lecture series and seminars in scientific writing, science communication and project management. The third semester (25 ECTS elective credits) lets students choose modules on quantitative and qualitative methods, international environmental and sustainability law, sport ecology, resource technology, nutrition and health policy, global economy or attend a 10‑day summer school. A practical internship of eight weeks (10 ECTS), preferably conducted abroad, is scheduled in the third semester, and the programme concludes with a 30‑ECTS master’s thesis in the fourth semester.
This English‑taught, internationally oriented programme emphasizes applied skills (statistical and analytical tools, science communication, project management) alongside disciplinary knowledge, and includes opportunities for hands‑on experience and international exchange through internships and optional summer school sessions—features that many international students find valuable when planning studies and future careers in environment, climate change and health.
Program structure and requirements (summary)
The curriculum balances foundational science, international policy perspectives and applied skills:
Learning outcomes include the ability to assess environmental drivers of health, design mitigation and adaptation strategies, apply interdisciplinary research methods, communicate science to diverse audiences, and plan or evaluate policy and practice interventions in international contexts.
This programme looks for applicants with a relevant bachelor's-level background and clear evidence of language skills, academic transcripts and motivation for studying environment, climate change and health. International (non‑EU) applicants must undergo a preliminary document review via uni‑assist; otherwise applications are handled directly. You may start the programme with only basic German (A1), but full English proficiency at C1 level is required before enrolment.
Academically, applicants need a completed Bachelor’s degree in one of the accepted fields (see list below) with a final grade of 2.5 or better on the German grading scale. The Bachelor’s must include either at least 30 ECTS in health and/or natural sciences (preferably human biology, biochemistry and geosciences) or a transcript showing at least 150 ECTS in total; all academic records must be submitted in the original language plus a certified German or English translation where required. Include a concise, course‑focused presentation (motivation letter) of up to two pages outlining the specific skills and competences that qualify you for the programme.
When available, provide evidence of additional qualifications such as professional training, internships, study abroad, scholarships or other interdisciplinary skills. If relevant, submit a request for disadvantage compensation. The selection process has three stages: an initial completeness check, an assessment by a selection committee of your written presentation and academic background, and a final interview to confirm your suitability for the programme. For full application details see: https://www.ecch.uni-bayreuth.de/en/application/index.html
Required documents and qualifications
Selection procedure
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge environmental science and public health. Typical career paths include positions in public health agencies, environmental and health policy organisations, non‑governmental organisations, international institutions, consultancy firms, and research institutes focusing on climate change and health.
The programme’s combination of applied internships, policy and economic evaluation training, and a research thesis also supports progression to doctoral studies for students wishing to pursue academic or advanced research careers.