Why in Bayreuth?

• Because the Bayerisches Geoinstitut is a world leader in experimental geosciences; the current world record in static high-pressure experiments is maintained in Bayreuth
• Our students benefit from access to world-class laboratories including equipment that exists only in Bayreuth
• The Bayerisches Geoinstitut has an international scientific staff with professors and senior scientists from Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK
• We are located on a modern and friendly university campus within walking distance from the city center
• Unlike in many larger cities, living expenses in Bayreuth are low and quite affordable for students; street safety is extremely high
• The countryside around Bayreuth is a paradise for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, and lake swimming

The Bayerisches Geoinstitut (BGI) has a wide range of excellent laboratory facilities, operated by some of the most capable scientists in the field:

• Analytical facilities to
  • characterize experimental and planetary samples: X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic methods (optical, infrared, Raman, Mössbauer)
  • analyze elemental and isotopic compositions of samples using electron microscopy, electron microprobe, mass spectrometry that can be associated with laser ablation or solution sources.
• Synthesis facilities at high pressure and temperature: high temperature gas-mixing furnaces, hydrothermal laboratories, piston cylinder presses, autoclaves, multi-anvil presses and diamond-anvil cells.
• Facilities for in-situ measurements of physical properties: compressibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, magnetic and optical properties and ultrasonic interferometry.
• Computational facilities for ab-initio modeling of material properties and geodynamics.

In the M.Sc. program students will be trained in many of these techniques. They will build up practical skills and a solid expertise in the Earth, planetary, and materials sciences that will allow them to pursue careers in both academics and industry. A complete list of facilities, scientists and current research at BGI can be found at www.bgi.uni-bayreuth.de.

Bayreuth is a city with 75,000 residents located in northern Bavaria, about 70 km north of Nuremberg. As a former residence town, Bayreuth offers an attractive historic city center. Bayreuth features rich cultural activities and a diverse social environment. The beautiful surrounding landscape (mountains, woods, lakes and rivers) allows diverse recreational activities, like biking, hiking, climbing, swimming, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing. Further information can be found on the city of Bayreuth website www.bayreuth.de. Living costs are moderate compared to larger cities in Germany. Furnished student apartments are also available on or near campus. The University of Bayreuth features an attractive, modern campus where all facilities, including the library and cafeteria, are close together. Due to its moderate size with approx. 12,000 students and the proximity of facilities, contacts with students, professors and university administrators are readily established. Further information about the university can be found under www.uni-bayreuth.de.

International students are readily integrated into university and city life with the help of the International Office and a number of private initiatives. The Language Center offers German classes for students at a nominal charge. Knowledge of German, however, is not required for the M. Sc. program in ‘Experimental Geosciences’ as all lectures and practicals are held in English.

At the University of Bayreuth, there is no tuition fee. However, there is a fee to the Student Union of approx. 160 EUR/semester that convers student services and the use of public transportation.