Courses are held entirely in English (100%).
Deadline: 15 August (via uni-assist)
(Since students of the WHS Online study option neither need nor are eligible for a student visa, the application deadline is the same as for those BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg applicants with a foreign Master's entrance qualification without the need for a visa.)
The international Master’s programme in World Heritage Studies (WHS) at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is the first programme in the world to design its curriculum around the "UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". It provides the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to identify, protect, manage and present cultural and natural heritage sites.
Students are encouraged to reflect upon how heritage is understood and how it functions in societies all around the world. The programme combines theory and practice in a cross-sectoral way, incorporating various academic disciplines such as the humanities, architecture, conservation, ecology, management, tourism, marketing and beyond. It thus emphasises the link between culture and nature, tangible and intangible heritage values, conservation and sustainable development.
The programme furthermore recognises that heritage can and should be protected from a wide range of perspectives and in a contemporary context. To this end, the programme prioritises critical reflection on present-day issues such as changing demographics, environmental fragility, and economic inequalities.
Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully work in professional heritage fields, furthermore working to define and recontextualise heritage for future generations.
With the 2021 established study option of WHS Online, the prestigious WHS study programme opens its doors to applicants who, due to visa, money, work or family issues, may not be able or willing to come to Cottbus/Germany for full-time studies on campus. WHS Online is therefore designed for students who still seek a high quality education in heritage, but who have responsibilities in their jobs or private lives that prevent them from moving to Cottbus/Germany.
The content of the new study option WHS Online is based on the original WHS On-Campus study programme, which was the first programme in the world to design its curriculum around the "UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". WHS Online is following WHS On-Campus in its extent and standard study period, as well as in the structure of the study, with the exception of a reduced possibility to choose from its non-compulsory elective modules. The teaching language is English.
The study option WHS Online is conducted entirely online. Its modules are taught primarily in an asynchronous way that allows students to study more independently, on their own schedule. By employing state-of-the-art online education methods, WHS Online offers flexible, largely self-paced learning to its students and the possibility to independently engage with the content of the classes through digitally available content.
Seven departments from three faculties, “Environment and Natural Sciences”, “Business, Law and Social Sciences” and “Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning”, are part of the online study option WHS Online. The teaching content combines academic disciplines such as the humanities, architecture, archaeology, conservation, finances, management, tourism, marketing and law. Further support is provided by the e-learning team of the university.
The WHS Online curriculum includes:
None
Apart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a semester fee each semester (currently: winter semester 2024/25: 341.40 EUR). This covers costs for student services organisation, the Student Council as well as the semester ticket.
Studies abroad often have different types of expenses from the ones you know from your home country. You are responsible for covering your own living expenses. Accommodation and other essential living expenses will amount to around 700–950 EUR/month. Of course, this amount depends entirely on individual lifestyle. The following list gives you an idea of some fixed and variable costs that you should take into account for your stay in Germany.
Monthly costs:
rent (including utilities): 200–450 EUR
groceries: approx. 170 EUR
health insurance, medical fees, medication: approx. 120 EUR
miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 200–300 EUR
total: 700–950 EUR
The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.
Studying at BTU is mostly free of (tuition) fees. Because of this, there are only limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The International Relations Office is nonetheless pleased to be able to award a limited number of scholarships to international students already enrolled at BTU. You can find more information on BTU scholarship opportunities on our websites: https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/during-studies/scholarships
The following admission requirements apply:
A board of examiners reviews each application for eligibility, striving to promote excellence, academic integrity, and cultural and professional diversity.
Documents:
*If these documents are issued in a language other than English or German, certified translations have to be provided.
Additional documents may be required, depending on the application process via uni-assist or myBTU. Please read all information on the respective website carefully!
A certificate of proficiency in English must be provided. Accepted tests and minimum scores are as follows:
Exceptions can only be granted to applicants with a higher education entrance qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain (including Northern Ireland) or the United States of America. Applicants who completed a secondary level degree in English in Germany or in one of the above-mentioned countries are also exempted.
German language skills are not required for admission to this study programme.
Deadline: 15 August (via uni-assist)
(Since students of the WHS Online study option neither need nor are eligible for a student visa, the application deadline is the same as for those BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg applicants with a foreign Master's entrance qualification without the need for a visa.)
International applicants must submit their applications via the uni-assist e.V. online platform: www.uni-assist.de/en/. The application is submitted entirely online; no hard copies are required.
Detailed information on the application requirements, process, and curriculum is available on the programme website: https://www.b-tu.de/en/worldheritage-ma/whs-online.
There are job opportunities both in town and on campus. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is high, and it is not always easy to find a part-time job. Students from non-European countries are allowed to work either 120 whole days or 240 half days annually. The 120-day rule is not affected by mandatory internships or student assistance jobs at university. Students from EU member countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work without restrictions during their studies in Germany.
BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is a university with three locations where numerous student dormitories are provided. Students can choose between different room types. The room capacities in our dormitories are limited, thus we recommend to apply as early as you receive your admission letter for an apartment in the dormitories.
In Germany, it is also very common for students to live alone or with friends. If three or more people share an apartment together, this is called a "WG" in German ("Wohngemeinschaft", which means a shared flat).
The BTU Career Center (https://www.b-tu.de/en/careercenter) offers extensive support to international students and graduates, ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into the job market. We help students on their journey to a successful career path by offering seminars, workshops and career advisory services to ensure students succeed in their job application processes, and land a great position.
Our offers include:
The BTU offers a wide range of support during your preparation for your stay in Germany, your first days on campus and throughout your whole study programme.
Among others, the International Relations Office offers the following services:
Located on three campuses and with about 60 study programmes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a broad spectrum of market-oriented programmes as well as traditional degree programmes.
From the natural sciences and engineering to economics, cultural studies, and even health sciences, BTU offers a wide range of courses. Our 17 study programmes taught exclusively in English are very popular among both German and international students from all over the world.
BTU is partnered with over 220 universities throughout the world, which provides students with a multitude of excellent opportunities to spend part of their time studying or conducting research abroad. Furthermore, in cooperation with our international partner universities, BTU offers a wide range of double degree and joint degree programmes.
Cottbus is located in the north-east of Germany, between the country’s capital, Berlin (100 km), and Dresden (120 km). With a population of approx. 100,000 inhabitants, Cottbus is the second largest city after Potsdam in the federal state of Brandenburg. The Polish border is only approx. 30 km away. The location of Cottbus offers a convenient starting point for trips into the picturesque region of Lower Lusatia. The landscape of Lower Lusatia is characterised by the Spreewald with its small canals and waterways as well as by the Slavonic minority called Sorbs or Wends. Their language, similar to Polish, is still used and spoken in Lower Lusatia. For this reason, many of the road signs and informational boards in Cottbus and the surrounding region are written in both Sorbian and German. Cottbus gained importance as a trade centre in the 12th century. Parts of the original city wall from the 14th century as well as the beautiful townhouses around the old market square are proof of the city’s early splendour. Additionally, the city is characterised by buildings from the "Wilhelminian" times of rapid industrial growth in Germany, which occurred towards the end of the 19th century. The city that first rose to prominence with its cloth and linen weaving industry soon evolved into a growing centre of brown coal mining. Today, Cottbus is in the midst of a structural transformation. The BTU supports this development with its engagement in the Lausitz Science Park megaproject, which aims to build an appealing innovation landscape.
Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatia Lake District. Former excavation and mining pits have been flooded in order to create the largest artificial lake system in Europe, with a total of 23 large lakes. The water sports area "Senftenberger See", with its water surface of 1,300 hectares, offers exceptional sailing and surfing opportunities, and it is suitable for all kinds of water sports. Senftenberg has thus become a tourist attraction within the region.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
