Environmental and Resource Management (BSc) Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

Courses are held in English.
There are no further teaching languages.

The international course of study in Environmental and Resource Management offers an integrated approach to current international issues helping to improve the quality of professional environmental management for the 21st century. Recognising that environmental questions can no longer be solved by a single academic discipline, the course of study offers classes in a wide range of fields, including technical subjects as well as classes in natural sciences, sociology, and economics. Based on these three main directions, more specific classes are offered. These deal with current environmental issues, such as techniques for resource protection, concepts in environmental planning, risk and impact assessment, as well as socio-economic implications. The acquisition of management skills and social competence is therefore valued as highly and as indispensably as the technical and scientific knowledge.

For more information, please visit: https://www.b-tu.de/en/environment-bs/.

• Applicants with foreign qualification for admission to higher education: 15 July for the following winter semester
• Applicants with German qualification for admission to higher education: 15 September for the following winter semester

The course of study is structured around modules, which are interdisciplinary units that consist of related classes. These modules serve as a framework for the curriculum and create a guiding structure for the students. The modules are designed to promote synergistic effects by connecting various subject areas within the course of study and even beyond it.

Each module typically includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical units. Lectures provide theoretical knowledge and an overview of the topic, while seminars offer a more interactive setting for discussion and deeper exploration of specific aspects. Practical units allow students to apply what they have learned in a hands-on manner, fostering practical skills and experiential learning.

As part of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme, students are required to study abroad for one semester. This offers students an opportunity to gain international experience, gain exposure to different academic environments, and broaden cultural perspectives. The study programme ensures that the curriculum is designed in a way that allows students to go abroad without extending the overall duration of their studies.

In addition to regular classes, the programme includes four days of mandatory scientific excursions. These excursions provide students with practical experiences outside the classroom, such as visits to research institutions, industry facilities, or relevant field sites. They enhance students' understanding of real-world applications and provide a broader context for their studies.

A significant requirement of the programme is the completion of a thesis. This allows students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and apply their knowledge to a specific project or problem. The thesis is usually undertaken in the final stages of the programme and primarily requires students to independently manage their studies. This includes conducting research, organising their work, and meeting deadlines under the guidance of a supervisor.

Overall, the programme emphasises a balance between structured learning through modules, practical experiences through excursions, international exposure through a semester abroad, and independent study through the completion of a thesis. These elements aim to develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-management abilities, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen field.

• Enhancing international perspective: incorporating global viewpoints into course materials
• Utilising international case studies: analysing case studies from various nations
• Hosting guest lectures: welcoming international experts for presentations
• Including mandatory study abroad programmes: providing students with exchange programmes to study in other countries
• Cultivating a multicultural environment: promoting diversity among students and faculty
• Developing language skills: offering language courses or encouraging language proficiency
• Tackling global challenges: addressing worldwide issues in academic work and research
• Facilitating international collaborations: forming partnerships with universities or organisations abroad
• Promoting cultural competence: encouraging understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures
• Facilitating global networking: creating platforms for students to connect with peers globally
• Organising field trips: arranging visits to local and international locations relevant to the curriculum
• Teaching cross-cultural communication skills: developing proficiency in effective communication across diverse cultures
• Fostering global awareness: inspiring recognition of worldwide trends and advancements

Our programme offers integrated study abroad units as part of the curriculum, thus allowing students to immerse themselves in international academic environments while earning credits toward their degrees. Additionally, we provide regular opportunities for students to participate in exchange programmes, enabling them to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

No mandatory internships

No tuition fees

Apart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a fee each semester (winter semester 2024/25: 373.80 EUR). This covers costs for the 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 780 to 1,000 EUR per 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): 250 to 450 EUR
• groceries: approx. 160 to 180 EUR
• health insurance, medical fees, medication: approx. 145 EUR
• miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 170 to 220 EUR

Total: 780 to 1,000 EUR

The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.

For the Bachelor's programme: Higher education entrance qualification (e.g. secondary school leaving certificate, high school diploma, A-levels, Abitur, etc.)

A certificate of proficiency in English must be provided. Accepted tests and minimum scores are:

• TOEFL 79 (Internet-based)
• Cambridge Certificate (Advanced or Proficiency, min. grade B)
• IELTS (min. 6.0)

Exempted from this regulation are only students from: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, or students who completed a secondary level degree in English in one of the above-mentioned countries.

German language skills are not required for admission to this study programme.

For applicants from Germany: usually, the "Abitur" certificate is sufficient proof of English language skills.

• Applicants with foreign qualification for admission to higher education: 15 July for the following winter semester
• Applicants with German qualification for admission to higher education: 15 September for the following winter semester

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/help-advice-on-all-aspects-of-studying/scholarships-1.

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, it is not always easy to find a part-time job and you will need at least basic German skills for many of the available jobs. 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). A comprehensive list on student accommodation and housing options at BTU's three locations can be found on our websites, as well as a video about how students live in both Cottbus and Senftenberg.

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 that students succeed in their job application processes and land great positions.

Our offers include:

• BTU Job Market: online job board for students
• BTU Campus-X-Change and BTU Matching Day: annual job fair and online recruiting event to connect students with employers
• FIT@BTU: a DAAD-funded project that helps students make the transition to a successful career
• Start up your Career in Brandenburg: a project co-financed by the EU and Brandenburg, with the aim of preparing international students for the Brandenburg job market

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:

• Welcome and Registration Point to offer support during the start of the semester
• Onboarding Info Sessions to inform about important topics regarding the preparation for your studies
• Different excursions and events to take part in and get to know the area

Located on three campuses and with over 70 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 21 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 northeast 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. 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.