Physics Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

All lectures, seminars, presentations and exams will be held in English.

The Master's degree in Physics teaches the key skills for a future career as a physicist in a research-intensive and closely mentored study programme. The international Master's programme comprises four semesters with in total 120 credit points. It is divided into an advanced studies phase within the first two semesters and a research phase in the final two semesters.

The modules in the advanced studies phase are generically structured in applied, experimental and theoretical subject areas, and content is based on the research priorities of the Institute of Physics and its partner institutions. In particular, our focus is on materials research related to semiconductor devices and functional materials. This comprises identification and characterisation of new materials for future silicon-based nanotechnologies, the development and investigation of innovative semiconductor devices, as integrated sensors, on the basis of new physical concepts and/or materials as well as spectroscopic analysis of interfaces and nanostructures. Moreover, concepts for the integration of new devices into existing technology platforms (e.g., the development of integrated THz radiation sources) and questions regarding technical reliability are major issues of research at the Institute of Physics of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. These experimental and applied research topics are supplemented by strong activities in theoretical physics in the field of condensed matter theory and non-linear physics.

The strong networking with non-university research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems, the DESY Zeuthen, the Institute for Crystal Growth Berlin and the IHP Frankfurt/Oder allows for a focus across a broad spectrum of research directions and direct contact with the relevant working groups during the advanced studies phase.

The main part of the research phase is the preparation of the thesis. Here students will approach the current state of research in a branch of physics and demonstrate their capacity for independent research, also with the aim of a subsequent doctorate.

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

• Applicants with foreign qualifications for admission to higher education: 15 May for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German qualifications for admission to higher education: 31 August for the following winter semester and 1 March for the following summer semester

The still young international Master's degree programme in Physics is highly recommended by its students. It is excellently positioned in the current Master's ranking of the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE).

Detailed information can be found here.

The international Master's programme comprises four semesters with in total 120 credit points. It is divided into an advanced studies (specialisation) phase within the first two semesters and a research phase in the final two semesters. Within the advanced studies phase in the first year, students acquire the special knowledge in order to accomplish the research project in the second year. The category of modules within each semester is shown in the following table. Students acquire 30 credit points (CP) each semester.

PDF Download

• Enhancing international perspective: incorporating global viewpoints into course materials to provide students in the Physics programme with a broader understanding of the subject from an international perspective
• Utilising international research studies: analysing research studies from diverse nations to gain insight into global issues and developments in the field of physics
• Hosting guest lectures: welcoming international experts for seminars and lectures to expose Physics students to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research from around the world
• Cultivating a multicultural environment: promoting diversity among Physics students and faculty to foster inclusivity, cross-cultural understanding and collaboration
• Tackling global challenges: addressing worldwide issues in physics through academic work and research to develop solutions with a global impact, such as climate change or renewable energy
• Promoting cultural competence: encouraging Physics students to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, enhancing their ability to work effectively in multicultural settings
• Facilitating global networking: creating platforms for Physics students to connect with peers globally, facilitating international collaboration and partnerships that advance research and innovation in the field
• Providing national and international internship opportunities: enabling Physics students to gain practical experience through internships both locally and abroad, broadening their professional horizons and preparing them for global careers
• Teaching cross-cultural communication skills: developing Physics students' proficiency in effective communication across diverse cultures, equipping them with essential skills for navigating global scientific collaborations

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.

Admission requirements include a first qualifying degree (at least a Bachelor's degree) or a qualification equivalent to this in a programme in Physics or in a Physics-Related field of study. For example, a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Technical Physics or Mathematics qualifies students for admission to the international Master's programme in Physics, provided that the basic requirements in Theoretical and Experimental Physics that have been acquired in these programmes, are comparable to the Bachelor's programme in Physics offered at BTU.

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

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

Applicants with a higher education entrance qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain (including Northern Ireland) or the United States of America do not have to submit a separate proof of English language skills. Applicants who have completed a secondary level degree in English in Germany or in one of the above-mentioned countries are also exempted from presenting a formal English language certificate.

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

• Applicants with foreign qualifications for admission to higher education: 15 May for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German qualifications for admission to higher education: 31 August for the following winter semester and 1 March for the following summer 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.