MSc Gerontology FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Courses are held in English (up to 25%) and German (75%). Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.

The programme focuses on fundamental knowledge and skills in gerontology in the areas of psychology, medicine, ethics, law, clinical practice, sport science, social science and health economics including statistical methods that are applied in research and methods used in gerontological intervention and evaluation. Students learn to adopt a multidimensional and reflective perspective in the context of the ageing process and with regard to the self-determination, independence and the quality of life of older people in clinical and non-clinical settings.

15 September for the following winter semester (possible full-time and part-time)

15 March for the following summer semester (only possible part-time)

Module 1: Introduction to gerontology

Module 2: Foundations, theories and ethics of gerontology

Module 3: Research methods

Module 4: Models and methods of data analysis

Module 5: Geriatric medicine

Module 6: Psychogeriatrics

Module 7: Gerontological diagnostics

Module 8: Fieldwork in gerontology

Module 9: Ageing, law and society

Module 10: Social policy and public health

Module 11: Basics on psychology of ageing

Module 12: Cognitive and emotional ageing

Module 13: Advanced studies in psychogerontology

Module 14: Basics on psychogerontological interventions

Module 15: Methods of intervention in psychogerontology

Module 16: Gerontological internship

Module 17: Compulsory optional subjects

Module 18: Master's thesis

Two internships of 120 hours each are to be completed during the programme duration. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

No tuition fees

FAU does not charge tuition fees. However, each semester students must pay semester fees consisting of student services fees (72 EUR at the moment).

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021:

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in psychology, medicine, social sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, health sciences, physiotherapy, gerontechnology or equivalent

Applicants must provide proof of their German skills: TestDaF 4 or DSH 2.

15 September for the following winter semester (possible full-time and part-time)

15 March for the following summer semester (only possible part-time)

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 40,996 students and 276 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines – from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently go beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching is reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities – Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.