PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences

Course location

Cottbus

Teaching language

• English

Languages

All courses are taught in English. 

The dissertation is written in English, and the oral defence takes place in English.

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

6 semesters

Beginning

Winter and summer semester

Application deadline

There are no application deadlines; applications can be submitted throughout the year.

For enrolment in the summer semester (starting 1 April), we recommend applying by 1 November. For enrolment in the winter semester (starting 1 October), we recommend applying by 1 May.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The doctoral study programme in "Environmental and Resource Management" aims to promote qualitative and quantitative research on current environmental issues in international and interdisciplinary contexts. The focus is on theoretical and practice-oriented research activities that relate to scientific, technological and economic areas of environmental sciences and thus strengthen the research profile of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg in the areas of Global Change and Transformation Processes, Energy Transition and Decarbonisation as well as Health and Life Sciences.

The programme is affiliated to the Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences .

Doctoral students conduct individual research in the broad field of environmental and resource management, while being integrated into an international and interdisciplinary group of doctoral students and researchers. The doctoral research topic, which is assigned to one of the chairs offered , also allows doctoral students to contribute their own institutional experience.

A structured and international learning environment is provided to prepare students for the doctoral process and post-doctoral professional development through a compulsory curriculum of 30 ECTS. Doctoral students receive high quality supervision that enables them to work on an innovative research topic and to develop and apply the scientific methods appropriate to their research topic.

Course organisation

During the three-year programme, doctoral students are expected to write their dissertation and complete a compulsory curriculum. The curriculum consists of five modules (30 ECTS), which focus on the development of research and methodological skills, as well as transferable skills needed to build a professional career in academia. Each module as well as the written PhD thesis (120 ECTS) and the oral examination (30 ECTS) are individually assessed.

All lectures and seminars are a compulsory part of the programme. Therefore, it is necessary that the doctoral students are present at the university during the lecture periods (April to July and October to February).

It is possible to create a personalised standard curriculum, as periods for research stays are explicitly taken into account.

The language of instruction, research, and examination is English.

The five modules (6 ECTS each) focus on fostering your research skills as well as transferable skills needed to build your professional career:

• Academic Research and Methods
• Status Seminar ERM: Progress Reports PhD Thesis
• Research Colloquium
• Essentials of Grant Proposal Writing
• PhD Thesis Writing Skills

For the full curriculum, semester schedule, and module description, please visit our website .

The BTU Graduate Research School offers additional workshops for all doctoral candidates at BTU on networking, subject-related qualification, scientific techniques, and transferable skills training.

The BTU Continuing Education Department and individual coaching services are available at various stages of the academic and professional development.

A Diploma supplement will be issued

No

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
• Content-related regional focus
• Language training provided

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

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. This covers costs for student services organisation and the Student Council.

Semester fees for students in our PhD programmes currently amount to 374 EUR.

Costs of living

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.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

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 .

Academic admission requirements

The PhD programme is open to national and international students who hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Economics, Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related subject. Eligible candidates should have achieved a final grade of at least 2.3 (according to the German grading system).

The application includes a comprehensive research proposal . While you have the autonomy to choose the research topic for your proposal, it is essential to ensure that the research proposal topic aligns with the research focus of the PhD programme.

Language requirements

A certificate of proficiency in English must be provided, except for graduates of English language Master's programmes in Germany and graduates from certain countries .

Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

• TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 points (paper-based), 213 points (computer-based), or 79 points (Internet-based)
• Cambridge Advanced English test (minimum grade B)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (minimum grade C)
• IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5)

Application deadline

There are no application deadlines; applications can be submitted throughout the year.

For enrolment in the summer semester (starting 1 April), we recommend applying by 1 November. For enrolment in the winter semester (starting 1 October), we recommend applying by 1 May.

Submit application to

Before submitting an application, please visit our website and inform yourself about the required documents. Please pay particular attention to the information on the research proposal .

Applications must be submitted via the MoveOn online portal.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

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.

Accommodation

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.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

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

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Buddy programme
• Support with registration procedures
• Accompanying programme
• Cultural and linguistic preparation

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
The BTU welcomes you to start your academic journey! © BTU

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 .

43% International students study at BTU
126 Nationalities
University location

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.

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