Transformation Studies Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary Master's degree programme in Transformation Studies enables students to understand the complexity of processes of cultural, socio-technical and economic change in societies in their respective environments, to investigate them scientifically, to accompany them and to actively shape them within the framework of independently implemented research and development or consulting projects.

The degree programme is intended to prepare students for a career in a growing and sustainable professional field that deals with complex processes of change in various transformation fields, for example, in the context of structural change in industry, digitalisation, climate change and sustainable development, (de)globalisation, postmodernism and post-growth, that examines developments and/or develops specific solutions and strategies for overcoming crises and challenges. The inter- and transdisciplinary orientation of the degree programme enables students to understand the social, economic and technical aspects of transformation processes in their contexts from various scientific and everyday perspectives and to acquire methods for investigating and shaping transformation and transformation processes.

The teaching and qualification objectives include knowledge of science and technology research, social and economic sciences and the legal aspects of transformation as well as inter- and transdisciplinary, communicative, discursive, media and ethical skills. In terms of transformative learning, students shall be taught to think responsibly and critically. Personal skills such as critical judgement and rational argumentation as well as intercultural and interdisciplinary skills and, in particular, design and transformation knowledge are taught in the context of a professionally qualifying degree. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of methodological skills to enable graduates to analyse contexts and problems, develop solutions and make responsible decisions.

The Master's degree programme in Transformation Studies is committed to the goal of inter- and transdisciplinarity. Interdisciplinarity can be recognised by the combination of the specialised thematic fields of social sciences, technology, economics and law, transdisciplinarity results from the application-orientation and social relevance of the topics dealt with as well as from the cooperation with players from practice.

In addition to enhancing their professional expertise, students should expand their competences in foreign languages and interculturality, in collaboration and teamwork skills as well as in collective problem solving.

Students choose one of the following fields of study to begin their studies:

• Sociocultural Transformation
• Socioeconomic and Institutional Transformation
• Sociotechnical Transformation

A later change is possible, taking into account the examinations and coursework completed and still to be completed, if this does not significantly extend the overall duration of studies. The change must be approved by the examination board.

The language of instruction and examination is English.

The curriculum of the Master's degree programme in Transformation Studies comprises complexes and modules with a total of 120 CP.

The curriculum includes the following:

• three core modules with a focus on transformation theories and methodologies amounting to 18 CP
• elective modules amounting to 60 CP, 36 CP of which must come from one of the three fields of study, 12 CP from the area of methods modules, 6 CP from other fields of study and 6 CP from the interdisciplinary studies programme of the BTU
• a study project in the applied field of transformation research amounting to 12 CP
• the Master's thesis counting for 30 CP

Mobility windows for completing a period of study abroad are available, depending on the progress of studies and the adherence to the standard curriculum. Students are advised to make use of individual subject-specific study advice on how to organise their stay abroad.

Students are strongly recommended to draw up an individual study plan, particularly with regard to adequate preparation for the Master's thesis. Students are supported in this planning by a mentor from among the teaching staff of the programme.

• Karlstad University in Sweden
• University of Vaasa in Finland

The third semester is recommended for an internship abroad or a period of study at other universities (mobility window).

Applicants must hold a first academic degree (at least Bachelor's degree) in a humanities, cultural or social sciences degree programme (including economics, law and political science) or in a natural or technical sciences degree programme that grants access to a Master's degree programme in Germany and that is subject-specifically relevant for admission to the Transformation Studies Master's degree programme.

Information on the recognition of European and international higher educational qualifications can be found on anabin, which is the database of the German authorities.

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 2026/27: 391.80 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 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.

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.

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.

The BTU Career Center 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 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.

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.