European Literatures and Cultures and Europ and auml;ische Literaturen und Kulturen

The Master's program in European Literatures and Cultures at the University of Freiburg offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse literary and cultural traditions across Europe. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the historical development, thematic diversity, and linguistic richness of European regions through their literary and cultural expressions. Throughout the course of study, students will engage with a wide range of texts, from classical to contemporary, and analyze cultural phenomena within their socio-historical contexts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, comparative analysis, and linguistic proficiency, providing students with the tools to interpret and critically assess literary works and cultural artifacts from different European countries and regions. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, philosophy, philosophy, theory, and media studies to enrich understanding of the complexities of European identity and cultural diversity. Students have the opportunity to specialize in particular geographical areas or thematic focuses, such as medieval literature, modern European cultures, or regional literatures. The program is conducted in English and/or German, with an emphasis on developing multilingual skills to facilitate research and analysis across linguistic boundaries. Faculty members are internationally renowned scholars who provide mentorship and guidance tailored to individual research interests. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped for careers in academia, cultural institutions, publishing, journalism, or international cooperation. The University of Freiburg’s vibrant academic environment, combined with its rich cultural scene and extensive library resources, creates an ideal setting for advanced study of European literatures and cultures. By the end of the program, students will have produced a significant thesis that demonstrates their analytical skills and deep understanding of European cultural landscapes, preparing them to contribute to scholarly discourse and cultural dialogue across Europe and beyond.

Educational organisation

The Renewable Energy Engineering and Management coursework is very concentrated and is taught mostly in three-week modules. Students will not have to attend conventional lectures given by one tutor. They will instead be taught by teams of lecturers recruited from departments of different faculties, from external research institutions and from the private sector.
Structuring the curriculum into modules offers the possibility for concentrated work and the integration of a range of teaching and learning techniques (role play, papers, team work in small groups).

First semester
1. Energy and Sustainable Development
2. Scientific Framework for REM: Politics, Economics, Business, Law or Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering
3. Natural Resources and Conversion Technologies
4. Climate and Energy

Second semester
1. Generation & Distribution of Energy
2. Management (Part I)
3. Research Skills
4. Society and Economy
5. Elective Wind Energy or Elective Bioenergy
6. Internship

Third semester
1. Elective Track "Energy Systems Technology" or
2. Elective Track "Energy Conversion" or
3. Elective Track "Environmental Planning and Management"
4. Internship
5. Project

Fourth semester
Master's thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

Students are encouraged to conduct their compulsory internship (between the second and the third semester) abroad. The department offers assistance in finding a placement.

Internships

Compulsory internship between the second and the third semester

Forms of assessment

Depending on the type of course and the learning goals of a module: written and oral exams, assignments, presentations and/or reports

Course objectives

Our aim is to provide international students with context-sensitive, first-class training in the field of Renewable Energy Engineering and Management. Graduates will have the ability to plan projects and facilities for the utilisation of renewable energy and to implement them while taking account of economic, political and societal concerns.
See our website for more information about the courses (http://www.rem.uni-freiburg.de).

Language requirements

Proof of proficiency in English (if not your native language):

• TOEFL paper-based 600 points, computer-based 250 points or Internet-based 100 points (should not be older than two years) or
• IELTS band 7

Academic requirements

Above-average qualification (BSc or German "Diplom") in engineering, natural sciences, or applied life sciences
The admission commission will decide on the equivalence of other degrees in individual cases.
Application documents:
1. completed application form of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources
2. certified copy and a certified translation (if not German or English) of each achieved degree
3. two letters of reference from university officials, professors or employment supervisors (plus evaluation form "Referee's Questionnaire")
4. official transcript of records
5. test results (TOEFL or IELTS) if English is not your native language
6. letter of motivation (one to two pages in German or English)
7. curriculum vitae (two to three pages in German or English)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

We would like to stress that it is not advisable to come to Germany for university studies if you do not have a secure source of funding. The job market conditions in Germany make it difficult for students to find jobs. Apart from that, you will not have much time to spare during the semester, as our modularised course structure will require your full attention.

Arrival support

Information on the town, the university, and formalities is distributed prior to arrival.

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at the University of Freiburg for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).