World Heritage Studies

World Heritage Studies at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for careers in heritage management, conservation, and sustainable development of cultural and natural heritage sites worldwide. The program emphasizes the importance of protecting UNESCO World Heritage sites and other culturally significant locations, fostering an understanding of their historical, social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including heritage policy and law, site management, conservation techniques, cultural heritage tourism, and community engagement strategies. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical fieldwork, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through collaborations with international organizations, conservation agencies, and local communities, students will develop essential skills in project planning, stakeholder communication, and multimedia documentation. The program also encourages research on emerging challenges in heritage preservation, such as climate change impacts, urban development pressures, and globalization. Graduates will be equipped to work in diverse settings, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, consultancy firms, and international agencies dedicated to heritage protection. Additionally, the program benefits from the university's strong network of experts in conservation science, archaeology, cultural studies, and environmental science. Emphasizing sustainability and responsible management, the World Heritage Studies program aims to cultivate professionals capable of balancing heritage conservation with modern societal needs. Upon completion, students will earn a master's degree, qualifying them for advanced roles in heritage consultancy, policy development, research, and educational initiatives worldwide. The program's interdisciplinary approach and focus on international perspectives make it a unique and valuable qualification for those passionate about preserving the world's cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Educational organisation

The study programme has a modular structure and consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, excursions, study projects and the Master's thesis. The recommended duration of studies is four semesters.

During the Master's programme, students must complete 120 credits according to the following study framework: two mandatory courses totalling 12 ECTS (Introduction to World Heritage; Academic Coaching), nine elective courses from four study areas totalling 54 ECTS (Humanities and Social Sciences; Arts, Architecture and Conservation; Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes; Management), two study projects totalling 24 ECTS and the Master's thesis totalling 30 ECTS.

The following elective modules are offered:
Study Area I - Humanities and Social Sciences:

• Discourse on Culture and Heritage
• Intercultural Competence
• Culture and Globalisation
• Legal Aspects of Heritage
• Social Change and Continuity

Study Area II - Arts, Architecture and Conservation:

• Conservation and Building in Context
• Archaeology
• History of Architecture
• Applied Art History and Museology
• Urban Dynamics
• Architecture, City, Space

Study Area III - Natural Heritage and Cultural Landscapes:

• Ecology
• Geological Heritage
• Philosophy and Technology of Nature
• Cultural Landscapes

Study Area IV - Management:

• Heritage Management and Management Plans
• Cultural Management
• Tourism
• Fundraising and Finance for Heritage
• Marketing, PR and Media
• Heritage Impact Assessment

Complementary courses may be offered each semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the opportunity to apply for places in ERASMUS and STUDEXA exchange programmes and to conduct study exchanges at one of BTU's partner universities such as: Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia; University of Tsukuba, Japan; Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Poland; Université d'Angers, France; Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, etc.
Given the World Heritage Studies programme's extensive network of institutional partners, exclusive internship opportunities in organisations around the world are regularly communicated to students. The Leonardo Office of Brandenburg offers its services to students searching for internship opportunities within in the European Union, for which there is available funding compensation.

Internships

It is recommended that students complete a 12-week internship before they register for their Master's theses. World Heritage Studies has established a network of partnerships with various heritage organisations, and guidance will be offered in this regard.
There are various national and international internship programmes to which students can apply for financial assistance (e.g. ERASMUS placement, IAESTE programme, etc.).

Forms of assessment

Credits are awarded according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
The Master's programme comprises 120 credits awarded for coursework, two interdisciplinary study projects and the Master's thesis.
Modules are completed with performance verifications, which could be either in written (final tests, essays, reports, thesis) or oral (presentations, oral reports, defence) form. Each examination is evaluated and graded (module grade) and makes up a part of the final grade.

Course objectives

The aim of the international Master's programme World Heritage Studies is to form heritage management specialists with cross-sectorial knowledge who will be able to identify, assess, protect, manage, and promote cultural and natural heritage sites.

After obtaining a Master's degree in World Heritage Studies, international careers await in a wide spectrum of professional fields: heritage institutions, governmental bodies, heritage consultancy firms, tourism, museums, universities, and other heritage related institutions. The inspiration, curiosity, professionalism, and networks gained through this programme allow each student to personalise his or her relationship to world heritage, thus bringing a unique and qualified perspective to the field.

Alumni of the World Heritage Studies programme are currently employed in lead positions in the heritage sector around the world, including UNESCO Offices or UNESCO National Commissions, World Heritage sites, and other country specific cultural organisations in the public or private sectors.

The ultimate goal is that graduates of the programme will work as promoters of a new image of world heritage and will contribute to its wider understanding in various segments of society.

Language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways: TOEFL with a score of 79 points Internet-based or higher; IELTS with an overall band score of 6.5 or higher; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with grade B or higher; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English with grade C or higher.

Exempted from this regulation are only students from the following English speaking countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, or students who completed a secondary level degree in English in one of the above-mentioned countries.

Academic requirements

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or equivalent in Cultural Sciences or other study areas relevant to the World Heritage Studies curriculum (Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture, Archaeology, Art History, Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Cultural Management or Tourism)
Candidates with professional experience related to world heritage are encouraged to apply.

Enrolment fees

Students are required to pay an enrolment fee of approx. 259 EUR per semester. This fee includes some services offered by the student services (Studentenwerk Frankfurt/Oder) and the BTU student council. The fee also pays for a semester ticket, which permits free travel on all public transport with VBB in the state of Brandenburg and in Berlin as well as free use of the regional train (RE 18 and 15) to Dresden.

Costs of living

The cost of studying abroad can differ significantly from studying in your home country. We recommend that students budget between 550 to 700 EUR per month for accommodation, health insurance, living expenses, books, etc. Of course, this amount depends entirely on the individual lifestyle.
Monthly costs:

• rent (incl. utilities): 170-280 EUR
• groceries: 150 EUR
• health insurance, medical fees, medication: 80 EUR
• miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 100-200 EUR

Total: 550-750 EUR
You will not need to pay for public transport in Berlin and Brandenburg. The semester ticket for buses and trains operated by VBB is already included in the semester fee.

Job opportunities

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, and it is not always easy to find a part-time job. Non-EU citizens are allowed by law to work for a maximum of 120 days per year. Students who are employed by the university in one of the institutes or departments ("Studentische Hilfskräfte") are exempt from this regulation, but other restrictions apply.

Funding opportunities within the university

The International Office is pleased to be able to grant a limited number of scholarships to foreign students. These include exchange scholarships for students from partner universities, scholarships for completion of studies, and scholarships involving tutorial work.
https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/incoming-students/during-studies/scholarship

Arrival support

The university's International Relations Office assists foreign students with registration and enrolment procedures at the university upon arrival. It also holds an information session at the beginning of each semester covering administrative procedures and cultural events that are offered throughout each semester. The BTU holds an orientation week each October prior to the beginning of classes. During this week, each faculty offers orientation sessions. New students are provided with detailed programme information as well as academic advice and have the opportunity to meet professors and other students at these orientation sessions. The student organisation, OTIWO, offers cultural events throughout this week. Attendance is highly recommended! The university's tutor group "BTU Buddies" and the student council are there to assist English-speaking students in the international programmes. For example, they will accompany the students when registering for health insurance and with municipal authorities.

Services and support for international students

To ensure that international students feel comfortable on the BTU campuses and around the cities of Cottbus and Senftenberg, the Student Activities Office, run by the International Relations Office, offers services such as cultural events, excursions, job and career advice, home stays with German families, and much more.
For more information, please consult this website. See: https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/incoming-students/during-studies
Furthermore, intensive guidance is provided by professors, lecturers, and programme officers within the study programmes.

Accommodation

Most students live in on-campus student residences. Rooms are mostly either single with a shared kitchen and bathroom or one-room apartments. Prices range from 190 to 270 EUR. More information on accommodation is available at http://www.studentenwerk-frankfurt.de.
Private off-campus accommodation is also available. You can rent your own apartment or share with other students. Private accommodation can be found on the Internet at: https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/incoming-students/arrival.