The interdisciplinary Master's program "Medieval and Renaissance Studies" is supported by more than 10 departments and institutes, spanning 5 university faculties. It is designed for students from Germany and abroad whose previous academic work has included an emphasis on medieval studies. Through specialization in a particular area, students of this program will deepen their knowledge of their chosen field. At the same time, through participation in relevant courses in neighbouring fields and interdisciplinary training in medieval studies methods, they will acquire a methodologically and theoretically broad scientific view of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The two-year program is organized into three sections: the curriculum individuale, curriculum commune and curriculum particulare. In the curriculum individuale, students choose their personal area of specialization. Their Master's thesis will then be carried out within this area of expertise. The curriculum commune encompasses courses in interdisciplinary methods, lecture cycles and a module of practice-oriented activities, which all students of the program must complete. In the curriculum particulare, interdisciplinary knowledge and methods are fostered through participation in courses representing the whole spectrum of medieval studies offered at the University of Freiburg.
The Master of Arts degree programme provides graduates with an in-depth knowledge of Slavic Studies. In addition to excellent intercultural and communicative competence in Russian and a second Slavic language, this course of study enables students to develop in-depth understanding of the history and structure of the Slavic languages. At the same time, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of Russian and another literature of the Slavic-speaking world, including its historical and cultural background.
Furthermore, students gain first-hand experience of workshops or conferences, as well as undertaking research or practical work in a Slavic-speaking country. Thus this M.A. programme strengthens their capabilities as independent young researchers.
Familiarisation with theoretical approaches to linguistics, literary and cultural studies (literary history, gender studies, sociolinguistics, etc.) allows students to further develop the skills necessary for reading and analysing literary texts and linguistic data. The over-arching objective of the M.A. is to enable students to become experts in linguistic, literary and cultural developments specific to the Slavic-speaking world.
The online master in Periodontics is a six-semester degree program for licensed dentists that provides theoretical foundations and practical skills in the diagnostics and therapy of diseases in the supporting structures of the teeth. The online portions of the program are designed to impart theoretical knowledge. In this phase, students receive intensive tutoring by trained tele-tutors. The on-campus portions of the program are reserved for practical training in conducting operations.
The aging of our society and its heightened interest in dental health will lead to an increased demand for periodontal therapy and thus also to an increased importance of the field of periodontics. The new master online in Periodontics responds to this demand by providing a high-quality and methodologically sound postgraduate program for dentists who wish to gain qualifications in this field.
“Computers you can’t see” are being lauded as the next big thing in information technology. The challenge of exploiting the growth potential of intelligent embedded systems, their broad range of application, and the numerous conceptual and technical advantages they offer constitutes a lucrative opportunity for research and industry in the coming years. The postgraduate degree program “Intelligent Embedded Microsystems – IEMS” is designed to provide graduates of computer science, microsystems engineering, and related fields with at least one year of professional experience behind them with the technological and algorithmic skills necessary for developing intelligent embedded microsystems. Depending on the student’s previous studies (B.A., degree from a university of applied sciences, diplom), the program encompasses a workload of between 60 and 120 ECTS credits. It consists of online courses with exercise courses, practical courses, projects, seminars, and a master’s thesis and qualifies graduates for a career in this growing field.
This course of study is intended for students of bachelor’s programs who are majoring in a field at another faculty and would like to minor in an area from the field of Catholic theology. The minor field program consists of three modules: foundations of theology, area of specialization, and supplementary area. The foundations module includes introductory courses on the history of the Bible, the Church, and religion, as well as systematic theology. After passing the orientation examination (introduction to the Old Testament, introduction to the New Testament, introduction to Christian doctrine), students begin work on their chosen area of specialization: Christian philosophy of religion, fundamental theology, dogmatic theology, or moral theology. Finally, for the supplementary module students are required to take a seminar in a neighboring discipline of their area of specialization.
The purpose of the field of Catholic theology is to conduct academic study into the Christian understanding of faith, which is based on the historical revelation of God in the Old and New Testament and the interpretation of this revelation by the church community. The various subdisciplines of the field (Biblical theology, ecclesiastical history, philosophy, systematic and practical theology) provide a wealth of critical methods for reflecting on faith.
Since a course of study in theology touches on issues of literary and historical studies, art and cultural history, philosophy, the social sciences, and law, a minor in Catholic Theology can serve as an excellent complement to a variety of major fields.
Bioinformatics and systems biology are young, up-and-coming, and demanding branches of science at the interface between computer science and the life sciences. Bioinformatics and systems biology are both closely connected with recent progress in biotechnology, molecular biology, and medicine.
The master of science program in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology is a two-year interdisciplinary course of study aimed at especially qualified German and international students.
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The master’s program is planned as a consecutive course of study for graduates of a bachelor’s program in computer science with the minor field bioinformatics – like that offered at the University of Freiburg. However, the program is also open to external applicants who possess equivalent qualifications in a field of the natural sciences. The goal of the program is to teach students the methodology of bioinformatics and systems biology and strengthen their background knowledge in areas of biology and computer sciences relevant for these fields.
If you love literature, this is the ideal course for you. You will get to read a large number of exciting novels, short stories, plays, poems, essays and letters besides looking at films and seeing performances of great drama on stage or on DVD. Freiburg’s MA in English Literatures and Literary Theory is the standard MA course that takes you from a BA in British and/or American Literature to a PhD in English or American or postcolonial literature. It offers a wide range of exposure to British and/or American texts of all genres and particularly concentrates on early British literature (pre-1800) in order to ensure a complete coverage of the full range of literature in the English language.
The M.Sc. Geology program covers a wide range from petrology, sedimentology, and structural geology to planetary geology and impact crater research and, across aspects of geothermal energy, water geochemistry, and environmental mineralogy, to the growth of industrially relevant single crystals and the fine structures of crystalline materials.
Hydrology is the science of water – one of the most important foundations of life for humankind and nature. Since the demand for water is on the rise throughout the world, the availability, the distribution, and the quality of water are topics of great national and international relevance in the 21st century. Hydrology focuses especially on the spatial and temporal distribution of water with regard to its amount and quality, both above and under the ground. Current topics of hydrological research include the impact of changes in climate, environmental conditions, and social economics on the water cycle. Hydrology combines methods from the natural sciences with applied environmental research and provides important foundations for planning and decision-making for areas like water management, tap water supply, flood control, and water conservation.<br><br>
The master’s program in hydrology includes self-contained three-week teaching modules on water in the atmosphere, in rivers and lakes, the unsaturated earth zone, and groundwater. These courses include field experiments in which students measure the interaction between components of the water cycle, apply hydrological theories, and prepare mathematical models. In addition to a solid theoretical and thematic grounding in the field, the program includes practical modules with modern computer modeling, data analysis, analytical laboratory methods, field courses, and excursions. The program thus provides students the necessary qualifications to launch a career as environmental scientists. The course of study ends with a master’s thesis in which students are integrated into current research projects, thus providing them a smooth transition to a career or research. <br><br>
Freiburg hydrologists study the water cycle in many different regions of the world. They develop and refine hydrological measurement and testing methods in national and international research projects. Hydrological research in Freiburg is scientifically grounded research on water and the environment with a pronounced practical relevance. Freiburg researchers conduct innovative experiments and develop simulation models that collect data on, visualize, and predict the spatiotemporal dynamics of water flow above and under the ground, thus making it possible to create targeted representations of natural processes of the water cycle as well as of anthropogenic influences or the impact of climate change. Instruction is closely linked to research in all areas and offers the students interesting insight into the most important hydrological research questions from the outset.
Interdisciplinary work and research Microsystems engineering is the engineering discipline with the broadest focus: elements from mathematics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering and materials science form the cornerstones of exciting innovations. Microsystems engineering - a versatile technology that industries can no longer do without The products we deal with on a daily basis are becoming ever smaller, more powerful, smarter, more connected and more independent. Often, however, the sensors and systems that are in these everyday objects are so miniaturized that they are nearly invisible. That is precisely the reason they have taken a foothold in most industries. A lot of the products and systems within such sectors as the automobile industry, medical services, communications and energy are unimaginable today without microsystems engineering, making your career as a microsystems engineer a versatile and exciting choice! Your benefits as a Microsystems Engineering student:
Study at one of the world’s largest and leading academic research centers in the field of microsystems engineering
With around 440 students and 22 professors, we offer an excellent student-teacher ratio for optimal supervisory support.
State-of-the-art equipment with a designated clean room: Here you will become familiar with working in this special laboratory environment.
The German taught Master of Science Mikrosystemtechnik programme has been designed for students with a bachelor's degree in microsystems engineering or a closely related discipline. (Students having a bachelor's in Electronics, Mechatronics, Communication and Electronics, Instrumentation, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, are kindly asked to apply for the English taught programme MSc. Microsystems Engineering .
Business administration focuses on the functions and decision-making processes involved in running a company or business. This includes the basic choice of a location, the legal form and organizational structure of the company, the management of production, human resources development, and decisions on investments and financing. Other important components of business administration are cross-departmental tasks like marketing and internal communication, control and coordination of business activities, internal and external reporting, questions of taxation, and information management.
The bachelor of arts minor field program in Economics focuses on the foundations of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics studies how individual economic actors (e.g., companies, consumers, banks) act and interact on markets. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, studies the factors influencing economic dimensions like growth, economic cycles, and employment. Students can select individual specializations in economic theory, economic policy, and public finance.
Biology is a natural science that developed into an exact experimental science in the 20th century. The main goal of biological research is to find universal scientific principles and laws living organisms are subject to. The course of study in Biology in Freiburg provides a solid scientific grounding in biology with a very broad spectrum of course offerings and attractive possibilities for acquiring a specialization.
Mathematicians are in demand in many branches: banks, insurance, business consultancy, the computer industry, and many more. The bachelor’s program acquaints students with the principles of mathematical thought and work and introduces them to the most important subdisciplines of the field. Students can design part of the course of study themselves by choosing lecture courses on specialized topics and elective courses, e.g., in physics, computer science, or economics. Graduates of the bachelor’s program are qualified to begin the master’s program. Prior knowledge in advanced mathematics is not a prerequisite, but a solid background in school mathematics is useful. It is possible to switch between the teacher education program and the bachelor’s program in the early phases of the course of study.
On the one hand, economics studies how individual actors, such as companies, consumers, and employees interact on markets. The objective is to understand and analyze the complex interactions, events, and results of market activities in complex modern societies from the perspective of a basic understanding of individual behavior. The second area of economics has to do with the activities of the state in economic and social policy. The main area of interest here is the problems that are (or can be) solved by the actors involved collectively within the context of societal institutions. This includes, for instance, economic orders like the social market economy, social security systems, the supply of public goods, and the regulation of natural monopolies.
The M.Sc. Crystalline Materials program covers the areas of crystal growth for scientific and industrial applications, crystal growth experiments in space, semiconductor physics and technology, sensor and detector development, and a broad range of material characterization techniques. The scientific activities are carried out in close collaborations with national and international academic and industrial partners.
The field of European ethnology focuses on scientific study of the everyday cultures of the “many” in Europe, the members of the middle and lower classes. European ethnology deals with cultures in the sense of human interpretation and orientation systems in spaces of various sizes (local cultures, regional cultures, cultures of large regions of Europe such as the Mediterranean, the Alps, the Baltic states, etc.). It is a core belief of the field that cultures can not be defined by ethnicity alone and that it is necessary to take a critical stance against an ethnicization of culture. Research and instruction focus on the coexistence of people of various ethnic background, migratory movements, integration processes, and the relation between majorities and minorities.
The course of study focuses on skills and knowledge concerning the works and theory of visual art within the context of its historical conditions. One of the main goals of instruction is to impart methodological skills and a critically grounded sense of judgment, which may be seen as the most important qualities for practicing a profession related to art history. The minor field program provides students with a solid grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of the field, enabling them to enter into a profession in art history and extend their career opportunities.
The main goal of the minor field program in History is to provide an overview of the historical periods from classical antiquity to the 20th century, the ability to take a critical stance on the past and its interpretations and portrayals, insight into how history has shaped the development and conditions of contemporary society, an in-depth understanding for the otherness of past and foreign living environments through the study of the diachronic development of various cultures, and the ability to engage in networked thinking. The course of study also enables students to develop research questions on their own, conduct independent research, reflect critically on different research positions on concrete topics, and, most importantly, to employ the methods, critical approaches, and tools of the historian.
Philosophy is interpretation of the possibilities and premises of how we conduct our lives and experience the world. Things come more clearly into focus when we see them in a new context that is not colored by our present situation. Only then do they become philosophical in nature. Philosophy encompasses a variety of questions which are subject to change depending on the current historical situation and on what other philosophies a philosopher draws on. What a course of study in philosophy thus entails above all is inquiry into the great classical philosophies. They are the best way to familiarize oneself with the peculiarities of philosophical ways of thinking. In addition, classical conceptions of philosophy provide us an opportunity to view the basic assumptions of our current understanding of life from a distance. The objective of philosophy is to achieve the most possible clarity concerning our lives as human beings and a world that does not belong to us alone.
Students of Scandinavian studies investigate the diverse cultures of the north from the early Middle Ages to the present. The main emphasis of the course of study is on the Scandinavian languages and literatures. Beginning students are not required to possess skills in a Scandinavian language; they have the option of learning Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish during the course of study. In contrast to the major field program, students pursuing a minor in Scandinavian studies select only one of these languages to specialize in. In addition to language skills, students of Scandinavian studies acquire the ability to consider texts, media, and cultural phenomena from a historical perspective and understand, evaluate, and interpret them.
The program in English and American Studies is devoted to the English language and literature in all English-speaking countries. The area of linguistics deals with the English language and its history. While the program focuses primarily on British and American English as well as earlier stages of development of the language, other varieties are also taken into consideration. The area of literary studies concentrates on the history of English and American literature but also examines other English-language literatures. The curriculum also includes language courses and cultural studies courses, as familiarity with the culture of the English-speaking world is a necessary precondition for the study of English language and literature.
Sinology is a philosophical-historical field that focuses on Chinese culture and its development in its intellectual, artistic, and material manifestations. The field is based on the study of primary written and material sources and thus cannot be studied without sufficient skills in the Chinese language and its various stages of development. The individual areas of Chinese culture the field investigates through the study of sources include the language itself as well as history, literature, philosophy, religion, law, economy, society, geography, and ethnology. All of these areas of Sinology are held together by the study of the Chinese language and the acquisition of basic skills in history, literature, and philosophy. Students of the minor field program receive a grounding in the modern and classical Chinese language and several subdisciplines of Sinology. They are also expected to gain fundamental knowledge of Chinese culture, particularly in the areas of history, literature, and philosophy.
This course of study is intended for students of bachelor’s programs who are majoring in a field at another faculty and would like to minor in an area from the field of Catholic theology. The minor field program consists of three modules: foundations of theology, area of specialization, and supplementary area. The foundations module includes an introduction to Biblical and systematic theology as well as an introductory course in practical theology. After passing the orientation examination (introduction to the Old Testament, introduction to the New Testament, introduction to Christian doctrine), students begin work on their chosen area of specialization: Catholic welfare studies and Christian social work, Christian social studies, ecclesiastical law and the legal history of the Church, pastoral theology, or religious education and catechetics. Finally, for the supplementary module students are required to take a seminar in a neighboring discipline of their area of specialization.
The purpose of the field of Catholic theology is to conduct academic study into the Christian understanding of faith, which is based on the historical revelation of God in the Old and New Testament and the interpretation of this revelation by the church community. The various subdisciplines of the field (Biblical theology, ecclesiastical history, philosophy, systematic and practical theology) provide a wealth of critical methods for reflecting on faith.
Since a course of study in theology touches on issues of literary and historical studies, art and cultural history, philosophy, the social sciences, and law, a minor in Catholic theology can serve as an excellent complement to a variety of major fields.
The degree program provides a comprehensive grounding and advanced knowledge in all theological disciplines. Students learn to use this knowledge to answer questions concerning the meaning of human life using clear language. They acquire the skills necessary to discuss these questions one on one with individuals seeking pastoral care. They also learn how to take a theologically grounded position on public debates, for instance on the role of religion in society or on ethical and social issues. Theologians are also increasingly called upon to engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue with representatives of other religious communities. The program includes a free year (Large Externitas) in which priesthood candidates study for two semesters at an external faculty of theology. The Externitas offers candidates the chance to become familiar with another faculty of theology, another local church, and another societal, political, and cultural situation. Another component of the course of study leading to the Ecclesiastical Examination is the practical semester, which consists of an combined parish and school internship.
Embedded Systems Engineering: Helping to shape the digitalization of the future!
Development of smart products for the future
Creating breakthrough new technologies by combining hardware and software to address social and economic challenges in health, mobility, security, energy and environment - for a safer, greener and more sustainable future!
Increase of quality of life, safety and comfort
Connecting physical and virtual objects globally (Internet of Things, IoT) and improving the health and safety of people through intelligent solutions or developing innovative solutions for the digital industry - no industry can do without embedded systems anymore!
Optimization of energy efficiency and sustainability
Improving work and production processes in industry to ensure resource and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes (Industry 4.0) or contribute to resource and energy optimization with wearables, smart homes or smart buildings.
By combining computer science and engineering, highly specialized systems can be built that make our lives smarter, more sustainable, safer and more comfortable.
Digital medical device and health technologies
Wearables: Monitoring health and well-being through wearable sensors
Personalized medicine: Individual and effective use of medicines
Intelligent implants
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Digital energy solutions and higher energy efficiency
Distributed battery-free systems: Making cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) sustainable
Machine learning and embedded artificial intelligence
Improving gene therapies and antiviral drugs
Digitalization in robotics and industrial production (Industry 4.0)
Autonomous technologies that not only act programmatically, but behave according to the situation
Self-driving vehicles and intelligent assistance systems
While the major field program in Forestry and Environment focuses on providing a general grounding in the concrete subdisciplines of forestry, the minor field program in Wood and Bioenergy applies this knowledge to practical activity in concrete professions.
The graduate of the bachelor’s program in Forestry and Environment who also completes the minor in Wood and Bioenergy receives a practical complement to his or her major and thus the skills necessary for a managerial career in forestry or the wood industry (forest-wood chain) or a similar area. In addition, this combination also qualifies graduates for enrollment in master’s programs offered at the faculty, such as those in Forest Science, Renewable Energy Management, Forest Ecology and Management, or European Forestry.
The minor field program in Catalan focuses on the Catalan literature and language in Spain, France, Andorra, and Italy. Students are also expected to acquire solid basic skills in speaking, writing, and translation. In addition, students learn practical skills such as methods of information collection, enabling them to prepare their own oral presentations and research papers and communicate them in an understandable and effective form using modern technical aids (e.g., PowerPoint).
Pharmacy is a field in the natural sciences that is closely related to the life sciences and medicine. Our goal in the bachelor’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences is to provide students an interdisciplinary scientific education in the core subjects pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical biology, and pharmaceutical technology, also taking into consideration relevant medical aspects of the field. Students then go on to pursue specializations in the analysis and quality control of medicinal drugs as well as the development of new active ingredients. Great emphasis is placed on including current research findings. The program is designed to be completed in six semesters and leads to the bachelor of science (B.Sc.). In principle, it qualifies students to enroll in a master’s program in the area of pharmacy or in another area of the natural sciences.
The major field program in Romance Studies focuses on the language and culture of the areas in and outside of Europe where Romance languages are spoken (i.e., French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, etc.). Students choose to specialize in two of these Romance languages. Besides learning the languages, they also receive training in the literature, culture, and geography of the countries in which they are spoken. In addition, students learn practical skills such as methods of information collection, enabling them to prepare their own oral presentations and research papers and communicate them in an understandable and effective form using modern technical aids (e.g., PowerPoint).
The minor field program in Romanian concentrates on the language, literature, and culture of the Romanians. Students are also expected to acquire solid basic skills in speaking, writing, and translating. In addition, students learn practical skills such as methods of information collection, enabling them to prepare their own oral presentations and research papers and communicate them in an understandable and effective form using modern technical aids (e.g., PowerPoint).
Water is the basic precondition for life and thus a central component of ecosystems. Students of the minor field program in Environmental Hydrology begin by learning basic skills in water flow and water storage on various spatial and temporal scales. The program continues with instruction on the foundations of water ecology, a basic grounding in aquatic environmental chemistry, and courses treating water use and problems in managing water as a natural resource. In the course of the program, students acquire the knowledge necessary for understanding water in a natural and human-influenced environment and for applying it directly to professional fields of activity. In combination with the major field program in environmental sciences, the course of study provides ideal preconditions for graduate study in water management, particularly the master’s program in Hydrology at the University of Freiburg.
The goal of the minor field program in Geography is to provide students - an overview of the foundations of general geography, - the knowledge necessary for studying issues of spatial development, the actors involved in this development, and the resulting problems on various levels, - insight into the basic spatial preconditions of modern society, - an in-depth understanding for the otherness of foreign living environments through the study of various regions as well as the ability to compare and engage in networked thinking, - a grounding in the methods, scientific approaches, and tools of geography, in particular cartographic visualization, information collection and analysis in geographical information and communication systems, and the foundations of empirical social research. Fluency in the German language and good skills in one modern foreign language are prerequisites for enrolling in the program.
Cultural and social anthropology studies the diversity of cultures around the world. It investigates cultural forms and intercultural networks within the context of various confrontations, relations, constellations of power, and conflicts in order to promote intercultural competence in a global world. Special emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, i.e., the field does not just focus on majority societies but also on cultural, religious, and ethnic minorities. A course of study in cultural and social anthropology broadens the student’s horizons and serves as an excellent complement to many fields of study, in particular with regard to internationalization and the overcoming of Eurocentric ways of thinking.
The degree program combines cultural and literary studies with media studies and independent creative work. Students receive the theoretical and historical grounding necessary for reflecting on the ever-changing role of media in modern society. In addition, they receive training in analyzing content transmitted through the media (from texts and classical audiovisual mass media to the multimedia formats of the “new media”), also as a starting point for creating their own media content.<br /><br />
Many degree programs in the area of media studies focus either primarily on theoretical competence or on practical skills. The degree program in cultural media studies strikes a happy medium between these two paths. The practical side is covered explicitly in two practical media modules and a mandatory internship in media management. The infrastructure for the practical component of the curriculum is provided by the university’s own New Media Center.
The cross-border bachelor’s program in chemistry provides students from France, Germany, and other countries a three-year course of study with courses rotating yearly between the University of Freiburg and the Université de Haute Alsace, Mulhouse. The program includes:
basic skills in chemistry
basic skills in the minor fields physics, computer science, mathematics, life sciences, and scientific communication techniques
intercultural skills and basic skills in management, administration, law, and economics with regard to the three countries in the region (Germany, France, and Switzerland)
skills in three languages (French, German, English)
The distinctive feature of the program is that the methodological and cultural peculiarities of the participating countries in the various fields of study complement each other and that the courses are taught in both of the partner countries.
This thematically broad degree program leads from theoretical foundations to practice. It focuses on cognition, emotion, interaction, and communication, often in particular fields of application, such as learning with new media, human resources development, or teamwork in organizations. The teachers of the program have received multiple awards for their instruction and research. Students of the program learn how to work with scientific findings and methods independently in various professions. Graduates find positions in research, training and continuing education, school psychology, human resources and organizational development, and in freelance professions. They can also go on to complete a course of study in psychotherapy.
This psychological master’s program focuses on research and praxis on children, youths, and adults in the fields of biopsychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation psychology. These four areas of concentration enable students to acquire well-founded and extensive skills in various fields of research and praxis in clinical psychology.
Curriculum
clinical psychology (e.g., diagnostics, counseling, and psychotherapy for children, youths, and adults on anxiety disorders, depressions, eating disorders, etc.)
neuropsychological procedures and functional imaging for brain function disorders and changed states of consciousness
psychobiological mechanisms and diagnostics for psychological disorders (e.g., stress-related disorders, social interaction disorders)
rehabilitation psychology (e.g., counseling and psychotherapy for patients with tumor diseases, chronic pain, heart attack)
research methods and consolidation of basic knowledge in psychology
project work, fall seminar, master’s thesis
Graduates of the program are qualified for…
psychological work with children, youths, and adults in the areas of clinical psychology, clinical neurosciences, and rehabilitation psychology (e.g., diagnostics, preparation of expert’s opinions, counseling);
research into the foundations and applications of clinical psychology, clinical neurosciences, rehabilitation psychology, and psychotherapy;
enrollment in qualification programs for psychological psychotherapy as well as child and youth psychotherapy.
Postgraduate Training
Graduates of the master’s program can go on to complete a postgraduate training program in child and youth psychotherapy (FAKiP GmbH) or psychological psychotherapy (FAVT) in Freiburg.
Students of the program acquire clinical skills and basic skills in clinical research for evidence-based care. The program is oriented toward international standards for initial academic training in care. Students have the option of receiving professional qualification as a registered nurse in the course of the program (at the end of the second year). In the third year of the program students choose an area of specialization. Students complete internships each semester to obtain clinical skills. Examinations are conducted at the end of each module to test the students’ progress.
The master of science in Chemistry is a four-semester program. In the first two semesters students take advanced courses in the areas of chemistry in which they do not intend to write their master’s thesis, and in the last two semesters they take courses in the area in which they are writing their thesis as well as in neighboring areas. Students write their master’s thesis during the fourth semester.
The curriculum consists of four modules. The student’s grade for each module is made up of a practical examination and an oral examination. The new interdisciplinary module “Methods and Concepts” includes courses from both chemistry and neighboring fields (e.g., physics, biology, microsystems engineering).
The degree program is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity to gain experience abroad. Students are allowed to complete some of their coursework at other faculties of the university or at research institutes abroad. This work is recognized in full as credit toward the degree.
The main goal of the degree program, which is designed to be completed alongside a full-time job, is to provide health care professionals engaged in the area of palliative care practically oriented and academically challenging further training in this area and qualify them for positions in the management and praxis of stationary and ambulant palliative care, in training and continuing education, and in science and research. The program provides students with the necessary competencies to care for critically ill and dying patients as well as their families and friends, including central skills in medicine, psychology, social science, ethics, and organizational management, as well as comprehensive methods for analyzing, developing, and designing modern palliative care structures.
The online master’s program in photovoltaics is unique due to its combination of flexible online learning and a profound technological focus. The accredited program provides an education in physics, technology, systems engineering, and the foundations of business management in the area of photovoltaics. <br /> <br />The program unites the theoretical depth expected of a master of science program with practical training and industrial relevance in a unique way. Renowned professors from the Fraunhofer ISE and the University of Freiburg ensure that the program adheres to high standards. A large part of the practical training for the program is conducted in the laboratories of the Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg.
The online master’s program in Physicotechnical Medicine (PTM), offered by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Freiburg in cooperation with the Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering of the Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences, enables practicing doctors to receive further training in the use of medical technology. The curriculum follows the principle of blended learning and teaches skills in guiding medical personnel and in conducting research and development work at hospitals and at companies; it also teaches, e.g., expert knowledge on making competent decisions on investments in medical equipment. As an international degree, the M.Sc. qualifies as credit toward a doctoral degree.
The master’s program focuses on cultural phenomena and processes, everyday practices, and living environments in modern, complex European societies. The program does not regard Europe as a space that can be clearly defined – or even less, limited – in a geographical sense, but as a historical, empirical, and cognitive frame that includes all ideas, images, experiences, perceptions, and interpretations connected with the construct “Europe.”
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The goal is to qualify students to engage in problem-based, practically oriented, theory-driven, and methodologically sound academic work. Students thus acquire skills in analyzing and interpreting the cultural processes and organizations of Europe’s modern societies and consolidate their knowledge of the field-specific skills, methods, and perspectives necessary for professions at and outside of the university. <br>
An empirical study project is an important component of the program.
Sociology is a reality science that obtains its findings through the application of theories and methods to empirical phenomena and topics. The curriculum is thus divided into the areas theories, methods, content/topics, and research and teaching. The program teaches students advanced knowledge in classical and modern theories and qualitative and quantitative methods as a means of obtaining knowledge. Students learn to apply this knowledge to societal phenomena and practice it by conducting research and teaching courses. The M.A. program emphasizes the close link between theory and methods with regard to empirical data, and it also teaches students how to combine qualitative and quantitative methods. Sociological instruction in Freiburg currently focuses on the following topics: gender issues, globalization, sociology of culture, modernization, and security and society.
The prerequisites for admission are:
a course of study of at least three years’ duration in Jewish studies at a German or international higher education institution,
good German language skills,
good English language skills,
good skills in modern Hebrew as well as biblical Hebrew.
The master’s program in Jewish studies focuses on the culture, religion, literature, history, philosophy, and languages of Judaism from their origins in the Bible and the Talmud to modern times, both in the Diaspora and in the modern state of Israel.
The goal of the program is to teach students to engage in independent intercultural and interreligious work in various areas of Judaistic praxis and research. Students thus acquire knowledge concerning Judaism, analytical and methodological skills, language skills, and cultural sensitivity. The course of study provides students the freedom to choose their own areas of specialization in Jewish studies, allowing them to develop an individual research project and/or pursue a specific career goal.
The research-oriented program “Ancient Near Eastern Studies – Living Environments in Past and Present” focuses on the ways of life and living environments of the societies of the old Orient and their cultural, religious, economic, and political views. Since ancient Near Eastern studies is treated as an anthropological, social, cultural, and historical field in Freiburg, the program also touches on current and contemporary developments in the Near East. The analysis of current processes serves as a point of departure for building models and theories to reconstruct ancient Near Eastern societies. In addition, the in-depth study of (pre)historical societies provides a basis for reflecting on current developments. Students of the program are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge of the material culture of the ancient Near East, including its written legacy, and learn methods and theories for analyzing its context. Students of the research-oriented M.A. program “Ancient Near Eastern Studies – Living Environments in Past and Present” thus learn how to conduct independent research on topics with relevance for the field.
The M.A. program in musicology teaches practices and methods for describing, analyzing, and critically evaluating works of music of all genres and periods and placing them in their cultural, political, economic, and social context. Special emphasis is placed on developing the students’ sensitivity and sense of judgment concerning the formal and aesthetic elements of these works and their significance. Analytical tasks train the students to express their practical listening experiences in words, thus building on the skills in composition and forming a mental image of music they acquired in the B.A. program and extending their grasp of the history of music and their familiarity with a broad musical repertoire. The overarching goal is to train and strengthen the students’ powers of critical thinking and judgment with regard to methodology and developing their own critical standpoint.
"Why earn a master’s degree in physics?<br>
Open to students who have completed a bachelor of science in physics, the M.Sc. program in Physics builds upon the basic grounding in the field students receive as undergraduates. It includes training in advanced topics in physics and selected areas of specialization. The last year of the program is devoted to the completion of a master’s thesis, with which students provide evidence of their ability to conduct independent research. Earning a master of science, equivalent to the previous “Diplom” degree, is advisable for anyone who wishes to pursue a research career related to physics. The bachelor/master structure is still young in Germany, but initial experiences show that the typical professional areas for university degree holders in physics – the software or technical industry, consulting and financial management, etc. – appreciate graduate-level qualifications. Moreover, for graduates of the bachelor’s program it is the next natural step toward a PhD, which in turn is a prerequisite for leading positions in business or industry or for a university career.
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The Master’s Program at the University of Freiburg
The master’s program in Physics at the University of Freiburg focuses on three core areas: “condensed/soft matter,” “atomic, molecular, and optical physics,” and “particles and fields.” These areas cover both theoretical and experimental aspects of problems, ranging from the fundamental constituents and interactions of matter to complex atomic and molecular systems, with applications that vary from pure physics to biology, chemistry, medical science, and engineering. Besides providing an education in solid physics, the program also offers access to fundamental research.<br>
The master’s degree program in Freiburg is held in English, with only very few lectures being conducted in German, and is intended for German as well as international students with a bachelor’s degree in physics (or an equivalent degree in a related science). The program runs over four semesters, i.e., two years, and concludes with a final one-year thesis, which can be written either directly at the Institute of Physics or at one of the research institutes associated with the university – the Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the Kiepenheuer Institute for Solar Physics (KIS), or the Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modeling (FDM).
The M.Sc. program provides an advanced education in biology in a broad spectrum of areas, reflecting the great diversity of research conducted at Freiburg’s Faculty of Biology. This spectrum includes both all kinds of organisms and all levels of observation and complexity studied within the context of the biological sciences (from molecular structures, cells, tissue, and organs to organisms, ecosystems, and complex evolutionary processes).
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The master’s program is research-oriented and trains students to conduct experimental scientific research.
Students can elect to specialize and write their master’s thesis in any subdiscipline of mathematics offered in Freiburg, including
Algebra, Algebraic Geometry, Arithmetic Geometry, Number Theory
Analysis
Applied Analysis and Numerical Analysis
(Differential) Geometry and Topology
Mathematical Logic, Model Theory and Set Theory
Probability Theory, Mathematical Finance, and Statistics
The first four semesters of the bachelor’s program in Business Administration (Public and Non-Profit Management) provide a general overview of public management and non-profit management as well as basic skills in the principles and methods of business administration and economics. In the fifth and sixth semesters, students acquire more advanced skills in business administration and the complementary skills in economics, with a special emphasis on the area of public and non-profit enterprises and organizations. Parallel to their field-specific courses, students acquire transdisciplinary key qualifications, such as techniques of academic writing, foreign language skills, and teamwork and cooperation. 365 Volkswirtschaftslehre Economics Students of the M.Sc. program in Economics acquire the advanced analytical skills necessary to explore complex economic and societal issues. In addition to knowledge concerning the current economic situation, students develop the ability to identify, to structure, to analyze, and finally to solve problems in a variety of areas of application. Students are expected to acquire wide-ranging specialized knowledge and methodological competence, enabling them to launch successful careers as responsible decision makers in politics, business, and research. The M.Sc. program in economics is divided into the areas economic theory, economic policy, public finance, business administration, quantitative methods, and business informatics. It thus forms a seamless continuation of the B.Sc. program in Economics.
The central component of the field of educational planning and instructional design is the principles and methods of instructional design. This also includes questions concerning educational planning. Instructional design encompasses the entire instructional process, from the analysis of learning needs and goals to the development of a system of learning. It includes the development of learning materials and tasks as well as the testing and evaluation of the entire instructional process and learning activities. This process can be divided into the following steps:
- Identification of specific educational needs
- Analysis of the target group and framework requirements
- Identification of educational goals
- Selection of content
- Design of the learning environment
- Development of learning material
- Implementation of media
- Implementation of the learning strategy
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of the strategy both during and after the learning process
The successful conception and implementation of technology-based learning environments is a collective product of experts with regard to the learning content to be conveyed, the instructional design, and the implementation of technology. Instructional design is a planning science based on established theories of learning and instruction. It can be described as an interface between various other disciplines, including psychology, cognitive science, instructional science, curriculum and lesson planning theory, computer science, communications, and the sociology of knowledge. However, it is not based entirely on the knowledge of other disciplines, but rather contributes to the development of theories and research itself by way of empirical studies on the effectiveness and transfer efficiency of various learning arrangements.
The goal of the course of study is to provide students with the skills and abilities necessary for engagement with normative foundations, political processes, and decisions and for critical analysis of the functional logic of political institutions, processes, and systems. In particular, political science includes the following three subdisciplines: - Comparative Political Science - International Politics - Political Theory
The degree program in Islamic Studies provides in-depth knowledge on the Islamic world and its history and culture, profound insight into the Islamic religion, cultural, historical, and political understanding of current events and processes in Islamic societies, and solid skills in two of the three languages Arabic, Farsi, or Turkish. It focuses on a geographical area that encompasses North and West Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Southern Europe and Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Indonesia. Besides conveying knowledge of diverse forms of Islamic culture in their historical depth, the program also concentrates on the intellectual, cultural, and social phenomena and problems of the present-day Islamic world. Students are required to learn two of the three languages Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish. Over and above the modern written language, students also learn how to read written sources from older stages of development of these languages in the original version and use them for independent study. In addition to providing a solid grounding in Islamic studies and the necessary philological skills for academic research, the program enables students to engage critically with selected questions of Islamic studies and conduct independent research on them.
The B.A. program in Archaeological Sciences provides a solid grounding in the content, methods, and theories of archaeological research. It focuses both on archaeological records and monuments still located at their original site and objects from excavations and collections. The course of study covers Europe, the Mediterranean area, and the Near East in all periods, from the first appearance of humans to the early modern period. Students choose an emphasis in four of the following six archeological areas: prehistoric archaeology, Near Eastern archaeology, classical archaeology, archaeology of the Roman provinces, Christian archaeology and Byzantine art history, and early historical archaeology and the archaeology of the Middle Ages.
The field of Jewish studies focuses on the culture, religion, literature, languages, and history of Judaism from their Biblical origins to modern times. It also encompasses an extraordinarily large geographical area, taking into account not only Israel but also the Diaspora in research and instruction. A certain degree of specialization is thus absolutely essential. Jewish studies at the University of Freiburg concentrates on two areas: the Biblical and Talmudic literature, which has a major impact on Judaism to the present day, and contemporary Jewish literature, as the modern state of Israel has become a new center of Jewish life. These two poles are excellent starting points for reaching an understanding of all topics of Jewish studies. In addition to the study of sources, the program emphasizes topics from cultural and religious history.
The bachelor’s program takes the compositional foundations of Western music as a starting point to provide an initial overview of the field of musicology, which is combined from the outset with a methodological grounding. Research and teaching at the department focuses on the area of historical music research, which is concerned primarily with the creation, notation, appearance, rendition, performance, function, and impact of works from the history of European music. It includes music philology (the study of sources and the preparation of critical sheet music), musical analysis, the study of historical performance practice, biography, historical characterizations of music in their cultural and social context, reception research (the history of the impact of works of music), and the historical development of music theory, aesthetics, and musical terminology. In order to complete the course of study, students must possess excellent German language skills as well as good skills in English and one other foreign language. Although musicology is a theory-driven field of study, it is connected to musical practice in numerous ways. Familiarity with the basic principles of music theory and prior practical experience with music are thus necessary prerequisites for a successful course of study in the field. This includes experience with composition, the ability to form a mental picture of music just by reading the sheet music, and basic knowledge of the history of music and the musical repertoire.
The curriculum of the program in Sociology is divided into three modules: methods, theories, and content/phenomena. Methods are procedures for acquiring and verifying knowledge. Content/phenomena consist of selected domains of reality. The program focuses on social differentiations, social action, social structures, and the development and current state of systems and social norms in families, business, law, politics, and culture. It is oriented toward the norms for the study of sociology developed by the German Sociological Association. Academic training in the field of sociology is also institutionalized as an educational process in which students strengthen and internalize certain personality attributes, such as courage, the use of one’s intellect, alertness and skepticism concerning intellectual self-deception, tolerance in enduring the reality of life, a sense of balance between enthusiasm, willingness to enter into conflict, solidarity, and humility.
Liberal Arts and Sciences is a specific approach to Bachelor level education and an alternative to disciplinary study. Combining academic breadth and depth with student choice, LAS encourages intellectual discovery and personal development in an international learning community.
LAS offers interdisciplinary training that allows for individual emphases:
The Core (56 ECTS) encompasses basic and advanced academic skills, reflections on knowledge and science, and a curriculum on Responsibility and Leadership.
In the Electives (64 ECTS) , students can choose from a variety of options and courses as well as undertake study projects of their own.
The Major (102 ECTS + 16 ECTS Multidisciplinarity) constitutes the students’ training in a specific academic field. LAS offers four Majors: (1) Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, (2) Life Sciences, (3) Governance, (4) Culture and History.
Have a look at our course insights: https://www.ucf.uni-freiburg.de/liberal-arts-and-sciences/teaching-and-learning
Read what students and alumni say about LAS in our LAS Stories: https://www.ucf.uni-freiburg.de/prospective-students/las-stories
And visit our online and live Open Days: https://www.ucf.uni-freiburg.de/open-days
Forests are becoming ever more important worldwide. They play a vital role in conserving natural habitats and biodiversity, provide us with the valuable raw material wood, and also often have a high recreational value. In order to conserve the forest ecosystem and its wide range of functions, forest management needs to consider ecological, economic, and social aspects in equal measure. Another global challenge is the impact of climate change on the world’s forests. Forests need to be adapted to meet changing climactic conditions, and they also function as a carbon sink. The goal of the degree program “M.Sc. Forest Sciences/ Forstwissenschaften” is to train students to become forest experts who are capable of addressing the current challenges and questions of ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable forest management in theory and practice and in both national and international contexts.
Students of the degree program “M.Sc. Umweltwissenschaften/Environmental Sciences” receive a broad grounding in environmental sciences. They learn to consider and approach problems from the perspective of a range of disciplines. The students receive training in methods from earth science, soil science, meteorology, biology, and hydrology as well as in technical methods and approaches for solving environmental problems. Since sustainable solutions to environmental problems also need to take issues of societal acceptance into account, another important component of the curriculum is training in political, socioeconomic, and planning skills. The goal of the degree program “M.Sc. Umweltwissenschaften/Environmental Sciences” is to provide students with an interdisciplinary education that is at the same time theoretically sound and practically relevant for a wide range of potential fields of work.
This broad field requires an interdisciplinary approach that allows anthropological questions to be addressed and discussed in a dialogue with a range of disciplines. Numerous fields from the humanities, social and cultural sciences, and natural sciences are involved in the University of Freiburg’s program in Interdisciplinary Anthropology, including biological anthropology, history, ethnology, philosophy, sociology, and cognitive science. The first semester of the master’s program Interdisciplinary Anthropology provides students with a basic grounding in the theories and methods of anthropology. This promotes their ability to engage in a dialogue with scholars from other fields and to transfer their knowledge between the perspectives of the various disciplines. In the second phase of the program, students build on this broad anthropological fundament in a self-chosen area of specialization. Thus, the students first receive insight into the theory and practice of various fields of anthropological research and then acquire more detailed knowledge in one particular field. In this way, they become acquainted with the current state of research and current research questions in their area of specialization and learn how to conduct research in the human sciences on the basis of their work in that area.
