Is this program full-time or is it part-time for working professionals?

The Master Online Photovoltaics is especially designed for working people and is therefore part-time.

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the program is accredited by the German accreditation agency Acquin as an official German University's Master program.

Which language will be used in the program? Will I have to speak German to take part in the program?

The program is designed for international students and therefore the teaching language is English. This includes the e-lectures, scripts, practical training and seminars. As our teachers are German speaking, personal communication with teachers management staff can also be in German.

Can I study from a non-European country?

From our side, this is possible. You must consider, however, that twice a year there will be workshops in Freiburg for hands-on  training and seminars and the time shift with respect to Germany may cause you some inconvenience for synchronous web meetings. Please be also aware of the Visa situation for entering Germany for the presence phases in Freiburg.

For the future, we plan to extend our network of cooperation partners so that hands-on training and seminars can be provided at several places around the world.

Can I be admitted to the program with an academic degree in a different field than exact sciences or engineering?

Admission is decided by a board that has the freedom to decide to admit students from different fields, provided they see a definite perspective that the candidate has the ability to complete the program successfully.

As the Master Online  Photovoltaics deals with the physics and engineering of photovoltaics on a very high technical level, you might have to familiarize yourself single-handedly with the scientific basics. In that case we can give you advice on what to read for preparation. Furthermore our teachers and assistants will assist you when you have questions in the course of the program.

Can I be admitted to the program without a non-an academic degree (i.e German Techniker-Abschluss)?

The Master of Science program Photovoltaics requires a Bachelor degree. Judging from the actual state of affairs we cannot admit certified engineers

However, we plan to offer single modules as certified courses in the near future, that can be attended by engineers without a previous academic degree.

Will the credit points earned in the Master Online Photovoltaics be valid abroad?

The credits are awarded according to the European Credit Transfer Systems (ECTS) and are thus compatible with programs at other European universities.

What are the requirements regarding professional experience?

Usually, the program requires a work experience of one year. Note that work experience is not restricted to the field of photovoltaics.

Please apply for the program even if you have no work experience. The admission committee can decide in your favor.

How long will the course of my study be?

How long you will study depends on your prior qualification:

• With a university Master´s or diploma degree (up to 240 ECTS-points can be taken into account): 5 semesters (15 achievable creditpoints per semester)
• With a Master´s or diploma degree from a University of Applied Sciences (up to 210 ECTS-points can be taken into account): 6 semesters

• With a Bachelor´s degree (up to 180 ECTS-points can be taken into account): 8 semesters

How many hours per week will I need for my studies?

The credits awarded per semester are based on an average work load of 15 hours per week.

Can I complete my studies in a shorter period of time?

To cut your studies short by assuming a higher workload will be possible in the future.

Is it possible to participate only in single modules/courses?

We plan to offer certified single courses/modules in the near future as certified skill enhancement.

When and how long are the workshops in Freiburg?

The workshops for hands-on training, seminars, exams, meeting people, etc. will take place once a semester, that is twice a year. They will last between three days and one week, depending on the work load in the specific semester.

Are there any means of financial support or scholarships

There is currently no special scholarship for the program, because we expect that the students study the Master Online Photovoltaics parallel to their work in a company and thus will have the financial means and even maybe financial support from their employer.

When does the program start?

The program starts with preparation courses in April 2010, which will be attended by students who have no previous University Master´s degree or who want/have to improve their knowledge in the specific areas provided in the preparation courses. Basic courses start in October 2010. Please ask for advice regarding your specific schedule.