University of St Andrews

At a glance

Please note that this exchange is unavailable for 2023-2024. The Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) in Jena, founded in 1558, has around 21,000 students enrolled in over ten different faculties. Students of either the University or the University of Applied Sciences make up one quarter of the inhabitants of Jena. Approximately 340 professors and 6,400 members of staff work at the University and University Hospital.

Established : 1558
Student Population : 21000
History : The Physics department at FSU Jena has a long tradition in Astrophysics and Optics. Triggered by the development of the optical industry in Jena by Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott in the 19th century, the research focus of the University has adapted accordingly. Today, FSU Jena has one of the strongest reputations in these fields not only in Germany, but in Europe. Ernst Abbe himself was an astronomer and the director of the University Observatory. Today, reseach focuses on star and planet formation, neutron stars, and stellar debris disks, along with applied astro-photonics for instrument development in astronomy. The University also runs an observatory with three telescopes.

Website and links

Website : Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Homepage

Study abroad page : International Study Webpage

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena (University of Jena):

NB: This exchange is open to Astrophysics students on the MPhys degree programme in their Senior Honours year, with scholarly interests that would be complemented by courses offered at Jena that are unavailable at St Andrews.

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2021/2
Semester 1 Oct 2021 to Feb 2022
Semester 2 Apr 2022 to Jul 2022
2022/3
Semester 1 Oct 2022 to Feb 2023
Semester 2 Apr 2023 to Jul 2023

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : Modules are available in English, as well as German.

See our Credits and modules abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See Academic information for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : One place is available in alternate years. Please contact the Study Abroad Coordinator for Physics and Astronomy for further information.

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

You can fly into the following airports when travelling to Jena:

• Halle-Leipzig Airport
• Frankfurt Airport
• Munich Airport
• Berlin Airport

There is also a regular train service if you are travelling from other parts of Germany.

Accommodation

Applicants who apply online for student housing by the given deadlines of 31 July/ 31 January will receive a student dormitory room offer. FSU may give advice on where to look for private accommodation, but cannot assist students in their search.

If you chose to apply, the Studierendenwerk provides all international students with a service package containing the following benefits: rent for a furnished single room in halls of residence for 6 months, one meal with one drink each from Monday to Friday, semester fee, tutor programme, and free entry to all events held by the Studierendenwerk. Applications must be delivered by 15 July or 15 January, respectively.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

Support Services are provided for International students.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.