Main Content

Studying in Marburg

Philipps-University Marburg, which was founded in 1527, is the oldest existing Protestant university in the world. Nowadays, it is a secular university which is open to students from all religious background. From its modest start with three departments, the university has grown to now consist of 16 faculties that cover most areas of science except engineering. More than 350 professors and readers are employed by Philipps-University; the School of Business & Economics currently has 18 tenured professors. The Master of Science in International Political Economy is primarily offered by the Department of Economics.

Philipps-University is not contained within an easily observed boundary; the buildings hosting the different departments are scattered throughout the city. The four buildings that comprise the School of Business & Economics are located close to each other in the city centre of Marburg.

Philipps-University is more than an academic institution. Some of the other services it offers include:

Centre for Sports at the University (Zentrum für Hochschulsport)

The Centre for Sports has a large and varied programme every semester; there are about 130 weekly training sessions in more than 30 popular sports. All members of the Philipps-University may participate in these events. A programme booklet is published every semester. This booklet is free of charge and available in the sports office, in the student office, and at many other places around the university. The booklet contains information about facilities available at the Centre for Sports and about the various courses and training sessions it offers, as well as how to register for them. There are also special events during vacation time and a holiday programme. For instance, you can take courses in skiing, rowing, sailing, or surfing outside of semester time and on weekends during the semester. One of the most popular events of the year is the university sports festival 'Sport Dies', which takes place each June.

Zentrum für Hochschulsport,
Am Plan 3, Tel. 28-3974.
Office hours: Mon. 3pm - 5pm, Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9am - 12pm

Music

The Marburg university choir and the Marburg student symphony orchestra (SSO) give regular public concerts and are well-known and popular.

Students who play a musical instrument may practice undisturbed in the Musicians' House in the Old Botanical Garden. Information available only at the Institute for Music, Biegenstr. 11, garden entrance.

Information about concerts (classical, jazz, etc.) is published in the daily press, in the 'Express', and in leaflets distributed at the dining hall.

Support for families – Family Welcome Centre

Philipps-University received the ‘family friendly university’ award in 2005. Various services, ranging from kindergarten to free meals at the canteen, support young families. Students who attend lectures or seminars outside the opening hours of their regular childcare are eligible for financial support. Family service provides advice to persons with children. 

Computer support

The ‘Hochschulrechenzentrum’ (HRZ) provides a free student account that makes it possible to use the computer labs and printers in the faculties and the libraries. Usually, the computer labs are attended by HRZ staff members, who are well qualified to assist with any computer problems.

International relations

Information for incoming and outgoing students can be found here. The 'Sprachenzentrum' (language centre) provides various language courses. 

Next Steps: