TeSS stands for "Technology, Science and Society". This study programme is based in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). TeSS prepares students for the social challenges of developing a responsible and sustainable use of technology in our knowledge societies. It promotes critical-reflective thinking and deepens the understanding of the historical, political and ethical dimensions of technical objects, infrastructures and production processes. All of these skills are recognized with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and a "Technology in Society" certificate.

The program is a part-time certificate program that requires at least a first professional qualification (usually a bachelor's degree). It is also possible to complete the certificate course during or after a master's or diploma degree. In addition, you can also complete the course during your bachelor's degree after consultation.

You enroll in TeSS differently than in a regular Master's or Bachelor's degree program. You sign a so-called study contract with the BTU. To do this, please contact Viola Bernhard at the Center for Continuing Education (ZWW): weiterbildung@b-tu.de.

The entire certificate program lasts (at least) 2 semesters (36 ECTS). You must take two compulsory modules, all other modules are elective modules.

There is a cost of €280.

Further information can also be found on the ZWW website. 

Important note: The modules listed in the TeSS module catalog can be credited twice, for the certificate program, but also for the degree program in which you are enrolled (provided the module is recognized there). If you are not enrolled at the BTU, you can still enroll in TeSS and gain access to the BTU's services, such as the library.

If you have any questions about the content and structure of the course, please contact Prof. Schwarz at schwarza@b-tu.de. Questions about enrollment or other administrative questions should be directed to weiterbildung@b-tu.de.

Daria Solopova (student Environmental and Research Management ERM)

When I checked the list of modules, I decided that this program was made for me, so interesting it seemed to me. I have already completed some of the modules listed during my master's program and I was satisfied with them. The most important thing for me in learning is the literature going on and the teachers' interest in what they teach. I also like the fact that the TeSS modules are very diverse and will thus attract people from various fields.  At the same time, this program still has its own specifics and that's also great because I can meet people with the same interests and find new friends.

 Mohamed Mostafa (student Heritage Conservation and Site Management HCMS):

TeSS brings together three critical poles; science, technology, and society. It profoundly explores a relatively new societal aspect which is the societal system's proposed changes under the continuous domination of technology, highlighting the pressing need to know and apply new forms of scientific practices to ensure participation and civic engagement. In an environment of academic neutrality, the researcher will be encouraged and given the complete freedom to come up with answers to whether these changes are going to be in favour of society or not, to what extent it is, and what can be done then, which encourages the critical thinking.