Course structure
- Modules
Bachelor and Masters courses are characterised by clear division into individual components, known as modules. There are compulsory and supplementary modules. In these modules, students must gain a certain number of credit points. This new system replaces the "certificates" that are usual on Magister and Diplom degree courses.
- ECTS
All courses and the work completed are assigned points as part of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This system has now been introduced in all European countries and aims to make courses studied comparable across Europe. It also allows students easy recognition of courses studied in another country.
- One credit point corresponds to 20 hours of work: This includes teaching courses, placements and work at home (preparing for and following up lectures). A minimum number of credit points must be obtained in each module.
- The requirement for completing a course is evidence of a particular number of credit points. A Bachelor degree is complete when the student has obtained at least 180 points. A Masters degree requires 120 credits. The 300 points correspond to a total of five years of study. The final grade is made up of the grades obtained in all components of the course.
- Traditional German degrees such as the Magister and Diplom divide the course into two sections: the basic study stage and the main study stage. The basic study stage usually lasts for the first four semesters. During this time, students are taught the theoretical principles of their subject and gain an overview of the research approaches and methods in their field of study. The basic study stage ends with the intermediate examination or intermediate diploma. During the main study stage, the knowledge already gained is deepened and extended.
- At the end of the course a written dissertation on a topic of the student's choice is normally produced within four to six months. There are also final written examinations and oral examinations in the subjects studied.
- The course is complete when the final examinations have been passed and the degree has been awarded.
