What are examinations?
Modularised credit points system for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Examinations occur throughout bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. Examination material is delivered through individual learning units (examination modules), with examinations taking place at the end of each semester. Examinations can come in the form of written examinations, oral examinations, presentations, or written seminar papers, etc. Successful study progress is continually measured through credit points. Credit points (CP) are acquired when examination modules are passed. These are acquired from the first semester onwards. A course of study is successfully completed when the required number of credit points has been acquired. Course material is spread across all semesters. The credit point system is based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Examinations in modularised state examination degree programmes
The examination regulations of modularised state examination degree programmes differ from those in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. You can gain further information via the introductory events of the respective degree programme.
What are modules?
A degree programme is divided into different modules. A module is an overarching area of study that is composed of one or more courses. How extensive a module is can be recognised by the number of credit points assigned to it. In general, there is typically an examination covering all of the courses in a module (Modulgesamtprüfung).
What are credit points?
The extent of academic work required for a course is indicated by the assigned credit points (CP). They show how much work is required to complete a module or course. A degree programme is successfully completed when the prescribed number of credit points has been attained. The learning material is spread across all semesters. The credit point system is based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
What do I need a module catalogue for?
The module catalogue outlines the structure and content of the degree programme. In the module catalogue, you can find information about how you should plan your studies, when each module is offered, and when it is best to complete each module. You can also find out what courses are offered as part of each module in the current semester.
The structure and development of each degree programme is described in the module catalogue. The module catalogue contains an overview of the module topics covered in each degree programme. In a modularised degree programme, the topics to be covered are divided into modules. A module contains a collection of courses (e.g., lectures, seminars, exercises, projects, internships, excursions, etc.) that fall under an overarching topic, which is addressed from different perspectives.
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Structure of a degree programme
Bachelor’s degree programmes at the University of Augsburg are divided into the following modules: basic module (Basismodule) (approx. first and second semester), advanced module (Aufbaumodule) (approx. third and fourth semester), and specialisation module (Vertiefungsmodule) (approx. fifth and sixth semester).
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A distinction is made between compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory modules must be taken. Elective modules allow students to select specific topics to study. The courses available to study within each module each semester are usually described in the module catalogue of the respective degree programme or subject. The sub-topics or courses available in each module and how many credit points can be earned by taking them are also described in the module catalogue.
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Student performance in the various courses of a module is evaluated according to grades and credit points (CP) (Leistungspunkten, LP). Grades assess student performance based on qualitative factors, whereas credit points provide information about the workload associated with student performance. For example, the workload for 1 CP is approximately 30 hours of work. As 180 CP must be acquired in a six-semester bachelor’s degree programme, the average requirement per semester is 30 CP.
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Student performance is assessed via examinations, which can come in the following forms:
??????? lecture (Vorlesung) → exam (Klausur)
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What type of examination applies for specific modules or courses is described in the module catalogue.
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The workload to be invested in each module is weighted by the lecturer in charge. Criteria for evaluating the workload are, for example, the duration of course attendance (1 SWS = a “semester hour per week,” e.g., one contact hour per week during the lecture period), the preparation and follow-up required for each seminar, writing of a written assignment, time preparing for a presentation, time preparing and writing exams.?
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Completion of a degree programme
If all of the required credit points (bachelor’s degree: 180 CP) have been fully acquired by the end of the degree, then the degree programme has been completed. Examinations and other forms of assessment (e.g., written assignments) are spread across all semesters. The final grade for the entire degree is calculated proportionately (arithmetic mean) from the grades acquired each semester through assessment items, as well as from the thesis completed at the end of the degree. The final grade thus reflects student achievement from the first to the final semester. Upon completion of their studies, students will be awarded an academic degree (e.g., B.A. = Bachelor of Arts or B. Sc. = Bachelor of Science) in the form of a diploma and a diploma supplement with an explanation of their degree programme.????????
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Note on education degree programmes (Lehramtstudium):
Please note that in modularised Bavarian education degree programmes there is a state examination in addition to module examinations, 60% of which is included in the final grade.