FAQ M.A. Programm

Where can I find information on the programme structure and courses?

Information on the structure of the programme, a Study Programme Plan and information on the weighting of your grades can be found in the examination regulations (please keep in mind that the English translation is not legally binding). You will find further information on the structure of the programme including information on the modules in the module handbook.

Information on courses can be found on HISinOne. Select a course and click on the title to see the description, requirements, how regularly this course is offered and more.

What types of courses are there?

Throughout your studies, you will encounter different types of courses: Lectures, tutorials, mentoriums, seminars and colloquia. In a lecture, the responsible instructor provides you with the state of research in a linguistic subject, thus, you acquire a well-founded overview of a topic. In tutorials, you are introduced to a research method and are given tasks to practice. A Mentorium is a guided self-study course. You will independently explore a certain topic based on a bibliography that you are provided with by the instructor. A seminar takes an in-depth look at selected topics. A key element in this type of courses are discussions in class. Lastly, a colloquium provides you with a platform to learn about other people's research and/or present your own, e.g. a linguistic project or the conception or current status of your master's thesis.

What types of exams are there?

There are graded and non-graded exams. A graded exam (Prüfungsleistung, PL) is marked in HISinOne with the red and gold badge. A non-graded exam (Studienleistung, SL) is marked with the blue and silver badge. 

The grade of your PL in a module counts towards the whole module.

Courses with graded exams also include non-graded work, i.e. hurdle requirements you need to fulfill to be able to sit the exam. This may include attendance, a small project, a presentation or similar things. 

What are ECTS?

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) are credit points you get when you pass a course. They influence the weight of your grade (if it is a graded course).

What are Wahlpflichtveranstaltungen?

Modules in the Research Methods and Practice area and the Supplementary area contain courses that are elective. In contrast to compulsury courses of modules, which you have to take, you can choose between all the elective courses in a module. How many you should choose can be seen in HISinONE. You can also calculate the sum of the ECTS of your chosen courses in a module and make sure that you have reached the number that the module requires.

What are the Supplementary modules?

In the Supplementary modules, you get to choose courses from any specialization, including your own. However, one of the two supplementary modules has to be done in a specialization other than your own, you are free to do both in another specalization than your own.

Although the two supplementary modules have the same number of ECTS, suggesting that they contribute equally to your overall grade, this is not the case. As you can see in the examination regulations, Supplementary module 1 counts double towards your overall grade, supplementary module 2 is weighted single. That is why, in case you want to take a course from your own specialization in the supplementary module area, we recommend you choose Supplementary module 1 for this.

How is my overall grade calculated?

You can find information on how your overall grade is calculated in the examination regulations.