Duration of programs and degrees
The programs offered at the Fachhochschule are either Bachelor’s programs with a regular duration of 3 or 3,5 years (180 or 210 ECTS credits) or Master’s programs with a duration of 1,5 or 2 years (90 or 120 credits respectively). The regular duration is 3 years for a Bachelor’s program and 2 years for a Master’s program.
Academic calendar
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Courses taking place in semester 1 (“Wintersemester”) start at the beginning of October and end by February 15 (end of exam period). Courses taking place in semester 2 (“Sommersemester”) start about mid-March and end in mid-July.
Coursework
Coursework as part of the modules normally takes place as lectures, exercises or seminars. Depending on the character of the program, there might be coursework in laboratories.
The programs are divided into different modules with a regular workload of 5 ECTS credits minimum (there might be modules of 10 credits in some programs covering 2 semesters).
According to the various examination regulations, there is a fixed number of modules to be passed in the program. Exams might be written or oral. It is crucial to be aware that examinations in our system normally occur at the end of the semester. There is no fixed system of continuous assessment in place. This means that our system requires you to be competent in time management in order to be successful in the courses and properly prepare for the exams! Lecturers expect you to be a mature student and to be yourself responsible for your own progress.
Marking system
The German marking system is based on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the highest mark and 5 being the fail grade.
1=very good, 2=good, 3=satisfactory, 4=pass, 5=fail
Tuition and fees
Tuition
According to the State-of-Hesse legislation there is no tuition charged.
Some specific Master programs are run under different financial conditions.
Administration and welfare fees
Immatriculation fees are € 50 per semester (exchange students are exempted). In addition to that, about € 200 are charged for certain services such as subsidised meals obtained in the student canteen, medical services, liability insurance, student union, and a so-called semester ticket. The semester ticket enables students to travel free of charge on the region’s public transportation system. The student ID acts as a public transport pass throughout the semester (you need to show your ID plus passport upon control).
It is imperative to be aware that immatriculation is possible only upon the payment of fees!
Student support
For international students there is a variety of support services in place.
Upon entry students are invited to join an orientation session by the international students advisor of the International Office. In this session students learn about couselling services both on central and faculty level.
At least once per semester the International Office issues a newsletter for international degree students.
Students in their last year might get some financial support for being able to finalize their studies with less economic pressure.
International students may participate in a specialized module in order to improve their German, learn about the expected conduct of studies and get some insight into various aspects of Germany and Europe as seen by experts from different Fachhochschule faculties. This on top module covers three semesters.
Apart from accompanying German courses we run a writing workshop where students can get help e.g. for their thesis work.
Exchange students are monitored by the International Office staff at the beginning of their stay and by the departmental coordinators of the relevant exchange program.