The following information is based on the University of Freiburg and provides an illustrative insight into the structure of degree programmes in Germany. It is intended to offer you an initial guide, but details and procedures may vary depending on the university.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Bachelor’s degree programs lead to initial professional qualifications and are usually a prerequisite for admission to a master’s degree program.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The B.A. is the bachelor’s degree awarded in fields of study in the humanities, social sciences, and linguistics. Students study a major and a minor field.
Major field
120 ECTS
Minor field
30 – 40 ECTS
Supplementary area incl. BOK
20 – 30 ECTS
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
The B.Sc. is the bachelor’s degree awarded in fields of study in the natural sciences, economics, engineering, mathematics, psychology, and sports science. Students generally study only one major field.
Major field
160 – 172 ECTS
Supplementary area incl. BOK
20 – 30 ECTS
State Examination (S.E.)
The state examination is taken in subjects whose study enables a career in the civil service of the Federal Republic of Germany or in state-regulated professions (e.g. doctor, lawyer, pharmacist). In most cases, the state examination is divided into two parts (first and second state examinations) taken at different times, with a practical training phase in between. The following degree programmes can currently be started at the University of Freiburg with the aim of obtaining a state examination: Human medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law
Polyvalent Dual-Major Bachelor (2-HF-B)
In the 2-HF-B programme, two main subjects are studied equally. Graduates of the program receive either a B.A. or a B.Sc. degree, depending on their bachelor’s thesis. The 2-HF-B can be studied with two options:
First academic subject
75 – 85 ECTS
Second academic subject
75 – 85 ECTS
EITHER
Teaching degree option (LA)
20 ECTS
OR
Individual profile option (IG)
20 ECTS (at least. 8 BOK)
Further information for Internationals on the teaching option can be found on the website of teacher education. Here you can also get comprehensive advice!
Master Programmes
After the successful completion of an undergraduate degree programme (usually a Bachelor’s degree programme) it is possible to take up a Master’s degree course and thus embark on an academic career or to achieve a professional specialization. The Master’s degree is usually also a prerequisite for doctoral studies.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) is a degree in the humanities or social sciences, and the Master of Science (M.Sc.) is a degree in the natural sciences, economics and engineering. The standard period of study for a Master’s degree programme at the University of Freiburg is two years with a total of 120 ECTS credits.
| Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) | |
|---|---|
| 4th Sem. | Final examination Master’s thesis and oral examination if applicable |
| 3rd Sem. | Coursework and accompanying module examinations (oral and/or written and/or practical) |
| 2nd Sem. | |
| 1st Sem. | |
Degree Programmes at Freiburg University
Bachelor’s Programmes and State Examination
– 107 programmes
Secondary-school teaching degree options
– 21 programmes
Master’s degree
– 133 master’s degree programmes
English-taught degree programs
– 27 programmes
Quiz
Profession-oriented Skills
(In German: “Berufsfeldorientierte Kompetenzen, BOK”)
Profession-oriented Skills are studied to varying degrees in almost every bachelor’s degree programme. These are additional qualifications for professional practice, divided into management, communication, media, IT and languages. Students choose individual areas from these. If you would like an overview of what is on offer, you can find it on the website of the Centre for Key Qualifications (ZfS, in German language).