Modules, credit points, ASQ - modularised studies
As a result of intensive structural reforms at the beginning of the 21st century, MLU Halle-Wittenberg offers modularised Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes. The teacher training course has also been modularised, although it still awards with a state examination degree.
What are modules?
Modules are the building blocks of a study programme. They represent finished learning and teaching units in terms of contect and time. In addition to lectures, seminars, tutorials and internships (personal attendance), self-study (preparation and follow-up of the course, writing assignments, exam preparation) is also an integral part of these teaching and learning units.
At least one exam (written examination, term paper, presentation or other forms of examination) is taken for each module. Most module examination results are included in the final grade. It is therefore important to achieve good grades from the very first semester. Once all required module exams have been completed successfully (including final theses), the Bachelor's or Master's degree is awarded.
The volume of a module is determined by the definied student’s workload. At Halle University, most modules are worth 5 credit points or a multiple thereof (10, 15, 20).
Credit points (ECTS model) - a measure of the student's workload
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) was introduced so that the time spent studying can be compared internationally. Using ECTS, students' workload is expressed in credit points (CP).
It is calculated as follows: Assuming that studying is a ‘full-time job’ with 40-hours workload per week, analogous to the German professional world. This equates to 1800 working hours per year and 900 hours per semester. Because one credit point corresponds by definition to 30 hours of work, 30 credit points are the target to be achieved in one semester. This results in a standard Bachelor's degree programme (volume 180 CP) with a standard period of study of 6 semesters.
A module with 5 CP thus corresponds to a (calculated) effort of 150 hours for all its components while a Master's thesis estimated at 25 CP would represent 750 hours, i.e. just under 19 working weeks. Of course, these are only approximate values . The actual time required depends heavily on individual competences and preferences.
General key qualifications (ASQ)
By means of ASQ, students should acquire skills that are useful for their studies or later work in the professional world. In modules worth 5 CP, students can (and must) acquire presentation, foreign language, written, rethoric, social and/or intercultural skills for example. The number of ASQ modules to be completed in each minor or major programme can be found in the table of contents.
The ASQ office’ website presents the wide range of programmes. Students may currently choose from over 70 modules like Arabic language course, Spanish Unicert II, Introduction to Databases and the WWW, Rhetoric, Bioethics as well as Entreprising Thinking and Action.
Further questions, for example about ASQ recognition of key qualification modules completed elsewhere, will be answered by the ASQ office (office hours).