The curriculum in German Higher Education institutions is controlled by the individual Federal States, thus there will be variations across the country depending on the institution and state. Currently in Germany an increasing number of departments are switching their courses over to culminate the internationally recognized Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. By 2010, all of Germany’s universities should have adopted this new degree policy – as stipulated in the ”Bologna Declaration”, to which all European Union countries have agreed upon. However, for the time being, in many cases in practice both old and new courses and degrees are on offer simultaneously. In the winter semester 2007/2008 a total of 6,886 Bachelor’s and Master’s courses were on offer at German universities, which means that about 61% of all courses have now been switched over to the new structure, thus appealing to the international elites of tomorrow.

The certificates traditionally offered at German universities are the "Diplom" (Degree), the "Magister Artium" (Master of Arts) and the “Promotion” (Doctorate). For those training to become teachers, attorneys, pharmacists and doctors there is the "Statsexamen" (State Examination), and the German Civil Service Examination. The average time to compete a degree in the "Diplom" and "Magister Artium" programs is supposed to take eight semesters, however it usually takes longer in many departments, because the amount of work cannot be completed in the time available. It is important to check if the study course you choose is going to be offered with a bachelor's/master's degree now or in the future. Students who begin their course in the "old" study model can still finish the degree with a traditional title, provided that certain transition periods are observed.

The German Bachelor’s Degree (of Arts or Science), the ‘First Cycle’, or Bakkalaureus, largely replaces and carries the same rights and privileges as the previous Diplom awarded at Universities of Applied Sciences. It is a 3-year (maximum 4 years) (6 to 8 semesters) undergraduate degree characterized by both theoretical and applied studies. It aims to provide undergraduates with adequate knowledge of general scientific principles, mastery of related methods, and specific professional skills. It requires a work load of 180 ECTS credits.

The German Master’s Degree, ‘Second Cycle’, or Master, is a 1 or 2-year (2 to 4 semesters) largely replaces and carries the same rights and privileges as the previous Diplom and Magister Artium awarded by Universities in Germany, and is a full-time postgraduate course limited to university graduates and requires a work load of 120 ECTS credits. This course is strongly theoretical with a specialist focus given to a subject field. The aim of this course is to provide graduates with advanced education for highly qualified professions in specific sectors as well as with adequate training for advanced independent research.

Following the Master's Degree, the German Doctorates Degree (Postgraduate Degree, PhD) is the ‘Third Cycle’ or Doctorate/Promotion, and is fully academic in nature and usually requires a minimum of 3 years work but often it takes several years, depending on the subject field. Doctoral studies can only be pursued in universities (Universitäten).The program consists mainly of independent specialized research projects of a high quality standard. Research is undertaken with the supervision of a specifically appointed university tutor. In some cases, attendance at seminars may also be required. The title of Doktor is conferred after the completion of a written thesis and either an oral examination or the defence of a thesis. For up-to-date, comprehensive information regarding the Degree courses on offer in individual Federal States at both graduate and undergraduate level, please see: http://www.higher-education-compass.de/

Fields of study

The range and variety of study courses on offer at Higher Education institutions in Germany is colossal. With over 12,000 courses to choose from, there is something for every kind of student with every kind of interest. Depending on the type of Higher Education institution, fields of study vary considerably and often cater for specific subject areas. It is important to note that not all Higher Education institutions in Germany offer the same fields of study as standard, as the nature of the institutions are so different, thus it is imperative that students research thoroughly which Degree course they wish to study so as to choose the right institution. Within university faculties and schools the following study fields are usually incorporated: engineering, arts and humanities, law, theology, economics and social sciences, agriculture and forestry, and medicine and science. This broad range of disciplines offered within most Higher Education institution facilitates interdisciplinary study and specialization.

The following are among some of the top Business and Economics Schools in Germany:

• European Business School (EBS), Oestrich-Winkel
• Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
• HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Leipzig
• Mannheim Universität
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich
• Munich Technische Universität
• Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster
• WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar-Koblenz
• Witten/Herdecke Universität

Among some of Germany’s top Engineering Schools are:

• RWTH, Aachen
• Berlin Technische Universität
• Darmstadt Technische Universität
• Dresden Technische Universität
• Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nuremberg
• Ilmenau Technische Universität
• Kaiserslautern Technische Universität
• Karlsruhe Universität (TH)
• Munich Technische Universität

Length of study

The average time taken to complete a program varies depending on the type of degree chosen. In general, a typical academic year in a Germany university is divided into two semesters. Courses each last one semester and examinations are generally conducted at the end of each semester. The summer semester usually runs from April 1 to September 30, and the winter semester lasts from October 1 to March 31. However, these days may vary from state to state and from institution to institution and the semester may begin or end one month earlier at some Universities of Applied Science. Roughly one third of the academic year consists of study breaks or vacations, in which time it is expected that students work on presentations, research papers, prepare for exams, or acquire work experience through internships.

Work load

Degree courses in Germany are usually structured in credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) (link to Europe section for further info). One ECTS credit generally corresponds to 25 hours of global work per student and the average workload of a full time student is conventionally fixed at 60 credits per year. The 25-hours work load per ECTS credit includes a considerable amount of self study outside the classroom in order to prepare for exams. The German curriculum strongly emphasizes independent study. Students are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to independent reading, prepare oral reports and papers, and attend lectures and small group discussions. Students must also complete a certain amount of coursework as well as preparation for exams. At the end of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programs, assessment is generally in the form of presentation of a thesis or dissertation as well as a number of examinations.