Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Kultur-, Sozial- und Bildungswissen­schaftliche Fakultät - Erasmus

Information about studying Media Studies

International students can find here answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs):

1. When do I start?

2. Where do I found courses from the department of Musicology?

3. Which courses are offered for international students?

4. How is the study programme organised at the department of Musicology?

5. How do I register for courses?

6. What are the types of examinations I can take?

7. How many ECTS do I receive?

8. How do I keep record of my courses and ECTS?

 

1. When do I start?

At Humboldt University, the winter semester always starts at October, 1st and ends at March, 31st; the summer semester begins at April, 1st and ends at September, 30th. Thus, we can only certify your stay during these periods on your confirmations.

Lectures always begin at mid-October and continue (with a little Christmas break) until mid-February; then they start again mid-April and continue until mid-July. You can find the exact dates on this web site: https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/interessierte/info/akademischefristen.

 

2. Where do I found courses from the department of Media Studies?

All courses, as well as the respective teachers and some handy information can be found in the course catalogue for each semester. You can find the course catalogue here: BA and MA.

 

3. Which courses are offered for international students?

International students can chose ANY COURSE at the department of Media Studies according to their level (BA or MA).

Moreover, there are special courses especially for international students, which are offered by the Berlin Perspectives Programme and the Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum).

If you would like to attend courses at other departments, you have to talk to the responsible professors at the very department as well as to your coordinators at your home university.

 

4. How is the study programme organised at the department of Media Studies?

At Humboldt University, both bachelor and master courses follow a module-structure. That means one module consists of various seminars and lectures (see point 5 below). The modules are always the same. However, the related courses always change each semester.

The module-structure for bachelor and master courses are explained in detail in the respective examination of regulations: BA and MA.

 

5. How do I register for courses?

At the department of Media Studies, you do not have to register for courses online (e.g. on Agnes). Just attend all the courses you like during the first week of the semester and then you can decide which courses you would like to follow further.

When you have decided which courses you would like to take, please tell the teacher of the course that you are an Erasmus student. Also, please get informed about any special requirements for the course.

Changes regarding the pandemic situation will be announced either on the official Media Studies website or in the course catalogue.

 

6. What are the types of examinations I can take?

At the department of Media Studies, you DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE AN EXAM IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ECTS (see point 7 below). You will also receive ECTS for active participation.

At the beginning of the semester, the teachers always inform you about the requirements and the type of the exam students can take. There are written and oral exams. However, usually you have to write papers (approx. 15 pages). Often teachers accept different examinations, such as papers written in English instead of German, for international students.

If you want to take an exam, you have to register by either telling the teacher in person or sending them an e-mail at the end of the semester (until the end of January for the winter semester, or the end of June for the summer semester). You do not have to register for an exam online.

 

7. How many ECTS do I receive?

Usually, all (international) students should take courses with a work load of 30 ECTS. You receive ECTS for active participation in the course (preparatory reading and/or a presentation). ADDITIONALLY, you receive extra credits for any test that you passed.

Usually, you receive the following amount of ECTS:

  • For seminars (SE) and lectures (VL): 3 ECTS
  • for practical courses (UE): 2 ECTS
  • for exams (MAP): 4 ECTS

Consequently, you will get 7 ECTS when you completed the seminar with an exam. The respective amount of ECTS for each module can also be found in the course catalogue (see point 2 above).

 

8. How do I keep record of my courses and ECTS?

You have to fill out a proof of records for every course. At the end of the semester, the teachers of your courses will sign them and fill in the mark in case you passed an exam.

Please collect all the proofs of records and hand them in at the end of your stay. You can either hand them in at the ERASMUS office (Am Kupfergraben 5, R. 108) or send them by e-mail. When we have all your documents, we will draw up your Transcript of Records and send it to your home university. Please do not forget to tell us the respective address where we can send it to.