Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Berlin School of Library and Information Science

FAQs for Master's Program

 

NOTE: These FAQs are based on the current Master Study and Examination Regulations (2018).

Status at august 17th 2022

 

Many important questions regarding your studies are regulated by your study and examination regulations as well as the Interdisciplinary Statutes for the Regulation of Admission, Studies and Examinations of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (ZSP-HU) [DE]. We would therefore recommend that you familiarize yourself well with both documents at the beginning of your studies at the Institute of Library and Information Science (IBI).

All important notices regarding studies and exams are sent out at IBI via the Moodle course “Ankündigungen und Mitteilungen am IBI (IBI-Info)”. ] As a student at the institute, you should therefore definitely enroll in this course. Since enrollment is done through your HU account, you will need to check your HU mail account regularly or set up a forwarding to another mail account.

In case of technical difficulties with Moodle, the mailing list "IBI-Infos" will be used as a substitute. We would therefore highly recommend that you also subscribe to this mailing list. You can subscribe to the list by sending a simple mail from your HU mail account to the mail address sympa(at)lists.hu-berlin.de with the subject "subscribe ibi-infos(at)lists.hu-berlin.de" (please add the at-sign accordingly). Also for these mails you have to check your HU mail account regularly or set up a forwarding.

 
Support services

If you have any questions or need support, all prospective students as well as students are welcome to contact the IBI Academic Advising team.

  • Do you need special support services as a student with child(ren)?

The HU Family Office supports you in finding individual solutions for balancing your studies and parenthood. If you have any questions, you can of course always contact the team at the IBI Student Advisory Service. There is also a family room in the institute building that students with child(ren) are welcome to use. The key is available during office hours in the institute's secretary's office. The central usage regulations [DE] apply to all parent-child rooms at HU.

  • Are you pregnant and already studying at HU?

If you have found out about your pregnancy, it is best to contact the Student Service Maternity Protection [DE] (MuSchutzStud(at)hu-berlin.de) or by mail as soon as possible: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Studienabteilung, Referat Studierendenservice, Mutterschutz, - confidentially -, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin. Here you will receive information on maternity protection as well as many other details and important documents, e.g. for the risk assessment.

  • Are you studying without a academic family background?

Then you belong to the so-called "First Generation Students". As part of the Firstgen-program , the HU Berlin offers mentoring and empowerment to students with and without an immigrant or refugee background. However, you can of course always contact the IBI's student advising team if you have any questions.

  • Problems or doubts regarding your studies?

HU Berlin is here to help you with a variety of services:

Further offers:

 

1. Choice of study program
1.1 How can I apply for a study place?
1.1.1 I am provisionally enrolled in the Master program, by when do I have to prove my Bachelor's degree at the enrollment office?
1.2 What does consecutive Master program mean?
1.3 Is there an NC for the MA "Information Science"?
1.4 Which language skills are required for
 
2. Change of the study program
2.1 Is it possible to change to a higher semester of a study program at IBI?
2.2 How can I change my study program?

 

3. Part-time studies and vacation semesters
3.1 Can I change to a part-time study program?
3.2 Distance learning at IBI?
3.3 What is a semester of leave and how can I apply for it? What impact will a semester off have on my studies?

 

4. International Student Applicants
4.1 How do I apply as an international student to study at the Berlin School of Library and Information Science (IBI)?
4.2 What language skills are required for the Master program at IBI?
 
5. Structure and elements of the program
5.1 What are the study and examination regulations?
5.2 What are study points?
5.2.1 Where can I see how many study points are awarded for a course?
5.2.2 What is a performance overview and where do I get it?
5.3 What are modules?
5.3.1 What are compulsory modules or courses?
5.3.2 What are elective modules or courses?
5.4 What do I have to do for courses?
5.4.1 Is there an attendance requirement for courses?
5.4.2 What do I do if I get sick during the semester?
5.5 What are ÜWP courses?
5.5.1 Where can I find the offers for the ÜWP area?
5.5.2 Who is the contact person for questions about modules for the ÜWP area?
5.5.3 Which proof/module sheet is to be used for the ÜWP module?
5.5.4 Where do I submit the verification/module sheet for posting?
5.5.5 Can I also attend individual courses for the ÜWP area and have them booked?
5.5.6 Which services can be used for the ÜWP module?
 
6. Register for courses
6.1 What is AGNES?
6.2 What is Moodle?
6.3 How do I create my timetable and register for courses?
6.3.1 Is it mandatory to follow the study plan?
6.3.2 How much time should I allow for preparation and follow-up of my courses?
6.3.3 I have taken a course via AGNES but have not been given a place due to capacity reasons. What can I do?
6.3.4 I cannot register for courses because I do not have an HU account yet. How do I proceed?
6.4 What do I have to consider after I have taken courses via AGNES?

 

7. Exams
7.1 What forms of exams are there and what do they look like?
7.2 When do the exams take place (1st and 2nd exam period)?
7.3 How do I register for an exam?
7.4 Why can't I register for an exam?
7.5 I have registered for an exam but do not want to/cannot take it. What do I have to do?
7.6 I have attended the courses of a module, but do not want to/cannot take the associated module final examination immediately. What do I have to do?
7.7 I was registered for an exam, but did not take it or submit it on time. What are the consequences of this?
7.8 What do I do if I have individual burdens in my studies? What is a "disadvantage compensation"?
7.9 What is the maximum number of times I can repeat an exam?
 
8. Internship

 

9. Study abroad
9.1 Is it possible to study at a university abroad during my studies?
9.2 Recognition of academic achievements abroad
9.3 What time frame should I plan for studying abroad?
9.4 Is there any financial support for studying abroad?

 

10. Master thesis
10.1 What are the requirements for the Master thesis?
10.2 I have taken all courses except the final module. Do I have to re-register for another semester to be able to write the Master thesis?
10.3 What is the best way to prepare for the Master thesis?
10.4 What do I have to consider when choosing my reviewers?
10.5 How do I register the master thesis?
10.6 Are there any formal requirements for the Master thesis?
10.7 Defense of the Master thesis
10.8 How is the grade of the master module composed?

 

11. Master citificat
11.1 When will I receive my certificate?

 

Didn't find the answer to a question or problem that should appear in this list? Please feel free to send an email to the IBI Student Advisory Service.

 

 

1. Choice of the study program

1.1 How can I apply for a study place?

Applications are to be submitted centrally to the HU Student Administration. Application deadlines can be found on the central website on academic deadlines of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Enrollment for the 1st semester in the Master program in Information Science is currently possible for the winter and summer semesters. However, we recommend that you check the current regulations before each application period, as they may change from semester to semester.

All information on how to apply for degree programs at HU can be found here.

Bachelor students who have successfully completed their studies can apply with their BA certificate. You can also apply for a Master place without a BA certificate with a confirmed performance record of 150 study points. Bachelor students who plan to complete their studies during the semester break can have a transcript of records issued by the examination office.

The BA certificate must then be submitted within the first Master semester. During this time, the study place is only valid with reservation.

Information on the admission procedure can be found at:

 

1.1.1 I am provisionally enrolled in the Master program, by when do I have to prove my Bachelor's degree at the Enrollment Office?

Proof of Bachelor's degree must be submitted by the end of the semester following the semester of application.

 

1.2 What does consecutive Master program mean?

The Master program in Information Science is consecutive, i.e. it builds on a relevant Bachelor's or Diploma program. Admission and admission criteria are regulated by the admission statutes.

 

1.3 Is there an NC for the MA "Information Science"?

The NC (Numerus Clausus) results from the applications of the previous year, so the decision for or against an NC potentially varies from semester to semester. In addition, any existing waiting semesters play a role in admission.

DDetails on the NC can be found in a current overview [DE] on the HU website and at the enrollment office.

 

1.4 What language skills are required at the beginning of the program?

Die ZSP-HU [DE] requires an English language proficiency of at least level B2 for enrollment in the Master program.

 

2. Change of the study program

2.1 Is it possible to change to a higher semester of a study program at IBI?

This is possible in the form of application and placement in a higher semester already offered. This means that you must have already acquired a certain number of credit points from another study program. The classification is made by the Examination Board (PAU) according to the valid study and examination regulations and is certified on a form from the enrollment office.

The application deadlines are the same as for the first semester. In addition, please note that with the classification of the services already rendered, no recognition of the services has yet taken place. After enrollment, official recognition must be obtained.

 

2.2 How can I change my degree program?

Are you considering changing your degree program? Possibly a conversation with the academic academic advisor at IBI or the general academic advisor at HU (Counselling Service) can help you.

If you have already made up your mind, it depends on your previous study experience whether you will be re-enrolled in the first semester or whether you can change to a higher semester:

If you start studying a completely new subject, you will be enrolled in the first subject semester for this subject. The application process then follows the same procedure as for your first application to HU. Please note for your planning that most study programs begin in the winter semester and enrollment for the summer semester is often only possible in the form of enrollment in a higher subject semester.

If you have already attended courses and taken exams in a subject, you may also be placed in a higher subject semester and enrolled. If you want to find out more about enrolling in a higher semester, go to "2.1 Is it possible to change to a higher semester of a study program at IBI?".

For more information on changing programs, please click here.

 

3. Part-time studies and vacation semester

3.1 Can I also change to part-time studies?

As a rule, studying at HU Berlin is a full-time program. However, depending on your personal situation, it may be advisable to study part-time, e.g. if you have to (or want to) work more than 20h/week in addition to your studies or if you take care of a child under the age of 10. Part-time studies allow you to stretch out your full-time studies and take fewer courses per semester.

In principle, you can study any degree program at HU Berlin on a part-time basis, with a few exceptions. For more information on part-time studies, please click here [DE].

 

3.2 Distance Learning at the IBI?

At the Institute of Library and Information Science you also have the possibility to study the postgraduate Master program "Information and Library Science" as part of a distance learning program.

For more information, click here.

 

3.3 What is a semester of leave and how can I apply for it? What effects does a semester of leave have on my studies?

With a semester of leave, you officially interrupt your studies for one semester. At HU Berlin, you apply for a semester of leave at the Enrollment Office by presenting appropriate reasons (e.g. study abroad or internship abroad, chronic illness, care for close relatives in need of care, etc.).

A semester of leave of absence is not counted as a semester of study. However, you cannot take any exams during a leave of absence. An application for a leave of absence is possible up to six weeks after the beginning of the semester.

 

4. International Student Applicants

4.1 How do I apply as an international student to study at the Berlin School of Library and Information Science (IBI)?

As a foreign student you need to apply via Uni-Assist. Here you can find more information for the application process and needed documents.

If you have basic questions about the application process for international applicants, contact the Initial Counseling for International Applicants*.

4.2 What language skills are required for the Master program at IBI? Welche Sprachkenntnisse sind für das Masterstudium am IBI erforderlich?

For the Information Science master’s program you must submit knowledge of the German language at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or higher (certificate) or provide proof of passing the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache für Studienbewerber (TestDaF) with a score of TDN 3 in all four parts of the exam AND for the English language at level B2. For more information on the requirements to study the Information Science Master program, please click here [DE]. 

For more information on language requirements, click here.

5. Structure and elements of the study program

5.1 What are the study and examination regulations?

There are subject-specific study and examination regulations (SPO) for every degree program at HU. On the one hand, these consist of the subject-specific study regulations, which describe the goals and contents of the study program in more detail. Among other things, all modules (see 5.3 What are modules?") are described in detail here. On the other hand, the subject-specific examination regulations are included, which contain all important information about the examinations in the study program.

The study and examination regulations are updated regularly. Therefore, in addition to the current regulations, there are often older regulations according to which students can still be enrolled in higher semesters. However, students can (or must) change to the current study and examination regulations after a certain period of time.

The subject-specific study and examination regulations always apply in conjunction with the so-called interdisciplinary statutes governing admission, studies and examinations of the HU Berlin (ZSP-HU [DE]) as amended from time to time.

Here you can find the subject-specific study and examination regulations for the Master program Information Science.

 

5.2 What are study points?

One study point corresponds to a workload of 30 time hours. In the course of the Master degree program, a total of 90 study points (including internship and interdisciplinary elective courses) must be earned in four semesters of standard study time with a workload of 30 study points per semester. In addition, 30 study points must be earned for the Master thesis, including defense.

Study points are awarded on the basis of the amount of work required in the individual courses, self-study and examinations and require a positively evaluated work performance. However, they do not include an evaluation of the quality of course-related examination achievements; this is done by grading.

 

5.2.1 Where can I see how many study points are awarded for a course?

The study points for the respective course can be seen on AGNES. In addition, study points for courses are specified in your respective study and examination regulations and can also be viewed there.

Each module at IBI (see also 5.3 What are modules?") comprises a total of 10 study points, which are achieved by completing courses and module final examinations. Which courses and examinations must be completed for which module is listed in the respective study and examination regulations in the module description.

 

5.2.2 What is a performance overview and where do I get it?

In the performance overview, your study and examination achievements are documented. It lists the courses, credit points and grades that you have taken or completed.

You can print out a performance overview on your own via your AGNES account.If you need an official performance overview, you can request one from your Examination Office.

 

5.3 What are modules?

Modules are teaching and learning units that are self-contained in terms of content and time and are made up of different courses. Modules are generally concluded with a module final examination (MAP).

The structure of the various modules for the Master program can be seen in the module descriptions of the subject-specific study regulations. The respective examination modalities of the modules can be found in the subject-specific examination regulations. Study regulations and examination regulations are summarized in the subject-specific study and examination regulations.

 

5.3.1 What are compulsory modules or courses?

Compulsory modules or courses are courses that you must take in the so-called compulsory area of your degree program in order to successfully complete the degree program. Please refer to your individual study and examination regulations for the specific compulsory courses for your degree program. Master compulsory modules are often abbreviated as "MP".

 

5.3.2 What are compulsory elective modules or courses?

Subject-specific compulsory elective modules or courses are courses of which you must take a certain number in the so-called subject-specific compulsory elective area of your degree program. In the Master program, for example, you must complete three of eleven elective modules. Master elective modules are often abbreviated as "MWP".

 

5.4 What work do I have to do for courses?

During the semester, you may have to complete specific work for your respective course in order to successfully complete it and receive the credit points for your course. The work credits are determined by the lecturers, but these are based on the study and examination regulations.

In addition, there are examinations in the form of module completion examinations (MAPs) that must be taken in order to successfully complete the respective module. For more information on exams and exam registrations, please refer to the FAQs under "7. Exams".

 

5.4.1 Is there an attendance requirement for courses?

§ 93 of the ZSP-HU [DE] regulates: The requirement of regular attendance at a course is fulfilled if the student was present for at least 75% of the semester hours scheduled for the course. (...) Attendance at courses is not checked or confirmed.
"Das Erfordernis der regelmäßigen Teilnahme an einer Lehrveranstaltung ist erfüllt, wenn die Studentin oder der Student mindestens 75% der für die Lehrveranstaltung vorgesehenen Semesterwochenstunden anwesend war. (...) Die Anwesenheit an Lehrveranstaltungen wird nicht kontrolliert und nicht bestätigt."

 

5.4.2 What do I do if I get sick during the semester?

If you become ill during the semester, inform the lecturers that you will not be able to attend the respective sessions. Since attendance is only required at 75%, your absence should not be a problem if your absences do not exceed 25% of the semester hours allotted for the course.

In the case of prolonged illness, you can apply for a disadvantage compensation (see "7.8 What do I do if I have individual burdens in my studies? What is a "disadvantage compensation"?").

If your absence concerns work or examination performance, talk to your lecturers. In these cases, a medical certificate is usually required.

 

5.5 What are ÜWP courses?

Study programs contain components for the acquisition of interdisciplinary competencies. The interdisciplinary acquisition of competencies serves to establish interdisciplinary references, such as gender competencies and intercultural competencies, and the acquisition of key qualifications.

At IBI, the acquisition of interdisciplinary competencies takes place within the framework of the interdisciplinary compulsory elective area (ÜWP). In the ÜWP area, 20 study points must be earned. Here, modules or courses of other subjects (marked as ÜWP), MA courses of the IBI specially designed as ÜWP, courses of central institutions of the HU as well as, if applicable, additional MWPs of the IBI can be attended.

 

5.5.1 Where can I find the courses offered for the ÜWP area?

In the course catalog, AGNES (if you are not yet familiar with AGNES, see "6.1 What is AGNES?") displays all the offered ÜWP courses, and they are stored in a separate area under "Überfachlicher Wahlpflichtbereich".

If a course is not listed in this area, you should check with your advisor in time to see if it is still possible to receive credit for the ÜWP area.

It is also highly recommended that you inform the person responsible for the course in advance that you wish to attend and receive credit for the module in the ÜWP area.

 

5.5.2 Who is the contact person for questions regarding modules in the ÜWP area?

Your first contact is the examination office of the offering institute, as only this office is able to provide information, e.g. for some modules there are also module final examinations (not graded, only passed).

For attendance of individual courses, see "5.5.5 Can I also attend individual courses for the ÜWP area and have them booked?".

 

5.5.3 Which certificate/module sheet is to be used for the ÜWP module?

Each institute usually has its own certificates specifically for the ÜWP module, so please generally use the certificates/module sheets that can be found on the respective websites of the institutes. Foreign slips may not be signed by the lecturers or may not be accounted for.

 
5.5.4 Where do I submit the verification/module sheet for posting?

After being signed by the lecturer, the proof of completion of an ÜWP module is submitted to the examination office of the offering institute for posting. After entry in your account, the certificate will be sent to your core subject for retention.

For the booking of individual courses, see "5.5.5 Can I also attend individual courses for the ÜWP area and have them booked?.

 

5.5.5 Can I also attend individual courses for the ÜWP area and have them booked?

As a rule, entire modules must be completed for the ÜWP area. However, the IBI also recognizes individual courses for crediting in the ÜWP area. However, as described above, the correct verification/module form must be used, a signature of the lecturer and the institute stamp are absolutely necessary. A signature of the lecturer and the stamp of the institute is absolutely necessary. A signature of the lecturer is only possible if this is explicitly granted on the certificate by the offering institute.

Certificates confirming individual courses must be submitted to the IBI Student Advisory Service for recognition; they cannot be booked by the examination offices of other institutes. After recognition, the achievements are entered by the IBI examination office for the ÜWP module.

 

5.5.6 Which achievements can be entered for the ÜWP module?

 

Credits for master courses

It is possible to take additional elective modules of the Master program Information Science completely or in parts. Master courses of other subjects at HU can still be taken (see also point "5.5.1 Where can I find the offers for the ÜWP area?"). In subjects where attendance of master courses is not possible due to insufficient prerequisites (e.g. chemistry, physics, law, or similar), bachelor courses can also be recognized, but not in subject-related areas.

Furthermore, if necessary, achievements already made (e.g. from an unfinished study or training), which have not yet been credited, can be recognized for the ÜWP module. This is done through recognition by the student advisor at IBI.

Credits for language courses

Subject-specific language courses (i.e. not simple language courses) or advanced language courses can be taken as subject supplementary studies. In general, language courses are only recognized for the Master program if the course demonstrably required prior knowledge; this applies regardless of the language.

Credits for participation in BBK

For fifteen events of the Berlin Library Science Colloquium (BBK Berliner Bibliothekswissenschaftlichen Kolloquium [DE]) confirmed by the organizers, 1 study point is awarded; in this way, a maximum of 2 study points can be acquired for the ÜWP area.

Credits for student council work

A maximum of 2 study points can be credited for cooperation in the student council initiative for the ÜWP area. A report must be submitted to the examination board showing the tasks taken on and the amount of work involved.

Credits for congress activities

Recognition of activities at congresses (e.g. liscorner.wordpress.com [DE]) as study credits is possible. Students submit a report on their activities and indicate the amount of work involved. The examination board then decides on the number of study credits for the ÜWP area.

 

6. Register for courses

6.1 What is AGNES?

AGNES is the online portal for teaching and examinations at HU. Here you can find current and previous course catalogs (= compilation of all courses offered in a semester at a university), register for courses and exams, retrieve certificates of study or view your grade history. You always log in to AGNES with your HU account.

Did you already know? The online portal for teaching and examinations was named after Agnes von Zahn-Harnack who was the first female student to be enrolled at the Faculty of Philosophy at Berlin University on October 6, 1908 under the name Agnes Harnack. Born in 1884, she was a women's rights activist and co-founder of the German Academic Women's Association, which worked to promote university education for women. In 1929, she was one of the first German women to receive a professorship.

All important notes and the FAQs about AGNES can be found here.
 

6.2 What is Moodle?

Moodle is an online platform that provides digital course spaces to support courses. Usually, there is a Moodle course for all courses at IBI, where e.g. lecture slides, videos and literature are made available. In addition, there are tools for organization, communication and collaboration, such as forums, etherpads, personal messages or wikis, as well as tools for testing and submitting assignments. With Moodle, you always log in with your HU account.

All important information and the FAQs about Moodle at HU can be found here.

 

6.3 How do I create my schedule and attend events?

In principle, you can put together your own schedule for the semester. The study plan (see p. 20 "Typical study plan" of the Studien- und Prüfungsordnung MA Information Science von 2018 [DE]) is a first orientation, but you do not have to follow it. However, it is advisable to complete all modules within one semester (i.e. including all associated courses), since most modules are not offered every semester, but only in the winter or summer semester. However, it is possible to take individual courses at a later point in time.

You can use the course catalog in AGNES (see point "6.1 What is AGNES?") to find the appropriate courses and create a schedule. For some courses, online enrollment via AGNES is required by the deadline. You will find the relevant instructions and the option for online registration on the relevant course page in AGNES.

 

6.3.1 Is it mandatory to follow the study plan?

The study plan is a recommendation for your own course of study and serves as an orientation. I.e., it is not mandatory to follow this scheme. However, it is highly recommended to take module MP1 in the first Master semester. It is generally recommended to complete modules within one semester, since most modules are only offered in the winter or summer semester.

 

6.3.2 How much time should I plan for the preparation and follow-up of my courses?

For successful studies, it is absolutely necessary that you prepare and follow up your courses independently, e.g. by additional reading or the independent processing of special assignments.

Depending on the course, the time required varies, but as described in the study regulations per module, you should calculate a total of approx. 35 hours of preparation and follow-up per semester for a lecture and approx. 95 hours of preparation and follow-up for the respective attendance times for a seminar. Therefore, plan these times into your personal weekly structure.

 

6.3.3 I have taken a course via AGNES but have not been given a place due to capacity reasons. What can I do?

If you have not received positive feedback from AGNES for one of your selected courses, it is advisable to contact the respective lecturers directly, who can decide on participation.

Often a solution can be found, even if the allocation of places via AGNES has been negative. In some cases, however, courses are in high demand and it may be that (e.g. due to exceeding the room capacity or planned group work sizes) a subsequent admission is no longer possible.

 

6.3.4 I cannot register for courses because I do not yet have an HU account. How do I proceed?

If, for example, you are still waiting for your enrollment documents and have therefore missed the registration deadline on AGNES for online course enrollment, it is best to contact the Student Advisory Service.

The course catalog will provide you with additional information on the course instructors of the respective modules and you can thus find out their contact addresses. Inform the lecturer of the module you would like to attend and briefly explain your situation. As a rule, it should be possible to enroll in the courses in these cases at a later date.

If you do not yet have an HU account, it is also advisable to create a Moodle guest account, which you can use until you have received your official HU account, since all courses at IBI have an associated Moodle course. You can get more information about the guest account here.

 

6.4 What do I have to keep in mind after I have taken courses via AGNES?

Once the course catalog for a new semester has been published via AGNES (see "6.1 What is AGNES?"), you can pick your matching courses and create a schedule.

As mentioned earlier, some courses require timely online enrollment through AGNES. You will find the relevant instructions and the possibility to register on the respective course page in AGNES. If you have missed the deadline for online enrollment, it is best to contact the course instructor in a timely manner and ask whether a subsequent enrollment is still possible.

After successfully registering for the course via AGNES, the next step is to register for the Moodle course associated with the course at the beginning of the semester. You will receive the information on how to register for the Moodle course (the so-called course key) either by message via AGNES or on site at the first event date.

7. Exams

7.1 What types of exams are there and what do they look like?

According to the ZSP-HU [DE], final module examinations (MAPs) at HU Berlin can take the form of written examinations, term papers, portfolios, essays, multimedia, oral or practical examinations, among others. The subject-specific examination regulations may also specify other forms of examinations.

At IBI, MAPs in the bachelor's program are primarily conducted as written exams, term papers and oral exams. The specific form as well as the duration/working time or scope of the MAP in a module is described in the examination regulations.


ExamsWritten exams are written papers which are prepared under supervision in a limited time and with limited aids (ZSP-HU § 96 Abs. 3).

Term papersare written papers in which a question is worked on independently and scientifically within a certain period of time (ZSP-HU § 96 Abs. 4).

Oral exams are examination discussions of limited duration, in which concrete questions are to be answered or concrete tasks are to be fulfilled. The essential contents of the examination discussion and the examination result are recorded (ZSP-HU § 96 Abs. 8).

Portfolios are collections of own work, which are compiled within a certain processing time according to defined criteria, in order to document learning progress and performance levels (ZSP-HU § 96 Abs. 5).

Multimedia exams are examinations in which a topic is independently prepared within a certain processing time and presented at a scientific level using various media. Practical examinations are examinations of limited duration in which practical skills are demonstrated (ZSP-HU § 96 par. 7 or 9).

 

7.2 When do the exams take place (1st and 2nd examination period)?

Exams usually take place at the end of a semester. There are two examination periods: The 1st examination period is usually in the last week of the semester and sometimes in the first week of the lecture-free period. Here, exams, oral exams, etc., take place at IBI. The deadline for written assignments in the 1st examination period is usually at the end of the lecture-free period.

In addition, there is a 2nd exam period. On the one hand, this is intended for repeat attempts in case of failure in the 1st exam period. On the other hand, students who could not take part in the examinations in the first examination period, e.g. due to time constraints, can also register here. The second examination period is usually in the last week of the lecture-free period and sometimes in the first week of the following semester. Here, exams, oral exams, etc., take place at IBI. The deadline for written homework in the 2nd examination period usually coincides with the deadline for homework (in the 1st examination period) of the following semester. ATTENTION: For final module examinations in project modules there is usually no 2nd examination period, except for repeat attempts.

As an IBI student, you will be informed about the current specific exam dates and periods via the Moodle course “Ankündigungen und Mitteilungen am IBI (IBI-Info)”.

 

7.3 How do I register for an exam?

For final module exams at the IBI, you must register in due time via the online portal AGNES (see point "6.1 What is AGNES?"). As a student of the IBI, you will be informed about the current concrete exam dates and periods via the Moodle course "Announcements and notifications at the IBI (IBI-Info)".

It is essential that you observe the deadlines for registration, as subsequent manual registration for exams is only possible in exceptional cases and upon application to the Institute's Examination Committee.

In order to register for an exam, you will need your TAN list. You will receive this automatically with your enrollment documents. Each TAN code can be used once. It is therefore advisable to clearly mark TANs that have already been used. In addition to exam registration, you will also need the TAN list to change your address on file with the university.

If you should have lost your TAN list, please contact your examination office or the AGNES support (agnes-support(at)hu-berlin.de) to get a new list.

Here you can find more information on how to register for exams via AGNES. For general questions and problems, the AGNES FAQs often help.

7.4 Why can't I register for an exam?

For general questions and technical problems, the AGNES FAQs often help.

However, you often have to meet certain requirements in order to register for an exam via AGNES: For example, Bachelor's students who are not yet enrolled in the Master program but are already attending courses in the Master program CANNOT register for exams in the Master program. They can only register for exams once they are at least provisionally enrolled in the Master program and thus also have a corresponding account in AGNES.

There are also specific prerequisites for certain modules of the Master program, e.g. according to the SPO 2018, the module MWP1 at IBI may only be taken after successful completion of the module MP2. Therefore, registration for the examination in AGNES is only possible for this module if the corresponding compulsory module has been successfully completed. In justified cases, an application for early registration for the examination can be submitted to the examination board.

If you are unsure why you cannot register for an examination via AGNES, please contact the examination office before the registration deadline, which can usually provide you with information on this.

 

7.5 I have registered for an exam, but do not want to/cannot take it. What do I have to do?

If you wish to withdraw from an exam registration, you can do so independently within the official withdrawal period. As an IBI student, you will be informed about the specific registration and withdrawal deadlines via the Moodle course “Ankündigungen und Mitteilungen am IBI (IBI-Info)”.

Here, under point 2, you will find information on how to withdraw from exams independently via AGNES within the withdrawal period. If there are any problems in doing so, please contact the examination office in good time before the deadline.

If you are ill and therefore unable to take an examination, you must have this certified by a medical certificate, which you must submit to the examination office. According to ZSP-HU § 107 para. 2, the certificate must be based on an immediate exam, usually an examination on the day of the exam at the latest.

 

7.6 I have attended the courses of a module, but do not want to/cannot take the associated final module examination immediately. What do I need to consider?

It can often be advantageous to take the module final exam immediately after attending the associated courses, as the content taught is still "fresh in your mind". However, sometimes participation in the 1st exam period is not possible due to time or personal reasons. In these cases, for examinations in most modules, it is alternatively possible to register for the 2nd exam period (see also item “7.2 When do the exams take place (1st and 2nd exam period)?”).

If you do not take the module final exam in either the 1st or 2nd examination period, you can also register for the exam in later semesters if you meet the basic requirements. In these cases, however, it is essential that you contact the current lecturers of the module in good time and ask for the current examination contents and modalities. If, for example, the assignment for a term paper has changed, you will generally have to write the paper according to the new specifications. For this reason, repeated participation in the module's courses is often recommended in these cases.

ATTENTION: For module final examinations in project modules there is usually no 2nd examination period, except for repeat attempts.
 

7.7 I was registered for an exam, but did not take it or submit it on time. What are the consequences of this?

If students do not appear at an examination date despite registration and admission or exceed the processing time, the examination is considered failed. The examination attempt will then be entered in the student account as "failed".

This does not apply if you declare your withdrawal from the examination in writing without delay, usually no later than the third working day after the examination date, and provide credible evidence of an important reason for withdrawal (e.g. illness supported by a medical certificate) (cf. ZSP-HU [DE] § 107 Para. 2).

7.8 What to do in case of individual burdens during studies? What is "compensation for disadvantages"?

At HU Berlin there is a so-called Compensation for Disadvantage, which serves to counteract individual burdens of students within (or outside) their studies (see also ZSP-HU [DE] § 109). However, there is no general compensation for disadvantages, but for each examination or study performance a compensation for disadvantages has to be applied for individually.

Concerning compensation for individual academic achievements (e.g. special work assignments), please contact the lecturer of the course directly. If you wish to apply for compensation for exam results, please submit an application to the relevant examination board.

You can find more information about submitting an application here. 

 

7.9 What is the maximum number of times I can repeat an exam?

Each module final examination can be repeated a maximum of twice; the Master thesis can only be repeated once with a new topic.

FIf you should fail a module final examination twice, you will be invited to a consultation before the last (i.e. third) examination attempt. If you fail the MAP in the third attempt as well, the examination is considered to have been definitively failed. This means that you can no longer successfully complete your subject, should it be a compulsory module, within Germany (see § 104 and § 105 ZSP-HU [DE]).

In principle, a MAP that has already been passed cannot be repeated unless your subject-specific examination regulations provide for the possibility of a free attempt (see § 104 and § 105 ZSP-HU [DE]). This is not the case in the current IBI examination regulations.

 

8. Internship

All questions concerning the internship are answered on the separate page for internship matters.

 

9. Study abroad

9.1 Is it possible to study at a university abroad during my studies?

Studying abroad is possible within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program of the HU. Dr. Gäde coordinates study abroad programs at the institute. Study periods abroad do not count towards the standard period of study if a leave of absence from the HU is granted for this purpose.

You can find more information about a stay abroad during your studies here and on the website of the International Office of the HU.

 

9.2 Recognition of academic achievements abroad

Study achievements obtained during a study stay abroad can be recognized, provided that the acquired knowledge and skills correspond to the applicable study and examination regulations for the Master program in Information Science. For further information, please contact Dr. Maria Gäde at IBI.

 

9.3 What time frame should I plan for studying abroad?

Most students who complete part of their studies abroad choose to spend an entire academic year or semester abroad. CAUTION: Outside of Germany, there are usually other lecture periods.

 

9.4 Is there financial support for studying abroad?

There are various possibilities of financial support for a stay abroad: ERASMUS+ contracts from the IBI or other institutes as well as general scholarships. You can also find more information on the website of the International Office of the HU.

 

10. Master thesis

10.1 What are the requirements for the master thesis?

According to the study and examination regulations, students who have passed the final module examinations of the following modules are admitted to the Master thesis: MP1, MP2 and MP3 (project module) as well as three of the eight elective modules MWP1 to MWP11.

 

10.2 I have taken all courses except the final module. Do I have to re-register for another semester to be able to write the master thesis?

If you are about to finish your studies, you can decide yourself whether to pay the semester fee and re-register. According to Section 100, Paragraph 7 of the ZSP-HU [DE], examination entitlements can remain valid even after exmatriculation, provided that all admission requirements for the examinations in question have already been met. If necessary, please also seek advice on this from the student advising team.

In case of exmatriculation during the semester, the fees paid for the semester ticket will be refunded to you proportionally and minus an administrative fee (by providing your bank details on an informal application to the Enrollment Office) (see: Re-registration)

ATTENTION: However, you should in any case note that in case of exmatriculation you will no longer have an HU account and thus e.g. no access to the licenses of the university library.

 

10.3 What is the best way to prepare for the master thesis?

At IBI, a research colloquium is offered every semester (usually on Tuesday, 4-6 p.m.), which provides space to exchange ideas and work processes on the final thesis. Attendance is strongly recommended for all students.

Regarding a topic for the master thesis, professors as well as research assistants or teaching assistants can be approached. They can give feedback on topic ideas or suggest topics of their own. The lists of previous theses of the different chairs can also serve as a stimulus for ideas.

 

10.4 What do I have to consider when choosing my reviewers?

You need two reviewers for your master thesis. The first examiner has to be chosen by yourself, the second examiner will be chosen by the examination board, but you or your first examiner can also make a suggestion when registering your thesis.

For reviewers of theses at IBI, one of the reviewers must be a professor and one of the reviewers must be employed at IBI.

If your preferred reviewers do not teach at IBI or are professors at another university, other full-time teachers who are authorized to teach independently, lecturers, or persons experienced in professional practice and training can also take on a review by decision of the examination committee. In this case, please submit an informal application to the examination board together with the registration of your Master thesis (see also section "10.5 How do I register the master thesis?").

It is best to contact your first supervisor a few weeks before registering your thesis. You must also be aware that your preferred lecturer may reject your thesis because too many theses are already being supervised or the topic does not correspond to the research focus. You can get in touch with possible reviewers in the Research School or by sending a direct request via email.

 

10.5 How do I register the master thesis?

If you have successfully checked that you meet the requirements for admission to the master thesis (see also item "10.1 What are the requirements for the master thesis?") and you have found your first examiner, you can submit an application for confirmation of the master thesis. To do so, please fill out the following form: Application for Confirmation of the Master Thesis. Enter your personal data and the title of the master thesis in German and English. In addition, we ask you to decide whether you agree to the publication of your name and the title of the thesis on the Institute's website upon successful completion. The document must be signed by you as well as your first examiner. Afterwards you can submit the application to the Examination Board (PAU) of the institute.


Once your application has been confirmed by the PAU and a second examiner has been appointed, the application will be forwarded to the examination office and the submission date of your Master thesis will be entered. The examination office will then notify you by email to your HU address about the confirmation of your thesis and the submission date. Please note that the processing of the application by the PAU as well as the examination office takes some time (usually about 2 weeks).

According to the Subject-Specific Examination Regulations for the Master Degree Program in Information Science (2018), the processing deadline for the Master thesis is 20 weeks after handing over the topic confirmed by the Examination Board (PAU). 

 

10.6 Are there any formal requirements for the master thesis?

In the Master thesis, students demonstrate that they can independently develop a topic from their field of expertise in a scientific manner, establishing multidisciplinary connections and based on the current state of research.

As a rule, the scope should not exceed approx. 120,000 ZoL (characters without spaces) = approx. 60 pages of text. The thesis must be accompanied by the Declaration of Independent Preparation prescribed by the IBI. The Bachelor thesis is submitted to the examination office in the form of two identical print copies and a PDF version. All three copies must contain a 'Declaration of Independent Preparation'. A hand-signed scan of the declaration must be added to the digital version.

 

10.7 How and where do I submit the Master thesis?

The Master thesis must be submitted to the examination office by the deadline in the form of two identical print copies and one (also identical) digital PDF version.

You submit the two print copies in person (or, especially in the current COVID situation, by mail) to the examination office. You send the digital version to the examination office by e-mail.

 

The following submission options are currently available (as of January 13, 2022)

 

a) Final papers can be submitted to the mail room in the main building, if this is done directly on the day of the submission deadline, you must go in (papers as bagged for mailing, with correct address - as stated on the IBI page under Examination Office). The post office is NOT open until the evening, there is only someone on site until about 14.00 (Find out about deviations on the homepage of the postal service, see here [DE])

b) By mail

The mailboxes of the HU are idR. NOT to be used. Here the postmark is usually stamped one or more days later, which in turn is relevant for the submission. The automatic postmarking is only activated during the application period, which is why the examination office generally advises against it.

c) Personal delivery

At the moment, due to the recommendation to work more in the home office and to keep the contacts low, no individual submission dates are offered, as soon as this is possible again, this will be published on the homepage of the Examination Office (IBI).
 

Attention: It is NOT possible to hand in the thesis at Dorotheenstr. either!

10.8 Defense of the Master Thesis

Students have to defend their master thesis. When you have received the two reviews of your thesis from the examination office, contact your reviewers on your own to arrange an appointment for the defense. Once you have made an appointment, report it to the examination office so that the relevant documents (examination protocol) can be prepared.

The defense consists of a presentation by the candidate of 10-15 min. and a subsequent discussion of approx. 20-30 min, in total not longer than 45 min. An examination protocol is kept. The oral performance will be graded by the examiners and the grade will be communicated immediately afterwards (Further notes on the defense of the master thesis). 

 

10.9 How is the grade of the master module composed?

The overall grade results from the grade for the Master thesis and the grade for the defense in a ratio of 8 to 2. 30 study points are awarded for the Master thesis and the defense together.
 

11. Master certificate

11.1 When will I receive my certificate?

The certificate will be issued after all supporting documents have been submitted; obtaining the required signatures and the seal by the faculty administration takes about two weeks.

If necessary, a transcript of records or an informal confirmation of successful completion of studies can be requested from the Examinations Office in the meantime.

 

 

Can't find the answer to a question or problem that should appear on this list? Please feel free to send an email to the IBI Student Advisory Service.