Orders and Documents
Your studies are subject to certain rules and regulations, predefined processes ensure transparency. Ideally, you should familiarize yourself with these without needing a specific reason, so that you have a general overview when needed. Use the overview provided here and read everything carefully. In addition to subject knowledge, this "organizational knowledge" is essential for your academic success!
Regulations for the Study Programme
Examination and Study Regulations for the Master's Program in Sociology and Social Research (POStO)
The formal framework for the Master's program in Sociology and Social Research (MSSR) is provided by the examination and study regulations, which constitute the legal basis for the structure and progression of your studies. These regulations define the purpose, content, and procedures for examinations, as well as the program objectives and required modules.
The following documents form the regulatory framework:
General Examination and Study Regulations (APO) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics, and Business Administration: The APO contains general examination rules applicable to all degree programs within the faculty.
Study and Examination Regulations (FPO) for the Master's Program in Sociology and Social Research: The FPO provides specific regulations for Sociology, including the modules to be completed in each module group (defined in the appendix). An overview of the module structure can also be found under Structure and Content. The version valid for you is the one in effect when you began your studies. Switching to a newer version of the FPO is possible upon application.
The current examination and study regulations can be found on the pages of the Studying and Teaching Department II.
Module Manuals
Module Manual for the Master's Programme in Sociology and Social Research
The module manual (MHB) provides detailed descriptions of all modules offered within the Master's programme. Each module entry includes learning objectives, recommended prior knowledge, content requirements, form of instruction, assessment methods, and ECTS credits. The module manual serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding the structure and requirements of individual courses. Individual courses have specific content titles but are always assigned to a general module code (e.g., "MSSR-A1").
The current module manual applies each semester, regardless of when you began your studies. You can access the latest version on the pages of the Studying and Teaching Department II.
Other Documents and Further Information
Beyond the examination regulations and module manual, several documents support your studies.
Here you will find an overview of important forms, as well as answers to various questions regarding specific situations and challenges you may encounter during your studies.
Recognition of Credits from External Institutions
- Recognition of credits from prior study at other universities or other German institutions of higher education
- Recognition of credits from prior study within the University of Bamberg
- Recognition of credits from study abroad
- Recognition and Learning Agreements for study abroad semesters
- Other forms of recognition – internships, language courses, courses from the Virtual University Bavaria, or formal certificates
- Advancement in academic standing due to recognition of prior achievements
Please submit all applications in writing to the Chair of the Examination Board, with a clear statement of reasons and references to the relevant paragraphs of the examination regulations.
- Form for the Recognition of Examination Results(64.5 KB, 1 page) – for recognition of examination and study achievements completed at external institutions in the Master's programme in Sociology and Social Research
- Information on Credit Recognition(41.3 KB, 1 page) (Learning Agreement) – please provide detailed descriptions of the proposed courses
- Data Sheet for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications(128.3 KB) - NOTWENDIG / GÜLTIG? bisher aus EES
- Conversion of Grades(143.0 KB) in the context of recognition of examination achievements completed at institutions of higher education abroad - SOZIOLOGIE-VERSION? bisher EES
- Information on the Thesis – guidelines for registration, structure, and submission of your Master's thesis, including the information sheet(78.5 KB, 1 page) for thesis applications
An extension of the maximum period of study is only possible if your studies have been substantially affected over an extended period. Classic examples include chronic illnesses that repeatedly lead to unforeseen and significant limitations in your studies, where a leave of absence for health reasons is not a viable alternative.
How do I apply for an extension?
Submit an informal request by email to the Sociology Examining Board. Your application should include the following:
- A brief explanation of the impairments (including specific limitations and the period affected)
- Where applicable, an assessment from the Disability Support Officer
- Relevant medical certificates or documentation supporting your request
What should I consider?
It is essential that you understand the regulatory framework, particularly APO SoWi §3 Para. 4. In brief: once you reach the maximum period of study of six semesters (or ten semesters for part-time study), you are granted an additional subject semester to complete all required modules. This means for extension applications:
- If you are confident that the additional semester will be sufficient, you do not need to submit an extension request.
- An application for extension of the maximum period of study must be submitted within the maximum period of study – that is, in the sixth or (for part-time students) tenth semester.
- An application submitted in the additional subject semester can only concern matters related to that additional semester, not the previous six (or ten) semesters. In that case, you can only request an extension of the additional semester itself.
- An application for extension can only be submitted once it becomes clear that you will not complete your studies within the maximum period of study. You cannot submit a request "as a precaution" in the third or fourth semester. However, you should contact Susann Sachse-Thürer, the Academic Advisor, early on to informally clarify a potential extension. You should also obtain medical documentation promptly, comprehensively, and continuously, and retain all certificates carefully for a future application.
Approximately 16% of all students have one or more health-related impairments. Disability accommodations are a mechanism to offset disadvantages in examinations that arise from chronic illness or disability, tailored to individual circumstances. Please contact the Disability Support Office before submitting an application.
How do I request disability accommodations?
Submit an informal request by email to the Sociology Examining Board. Your application should include the following:
- A brief description of your disadvantage
- Specific suggestions for appropriate accommodations where possible
- An assessment from the Disability Support Officer
- Relevant medical certificates or documentation supporting your request
Your information will be treated confidentially and in accordance with professional discretion.
Disability Accommodations by Examination Format
In some cases, the Examination Board may grant accommodations automatically. A typical example is extended writing time (e.g., 25% additional time) in written examinations. In many cases, however, the Examining Board may merely recommend certain measures rather than prescribing them explicitly. This applies, for instance, to illnesses that unpredictably and episodically restrict your ability to study. In such cases, individual examiners have the discretion to respond flexibly to your specific needs during the examination. This may include:
- Submission deadlines for coursework: Rather than blanket extensions into the next semester, examiners may be asked to respond individually to impairments caused by acute episodes of chronic illness during the working period.
- Dyslexia in written examinations: A brief note on the examination paper or coursework, which can then be confirmed by a letter from the Examining Board, is usually sufficient.
- Substitution of presentations with alternative examination formats: In most modules this will not be possible, as required competencies cannot be individually adapted. Speak to your lecturer early on to discuss possible accommodations for your specific needs. The Examining Board's recommendation regarding individual accommodations is helpful here.
AI-based tools offer diverse possibilities and bring both opportunities and risks. We support you in using them responsibly whilst upholding academic integrity.
For more detailed information on AI usage at the University of Bamberg, please visit the university-wide information page or ask your lecturer directly how AI tools should be handled in your seminar or course.
Please refer to the Examination Office pages and use the official medical certificate form(148.8 KB, 1 page) (148.8 KB, 1 page). For decentralised examinations, always submit the certificate to the chair or department organising the examination. A scanned copy sent by email is acceptable to meet the deadline, the original can be submitted later. Registered mail is not necessary, standard post is sufficient. Please note that the certificate must be issued on the examination day. Once you submit a medical certificate, it will be recorded appropriately in FlexNow, and your examination registration will not count against your maximum number of attempts.
Online Portals
- Online Services for Students – for various certificates (e.g., mandatory internship confirmation, semester fees)
- FlexNow – examination registration and deregistration, grade overview
- UnivIS – course catalogue, timetable planning
- Virtual Campus – course materials and communication
- University Library – literature and database access
Additional Resources
- Corporate Design Templates – including PowerPoint templates in University of Bamberg design