Recognition of Academic Achievements

If you are changing degree programmes within the University of Bamberg, credits from your previous programme may be recognised without requiring an equivalence check if the modules are identical. To proceed, contact the Examination Board directly with a current FlexNow transcript, a completed recognition application form, a list of outstanding examination registrations with module codes, and specification of which modules you wish to transfer.

If you have completed studies at another German institution that you wish to have recognised in Bamberg, you should submit your application for recognition immediately, but no later than one semester after beginning your studies in Bamberg. Delays in submitting your application may complicate further study and examination planning. Only once the decision on your application has been made will it be clear which achievements will be recognised and which must be completed at the University of Bamberg.

Application Process

First, complete the Recognition Application Form(64.5 KB, 1 page) (64.5 KB, 1 page). Use one form for each examination achievement to be recognised.

Submit the completed form and copies of your academic records (transcript, grade confirmation, or similar) to the appropriate subject representative. The subject representatives will confirm in writing whether the examination achievements or courses can be recognised. Once you have received individual confirmations for all modules, submit your application(s) to the Examination Board, attention: Dipl.-Soz. Susann Sachse-Thürer, Feldkirchenstr. 21, Room F21 01.15. In addition to the recognition forms, please submit an informal letter listing the module groups into which you wish to place the recognised modules. If you send your documents by post, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

Once you have received confirmation from the Examination Board, you may submit your documents to the Examination Office and have the credits entered in FlexNow.

Study and examination achievements completed abroad may be recognised if:

• They can be credited to the Study Abroad module group
• They are equivalent in content and examination requirements to those of the University of Bamberg

For detailed information on how the recognition and crediting procedure works, please consult the Examination Board pages and Studying Abroad.

Once you have decided to undertake a period of study abroad, you should first research various foreign institutions of higher education and their course offerings thoroughly. Study and examination achievements completed abroad can only be recognised if they are equivalent in content and examination requirements to those of the respective degree programme. In this context, check in particular whether the offered courses correspond to the Sociology module handbook in Bamberg. As a rule, recognition of study and examination achievements completed abroad presents no difficulties.

Important: A leave of absence does not interrupt the obligation to repeat failed examinations. This can only be arranged upon application to the Examination Board.

For information on the University of Bamberg's partner universities and the requirements for a period of study abroad, please contact the International Office.

Mobility Window

In the Master's programme in Sociology, a period of study abroad is recommended before or after completing a research internship. Since the research internship spans two semesters, a study abroad period during this time is not possible. Recognition of achievements completed abroad is easiest when there is a high degree of correspondence with modules offered in Bamberg. However, modules not available in Bamberg should also be recognised. The practical module (Praxis-Modul) is the most flexible in this regard, offering the greatest opportunity for recognition of modules not offered in Bamberg.

Learning Agreements

Learning Agreements provide a form of assurance, though they are not binding on students. If you conclude a Learning Agreement with the appropriate subject representatives before your study abroad period, these achievements will be fully recognised upon your return. Recognition will only be refused if discrepancies are identified that were not previously communicated and updated in the Learning Agreement. This ensures that achievements from a foreign university are recognised as previously agreed upon your return. The greatest flexibility for recognising foreign achievements exists when they are to be credited to the practical module (Praxis-Modul) in the Master's programme in Sociology.

For achievements in empirical social research methods or from other subject areas (such as Business Administration or Economics), it is strongly recommended to conclude a Learning Agreement with the appropriate subject representative at the University of Bamberg before beginning your study abroad period, as this is the only way to clarify whether an achievement completed abroad can be credited. If you wish to complete coursework in other subject areas whilst abroad, please inform yourself of the exact procedures there. Any subsequent modification to a Learning Agreement should be coordinated with and confirmed by the subject representative.

For Study Abroad via ERASMUS

For a period of study abroad via an ERASMUS programme and the subsequent recognition of credits, you must conclude two types of Learning Agreements:

1. Course lists or Learning Agreements that you must submit to the International Office
2. Subject-specific Learning Agreements (recognition agreements) that confirm the recognition of your chosen courses before your study abroad period begins. These Learning Agreements must always be concluded with the appropriate subject representatives

Recognition of Credits Completed Abroad

Once you have received official confirmation of your study and examination achievements from your foreign institution (transcript, grade confirmation, or similar), you should apply for recognition immediately, but no later than one semester after resuming your studies at the University of Bamberg. Delays in submitting your application may complicate further study and examination planning. Only once the decision on your application has been made will it be clear which achievements will be recognised and which must be completed at the University of Bamberg.

First, complete the Recognition Application Form(64.5 KB, 1 page) (64.5 KB, 1 page). Use one form for each examination achievement to be recognised. Submit the completed form and copies of your foreign documents to the appropriate subject representative. The subject representatives will confirm in writing whether the examination achievements or courses can be recognised. Once you have received individual confirmations for all modules, submit your application(s) to the Examination Board, attention: [Contact person details], with the following documents:

• Recognition application form(s)
• Individual recognitions from subject representatives (typically entered in the respective recognition application form)
• Foreign documents (Transcript of Records) in copy form

The designated staff member will also handle the conversion(85.3 KB) (85.3 KB) of recognised grades. Grade calculation is not undertaken by the subject representatives.

If you submit your application by post, foreign documents must be provided as officially certified copies.

In addition to study achievements completed at universities, various other forms of learning can be credited towards your Master's degree, including coursework from the Virtual University of Bavaria, internships, language courses, and formal certificates, as well as achievements from double degree programmes.

Before completing any external coursework or undertaking formal recognition, it is advisable to contact the Examination Board to clarify whether the achievement can be recognised within your degree programme.

Courses from the Virtual University of Bavaria

External courses, such as those offered by the Virtual University of Bavaria (vhb), can be credited towards your Master's programme in Sociology and Social Research.

Procedure for Recognition: First, contact the lecturer responsible for the corresponding module at the University of Bamberg and clarify whether your externally completed course can be credited. It is recommended that you do this before completing the external course.

Important: Recognition is only possible for courses that correspond to optional modules within the Master's programme. The available options and the name of the responsible lecturer can be found in the module handbook. Bachelor's-level modules cannot be credited.

Once you have completed the external course and received written confirmation from the subject representative, submit a recognition form together with your course certificate to Susann Sachse-Thürer at the Examination Board. The entry in FlexNow will then be processed automatically.

Recognition of Achievements from Double Degree Programmes

If you are enrolled in one of the international double degree programmes, the recognition of achievements is individually regulated for each programme.

Procedure for Recognition: The specific recognition details for your programme are outlined on the double degree programme pages. The recognition process is significantly simplified: complete the simplified recognition form for double degree programmes and submit it together with your transcript of records to the Examination Board.

Recognition of Internships and Language Courses

Internships and language courses can be credited towards your degree, depending on their relevance to your programme of study and their academic level.

For internships: Internships may be credited towards the Practical Module (Praxis-Modul) if they involve relevant research or work experience. Contact your subject representative to discuss how your internship can be integrated into your studies.

For language courses: Language courses may be recognised if they are completed at an accredited institution and are relevant to your studies or professional development. Clarify recognition possibilities with your subject representative before enrolment.

Procedure for Recognition: Contact the Examination Board and submit your request with relevant documentation (course certificate, internship confirmation, or learning agreement). Your subject representative will assess equivalence and confirm in writing whether recognition is possible.

General Guidance on Recognition of External Achievements

Before completing any external coursework:

• Contact the Examination Board to clarify whether recognition is possible
• Consult the module handbook to identify equivalent modules
• Discuss timing and requirements with the responsible lecturer or subject representative

For recognition of your achievement:

• Complete a recognition application form for each achievement
• Obtain written confirmation from the subject representative
• Submit your application to the Examination Board with:
  • Completed recognition form(s)
  • Subject representative's written confirmation
  • Certificate of achievement or course transcript
  • Current FlexNow data sheet

Once approved, the Examination Office will enter your achievement in FlexNow.