Englisches Seminar

Survival Kit for Students at the End of Their First Semester

Your Next Steps


Starting your studies is a significant step; but so is continuing your studies after the first semester. That is why we have put together the survival kit for beginners in the B.Ed. English . It is a straightforward guide to help you find your way on campus, understand the guidelines for your study programme, and set up your schedule. With this kit, you will have a reliable resource to ease into your studies. Welcome, and let's get started on this academic journey!

Info Meeting for Students at the End of Their First Semester

January/ February 2025

 

What?

To help you with continuing your studies after the first semester, we offer online counselling. There will be an online info meeting at the end of the winter term.

 

It is essential that you consult the information on this website before you attend the info meeting. The info meeting is primarily intended to give you a forum for asking questions rather than giving too much input. All you need to know will be available in preparation for the info meeting way ahead of time.
When?

The online session will take place on XX, 2025 at XX:15 h.
Where?

The online session will take place via Zoom. Access details are published here approximately 24 hours before the meeting.
To test your online configuration, please visit the Zoom help page with an integrated test call.
Last updated: June 29, 2024

Module Handbook

What is it? Do I need to read it?

First, there are the so-called exam regulations ("Prüfungsordnung"). There is a general part ("Allgemeiner Teil") and a special part ("Besonderer Teil"): The special part of the examination regulations focuses on a particular study course whereas the general part contains regulations that a common for all or at least a group of philology subjects within the faculty. As a rule the exam regulations are continually amended by so-called "Änderungssatzungen" and the most current changes are found at the end of the document.

Now, the module handbook is not only a legal document but it is designed to help students navigate their studies. The module handbook helps to understand the course structure that students see in the "Studienplaner" in alma. The module handbook will indicate the courses suggested for a specific semester, which exams are mandatory to complete a module, which courses are graded and which are not and what the requirements are to complete a course successfully.

We urgently recommend any student to familiarize themselves with their module handbook(s) as soon as possible.

Check out the Virtual Student Guide/ FAQ

Where to find it?

All exam regulations and module handbooks are available through the Registrar's Office ("Prüfungsamt"). There is a special website for the exam regulations and module handbooks.

Archived versions are not really that important for you at the moment, so check the current versions first.

© Universität Tübingen

Survival Tips

Tips for the Organisation of Your Studies

#0 Know thy module handbook

Make sure to know where to find the module handbook and to familiarize yourselves with the contents of the module handbook as soon as possible.

#1 Put together your schedule

As a general guideline, you can consult our detailed module table or the overviews in table format in the Module Handbook (cf. MHB B.Ed. English 2022, 4-5). The module table can be understood as a general recommendation of the course of studies in a three-year framework ("Regelstudienzeit").

So, we recommend the following courses for the second semester:

  • the seminar "Oral Communication I" (2 ECTS) in the Basic Module Academic English (ENG_BE_1)
  • the lecture "Introduction to English Linguistics" (3 ECTS) in the Basic Module Linguistics (ENG_BE_3)
  • the lecture in the Advanced Module Literary Studies (2 ECTS), a lecture of your choice in the field of literary studies (ENG_BE_7)
  • the lecture and the tutorial "Introduction to Cultural Studies" (6 ECTS) in the Basic Module Cultural Studies (ENG_BE_8)

For your future studies, please keep in mind that admission to Advanced Modules requires the prior successful completion of the Basic Module in the respective area of study. For example, you may not proceed to the Advanced Module Academic English if you have not passed the Basic Module Academic English first.

In general, the number of courses you want to and can take after the first semester also depends on the workload in your second subject or in the educational sciences (Bildungswissenschaften) and on whether or not you have to take additional courses in Latin or a second modern language to meet language requirements in English and/ or your other subject(s).

The English Department Helpdesk  is there for you with help and support if you have any questions about how to choose courses and set up your schedule.

#2 Mind the course registration policy

How do I sign up for classes?

Check out the info piece on how to register.

What to do if I was unable to register for classes or was not admitted to any classes? (Late admission)

In both cases, please don't wait it out but be proactive! Don't wait for the first or second week of term to try to sort things out. Our course registration deadlines for courses targeted at students in their second semester and higher are set way ahead of the beginning of term so that you have time to schedule and re-schedule. Please follow the steps sketched in our late admission info piece.

#3 Stay on top of dates and deadlines

To plan your semester ahead, please always first check the dates and deadlines website of the English Department. You can find the dates for the beginning of lectures, which is different for different departments or subjects, the alma deadlines for course registration and more.

#4 Get to know alma

Alma is the University's campus management system. There are regular info meetings to introduce students to the basic functionalities of alma at the beginning of each semester.

The English Department has also produced an alma guide with extensive multimedia support, including information on first steps, course details, course registration and exam registration. A list of Frequently Asked Questions can also be used as a first orientation.

#5 Find out about ways to go abroad

Students in all of our study programs are strongly encouraged to spend some time studying or interning in an English-speaking country. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to improve their language skills and to immerse themselves in a different culture and a different academic or professional environment. Check out our special website on exchange programmes and more info on going abroad in the Bachelor of Education English.

Tips to Get Help and Support

#1 Contact the English Department Helpdesk

At the heart of our support network at the English Department is the student-run English Department Helpdesk, a hub where students at any time during their students can find answers to their most pressing questions. Whether you prefer the convenience of email or the personal touch of face-to-face conversations, our helpdesk is staffed by experienced students ready to guide you. From quick queries to in-depth discussions, our email and in-person counselling services ensure you’re never alone in navigating university life. Reach out, and let’s tackle those questions together.

#2 Know your rights

As a student, you have rights. Want to apply for an extension to the standard study period? Are you looking for information about academic accomodation to compensate for disadvantages ("Nachteilsausgleich")? Or do you need support in combining care responsibilities with your studies?

In the following list, you will find the persons responsible and the contact persons for submitting applications for various concerns of student teachers (Bachelor and Master of Education):

#3 Get the help you deserve

University life is more than academics; it’s about your well-being. The university offers a comprehensive support system: from mental health services to academic advising, we ensure you have access to the necessary resources. We want to empower you to seek support, be aware of your rights, and thrive in a healthy, balanced university environment.

Allgemeine Beratung

The first institution to contact is the Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB). The offer special advice for students facing difficulties during their studies. Here is a list of their areas of expertise (in German):

  • Motivationsprobleme
  • Lernprobleme, wie z.B. wiederholtes "Aufschieben"
  • Entwicklung von Lern- und Studienstrategien
  •  Zeit- und Arbeitsmanagement
  •  Hemmungen beim Referate halten
  •  Verlust des Prüfungsanspruches und Entwicklung neuer Perspektiven
  •  Prüfungsvorbereitung
  •  Überlegungen, das Studium abzubrechen
  •  Kontaktprobleme im Studium

The ZSB offers appointments for personal consultation with and without prior registration, consultation via phone or via Skype. All contact details can be found on their special website.

The University also offers psychotherapeutic counseling. Please contact the ZSB to find out more.

Nachteilsausgleich

Reasonable accommodations, also known as "Nachteilsausgleich" in German, play a crucial role in ensuring equal opportunities for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses during their university studies. These accommodations aim to mitigate any disadvantages caused by impairments and prevent discrimination. Supported by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reasonable accommodations encompass various measures, such as adjusted exam conditions, additional time, or alternative formats for course materials. For guidance and assistance, students can turn to the special counsellors of the ZSB. The ZSB also offers support and individual counselling.