Survival Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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):

• Dissatisfaction with the assessment of study or exam results, problems with lecturers: Studiendekan/-in Neuphilologie (Vorsitzende/-r der Fachbereichsstudienkommission Neuphilologie)
• Extension of deadlines (e.g. extension of the regular period of study, etc.): Vorsitzende/-r des Prüfungsausschusses für Lehramt  Ansprechpartner: Prüfungsamt geisteswissenschaftliche Fächer
• Appeals against exam decisions (e.g. loss of the right to take examinations): Vorsitzende/-r des Prüfungsausschusses für Lehramt  Ansprechpartner: Prüfungsamt geisteswissenschaftliche Fächer
• Academic compensation for disadvantages: Studiendekan/-in Neuphilologie (Vorsitzende/-r der Fachbereichsstudienkommission Neuphilologie) Ansprechpartner: Prüfungsamt geisteswissenschaftliche Fächer
• Compensation for gender and diversity-related disadvantages, use of the children's room/ relaxation room in the Brechtbau: Gleichstellungsbeauftragte/-r der Philosophischen Fakultät
• Reconciling care work and academic studies: Familienbüro

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.