Development of existing degree courses

Modularization

A central component of the development of degree courses is their modularization. Degree courses have a qualification goal and consist of several modules that are fixed in terms of content and time, with clearly defined learning goals and workload. In modules related content is studied and corresponding competencies are acquired. Modules usually conclude with an examination that is tailored to test the competencies to be achieved.

Modules can be described qualitatively (content) and quantitatively (credit points) and can be rated (examination). The content of a module should be measured in such a way that it can usually be acquired within one semester. In particularly justified cases, a module can also extend over several semesters. If a module extends over more than one semester, the effects on studyability and mobility must be checked.

The descriptions of the modules of a degree course are summarized in its module handbook. A module description template can be found in the QM-Portal.

Internationalization

The internationalization of research, teaching and administration is a strategic goal at the University of Bremen. The internationalization of teaching subjects and degree courses is an essential element with numerous options and measures of varying intensity.

At the University of Bremen international degree courses are those, that meet one or more of the following criteria;

• Language (usually English)
• Mandatory stay abroad
• Joint degree course with international universities

The Administrative Unit of Teaching and Studies offers support for the internationalization at the degree course level, such as the planning of Multiple Degree programs. The International Office gives advice on questions about stays abroad or the mobility of lecturers.

Digitalization

The proportion of digital aspects in degree courses is increasing, even at the University of Bremen as a classroom university. For us digital higher education is an opportunity to further develop our strengths, our degree courses and our (teaching-) profile of the university. Degree courses can become more flexible through digital learning elements and learning paths can be individualized. As part of university didactics, specific offers are made for lecturers, while the SKILL-UB project supports the curricular embedding of learning goal-oriented, digital teaching, learning and examination scenarios in teaching. An important partner in digitalization is the ZMML as the central e-learning facility of the University of Bremen, which is responsible for the offer of e-General Studies, among others.

Shaping accesses

Access and admission to the university are regulated by statutes. For access to bachelor degree courses the regulation according to BremHG§ 33 paragraph 7 and its annex are relevant. The master's degree courses are regulated via specific admission regulations ("Aufnahmeordnung", AO) or access and admission regulations (teacher education; "Zugangs- und Zulassungsordnungen", ZuGO).

• The Administrative Unit for Teaching and Studies coordinates the development of the regulations for the master's degree courses. The regulations for teacher education degree courses are developed in coordination with the ZfLB.
• The Administrative Department 6: Student Affairs is responsible for changes affecting access to bachelor's degree courses.
• Concerning the development and change of admission regulations in the non-teacher education, please contact the responsible colleagues in the Administrative Unit for Teaching and Studies.

Regulating the degree curriculum

Recommendations on the degree curriculum and information relevant to the examinations for the modules are included in the appendices to the specific examination regulations. These specific examination regulations underlie the general parts of the bachelor and examination regulations (AT). There are no study regulations at the University of Bremen.

Changing an AT requires an extensive discussion and decision-making process at the university level.

Changing examination regulations requires a decision by the faculty council and, in some cases, further committees. Changes can appear as new examination regulations or by means of amendments to existing regulations. All officially valid versions of examination regulations and amendments can be found in the ZPA-archive. Because reading amendment regulations may be complicated, the Administrative Unit for Teaching and Studies creates consolidated reading versions as a service. These can be found in the list of study programs unter "formalities" for the respective degree course. Here you can also find internship regulations that may be part of the degree course.

Significant Changes

Significant changes relate to structural elements of a degree course, e.g. changing the course title, the incorporation of a multiple degree program or other internationalization options such as switching to the English language. They require a change process, for which you can find documents in the QM Portal. The implementation of a significant change usually affects several aspects of the degree course at the same time, such as access, capacity and/or the creation of certificates. The Administrative Unit for Teaching and Studies coordinates this process. In addition to other bodies, the Rectorate is often involved.