Explanation of the study programmes

Bachelor and master – what does it all mean?

The University of Konstanz offers undergraduate and graduate study programmes. Undergraduate programmes are study programmes that lead to a first qualifying degree. Once you have successfully completed your undergraduate studies, you may go on to graduate studies.

Undergraduate study programmes

Bachelor's programme

The bachelor’s programme leads to a first academic degree that marks the beginning of your academic career (bachelor - master - doctorate). During your bachelor’s programme, you will be taking several modules. A module consists of various courses (seminars, lectures etc.). You will be awarded a certain number of ECTS credits (credit points) for each successfully completed module. The bachelor's programme generally lasts for six to eight semesters and is concluded with a bachelor’s thesis. If you are studying a subject in the humanities, cultural studies, politics or sociology, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA). A Bachelor of Science (BSc) is awarded in the natural sciences, mathematics, economics or in technical study programmes.

At the University of Konstanz, we offer 25 different bachelor's programmes. If you are studying towards a bachelor’s degree in the humanities, you will be taking a major and a minor subject. You are free to choose your minor subject yourself. Remember that your minor subject choice can sharpen your profile and qualify you for a specific area of work. At the University of Konstanz, you have a choice of 18 different minor subjects.

First state examination in law

The first part of the undergraduate law degree at the University of Konstanz is concluded by the first state examination in law. After completing the first state examination in law you will start your practical legal training (two years). You must pass your second state examination in law in order to enter one of these legal professions: judge, public prosecutor, lawyer, notary.

Bachelor of Education (BEd resp. Lehramt Gymnasium)

Since the winter semester of 2015/16, the teacher education programme in secondary education (Lehramt an Gymnasien) has been available in the form of a bachelor’s and master’s programme. You will be studying two subjects. During your bachelor’s degree, you will acquire expert knowledge in your chosen subjects as well as a basic understanding of important pedagogical and didactic concepts. During your master’s programme, you will gain a deeper understanding of both, qualifying for the teacher traineeship (Referendariat). At the University of Konstanz, we offer 17 different subjects that you may combine in any way you like.

Graduate study programmes

Master’s programme

Once you have successfully completed your undergraduate degree (most likely a bachelor’s programme), you may apply for a consecutive master's programme. Upon successful completion of your master’s programme, you will earn the degree of Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Education (MEd).

Master's programmes enable you to specialise in a particular subject, to study it in more depth, or to extend your studies to another discipline. Many of our master's programmes boast special features such as integrated study abroad semesters or double degree options.

At the University of Konstanz, you have a choice of 31 different master’s programmes. Most master's programmes are consecutive programmes. This means that you will only be admitted to the programme if you have successfully completed a bachelor’s programme in a relevant discipline.

Doctoral studies

A period of doctoral studies at a university or equivalent institution of higher education closes with a doctorate. In order to be admitted to a doctoral programme at a German university, you must hold one of the following academic degrees: master’s degree, state examination, Diplom or Magister.
Further information on pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Konstanz is available via the Konstanz Research School website.

Study programmes for working professionals

Taking one of these programmes will allow you to complete your studies while working. These study programmes are organised in a way that allows you to work full-time. The University of Konstanz offers three study programmes for working professionals.