FAQ - Examinations

Below, you will find answers to most questions concerning examinations.

+What is a module examination?

Module examinations are individual examinations taken throughout a Bachelor’s or Master’s program. They conclude the corresponding modules and are proof that a certain part of the program has been successfully completed. A module examination can either be one single exam or be devided into several components.

To take a module examination, students need to register for the examination during the respective registration period. In some cases certain requirements must be met to register for an exam, e.g. one or more exams have to be passed before being able to register for a more advanced exam. Such requirements are stated in the respective examination regulations. If an examination has been passed, its grade is considered in the calculation of the final grade and the student accumulates the corresponding credits.

Students enrolled in Bachelor's programs at TH Köln have the option to use up to four "additional examination attempts" if they have failed the same examination three times or if they are not happy with a grade of a passed exam. A student who has permantly failed a module examination (i.e. who has failed the same examination three times and has used up all additional examination attempts) is not allowed to continue to pursue this program, neither at TH Köln nor at a different German university. This may also affect related programs.

Additional Examination Attempts

+What is a certificate of attendance ('Teilnahmeschein')?

Certificates of attendance are an ungraded proof of passing a course. To receive a certificate of attendance students must satisfy the course requirements by attending classes regularly, demonstrating active contribution as well as subject-related involvement, being prepared for the course and performing follow-up course work.

+What is a certificate of achievement/interim certificate of achievement ('Testat'/'Zwischentestat') ?

A certificate of achievement/interim certificate of achievement confirms that a student completed an assignment (like submitting a draft paper) as required.

+What is a term paper?

A term paper (e.g. a case study, research paper) is related to the respective course and includes an independent, practical, creative or theoretical completion of an assignment. In doing so, students have to use suitable literature as well as to complete the term paper in due time.

+Do I have to do an internship / semester abroad?

Some programs either include a mandatory internship or provide students the opportunity to do an internship on a voluntary basis. The internship is to give students the opportunity to gain professional experience in program-related fields. By working in organizations, companies or institutions and solving assignments in practice, students are provided an insight into the duties of their future profession. In particular, the internship is designed to apply knowledge and skills obtained throughout their studies in practice as well as to reflect on and evaluate the professional experience gained during the internship. Usually the duration of the internship is 22 weeks. TH Köln assists students by offering preparatory as well as follow-up courses corresponding to their internship. Please refer to your program's examination and internship regulations for detailed information.

Some examination regulations, such as the regulations for the Bachelor’s program in Multilingual Communication, schedule the internship to be spent abroad. Please find additional information in the examination regulations of the respective program.

Program overview Forms and examination regulations are available on our website: Please visit our program overview and select the section “Forms and Regulations” of your degree program.

+I am an expectant or new mother. What rights do I have?

Pregnant students and new mothers are covered by the German law on the protection of expectant and new mothers (Mutterschutzgesetz). With regard to examinations, pregnant students or new mothers have certain rights, i.e. they may withdraw from examinations they have already registered for on short notice.
Follow the link below for additional information:

Information for pregnant students and new mothers

+What rights do I have due to my disability or chronic disease?

When designing an examination, it is to guarantee that disabled students, students with chronic diseases or mental illness will not be at a disadvantage wherever possible. If the examinee proves – by submitting a medical certificate or in a different manner – that he/she is not capable of completely or partly taking the examination in its intended form due to a permanent physical disability, chronic disease or mental illness, the chairperson of the examination board may decide on an adequate disadvantage compensation. The student is required to request a disadvantage compensation in due time (usually when registering for the examination, two months prior to the examination date).