The focus on environmental sciences and the very broad spectrum of subjects, the wide range of options, specialisations in marine sciences or landscape ecology. The question is also answered in more detail here.

How do I find the responsible persons?

On the Uwi website there is a menu item "Responsibilities". If this does not help, please contact Marion Pohlner.

Where can I get a BAföG benefit certificate?

The BAföG officer at the ICBM is Dr Barbara Scholz-Böttcher. In the ICBM office, Julia Temmen takes care of study programme matters.

Who is responsible for the BSc Uwi homepage and Stud.IP?

Marion Pohlner edits the degree programme page for the BSc Uwi. If topics are missing or need to be described in more detail, please get in touch. Our StudIP administrator is Katinka Hoppe. She is responsible for module and course entries, among other things. We welcome suggestions, criticism and comments.

Do I have to complete an internship before starting a degree at UWI?

No. It is not compulsory to complete an internship before starting your degree. You can therefore apply for the UWI degree programme at the University of Oldenburg straight after your Abitur. However, internships are, of course, always a great asset to your personal development, so gaining experience in an environment-related field certainly won’t do any harm.

Are there any preparatory or foundation courses before the start of the degree programme?

No. Whilst some departments at the university do offer preparatory courses in maths, physics and chemistry, these are aimed at students of those respective subjects. The content goes beyond what is relevant for first-year UWI students. The lectures in maths, chemistry and physics that you attend in the first and second semesters are introductory courses which do not require or assume any specific prior knowledge, and their content is specifically tailored to the requirements of UWI students. However, the first two semesters are somewhat easier if you have some prior knowledge of the above-mentioned subjects from your school days. A system of exercises, tutorials and learning centres is designed to enable everyone to successfully complete the compulsory modules. A broad interest in all the natural sciences is certainly helpful in this regard.

Is there restricted admission?

Yes, there is restricted admission, as the number of places is fixed (approx. 120). The minimum entry grade (NC) for the respective year is only determined retrospectively based on the Abitur grades from the last round of admissions or successful applications. More information on this topic can be found here.

Can I study the UWI Bachelor’s programme as a distance-learning course?

No, the UWI degree programme can only be completed as a full-time course (or, upon proposal, as a part-time study) at the university, which requires attendance. This means that distance learning is not an option in Oldenburg.

Can I study the Bachelor’s degree programme in Environmental Sciences even if I didn’t take Biology, Physics, Maths or Chemistry up to Abitur, or didn’t get top grades in these subjects? Is it possible to fill any gaps through focused study?

No one has ever been born a master who knew everything right from the start of their studies! The UWI degree programme covers basic knowledge in all the natural sciences (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) as well as the environmental and earth sciences, which means that school-level knowledge is briefly revised and expanded upon at the start. The prior knowledge of first-year students often varies greatly. We are well prepared to deal with this. However, the first two semesters are a little easier if you have some prior knowledge of the subjects mentioned above from your school days.

Is there a fixed timetable?

No. Due to the wide range of options, there are many individual possibilities and therefore different timetables. There are only standardised dates for the compulsory courses in the first two semesters. But here, too, you can choose exercise groups, tutorials, etc.

I can't find courses for the coming semester.

It can happen that certain courses are activated in Stud.IP at different times. Or the planning for the coming semester takes place at a time when the course catalogue is not yet available. If you cannot find dates for an upcoming course, first look at the previous semester. There are usually no major changes. In the case of block courses, the dates usually remain the same relative to the end or beginning of the lecture period.

I can't decide on a specialisation. Is that a problem?

The degree programme is open, so this is not a formal problem. For the interdisciplinary subject of Environmental Sciences, a certain breadth is desirable. For certain areas (e.g. environmental education, sustainability), a wide range of subjects can even be advantageous. When choosing modules, however, rather unusual combinations (e.g. of marine science and landscape ecology subjects) must be checked individually for time overlaps.

Do I have to decide on a study pathway?

No. Pathways are non-binding suggestions. They are intended to demonstrate the feasibility of study and to help those who are undecided to choose a module. Variations are also possible within the pathways. Pathways are checked with regard to studyability. Other module combinations can be planned individually.

Can I transfer to the Environmental Sciences degree programme from another Bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Oldenburg? And is it possible to transfer even if my A-level results do not meet the entry requirements for the UWI degree programme?

In principle, it is possible to switch from another degree programme to Environmental Sciences, provided there are places available in the relevant semester. You can then have the credits you have already earned recognised in accordance with the regulations, but you may need to catch up on any modules from the first and second semesters that you have not yet taken.

When I transferred from another university to the University of Oldenburg, I enrolled in a higher semester. What is the situation regarding the recognition of credits I have already earned, and which modules do I need to take?

According to the examination regulations for the UWI degree programme, “periods of study, including work experience and credits, will be recognised upon the student’s proposal, provided there are no significant differences in the competences acquired”. To this end, you must submit an application for the recognition of the successfully completed credits. (see also the FAQs on credit transfer)

How can modules and credits from a previous/other degree programme be recognised?

The responsible Examinations Board or the Examinations Office decides on the recognition of credits from other degree programmes. The proposal(with forms attached) is submitted to the Examinations Office. The credits must be assigned to equivalent modules offered in Oldenburg. The subject representative confirms the equivalence (the Language Centre is responsible for languages). The decisive factor is the acquisition of competences, not the content. The scope (credit points) and requirements should be roughly equivalent. As no schematic comparison is to be made, but rather an individual overall assessment, it may be useful to involve the course counselling service before submitting the application.

How are modules and credits from a semester abroad recognised?

The responsible Examining Board decides on the recognition of credits from other countries on the basis of a proposal(with forms attached), which must be submitted to the Examinations Office. This procedure also applies if the study abroad was carried out within the framework of ERASMUS and an Online Learning Agreement is available.
Modules acquired during a semester abroad can be recognised directly under their original title. There are special credit transfer modules ("study abroad") for compulsory electives, specialisation and areas of specialisation. It is also possible to have equivalent modules recognised.

Can other successfully completed types of examination (e.g. written exams instead of seminar papers) be recognised?

Yes, recognition is possible. Different types of examination do not matter, as it is primarily the acquisition of skills that is important.

The module was acquired in the Bachelor's programme, but corresponds to a Master's module at the University of Oldenburg. For which degree programme is the successfully completed module recognised?

The two phases of the Bachelor's and Master's programmes are considered integrated. There can be no double recognition of the same achievement. This means that you have to decide which degree programme you want the module to be recognised for.

The module is not included in the study programme of the University of Oldenburg.

If the examination by the subject representative body does not reveal any significant difference in the competences acquired with a local module, recognition can be granted. If individual courses are to be recognised, they must together correspond to an Oldenburg module.

The module brought along is equivalent to a local module, but has fewer CP.

If there are small differences in the number of credits, the module can be recognised as if it had been completed at the University of Oldenburg, i.e. with the higher number of credits. If necessary, several small modules can be combined. If there are large differences, it may be necessary to consider recognising part of a module.

The module you have brought with you is the same as a local module, but has more CP.

The module can be recognised as if it had been completed at the University of Oldenburg, i.e. with the lower number of CP. The remaining points not credited may be recognised within the area of specialisation.

The module was not marked at the other university, but is marked in Oldenburg.

Subsequent marking can be carried out by the module coordinator at the former university or by a university lecturer here.
or
After completion of the degree programme, the module is awarded a grade, which is calculated as the average of the grades of the respective subject or area of specialisation weighted according to the number of credits.

The module submitted is marked, but the corresponding module is not marked at the University of Oldenburg.

The grade of the module that was marked at another university is not included in the overall grade.

By when must I register for a resit exam?

You must also register for resit examinations in good time, either in writing or electronically. Furthermore, requests for free attempts to improve your mark must be submitted to the Examinations Office within one year. Although lecturers will generally not exclude anyone from a resit written exam if they turn up on time without having registered, this does not exempt you from the obligation to submit a proposal and register. Otherwise, your written exam may not be marked.

How do I find out my grades for written exams?

Grades are usually made available via Stud.IP.

How often can I improve a grade? How does the ‘free attempt’ rule work?

A ‘free attempt’ (exclusion of a failed written exam from the record) and a ‘free attempt to improve a mark’ (for a passed written exam) must be applied for at the Examinations Office. These are not available for resit exams.
A ‘free attempt to improve a mark’ (i.e. where the exam has been passed) is only available once per exam and must take place within one year. Postponement to the following year is only possible if no further exam date is offered in the same year. It is therefore not possible to simply wait a year. Exams in the form of a seminar paper, a presentation, a practical exercise, an internship report or a presentation cannot be retaken to improve a mark (see the subject-specific annex to the BPO).
The relevant regulations are set out in the ‘Examination Regulations for the Single-Subject Bachelor's degree programme and Double-Subject Bachelor's degree programme at the University of Oldenburg’ (BPO).
§ 15 Retaking module examinations, free attempt
(5) Within the standard period of study, module examinations that have been passed may, upon proposal, be retaken once within one year at the earliest possible date in order to improve the mark (free attempt to improve the mark). In such cases, the better result shall count. If no date is offered in that year, the next available date shall apply. Similarly, within the standard period of study, examinations that have been failed may, upon proposal, be deemed not to have been taken at the earliest possible date (free attempt). Certain types of examination or modules may be exempted from this in the subject-specific annexes. A ‘free attempt’ and a ‘free attempt to improve a mark’ are not permitted in the case of resit examinations. A limit on the number of ‘free attempts’ may be set out in the subject-specific appendices and the appendix relating to the area of specialisation. Paragraphs 1 and 4 apply accordingly.
Documents and guidance for Environmental Sciences (Bachelor's degree programme)

Which modules can I select from?

During the course of study, 45 CP must be earned in the area of specialisation (PB modules). 15 CP of these are allocated to the training module (contact placement, compulsory). The remaining 30 CP may be chosen from the range of modules in the area of specialisation, or freely from any of the University of Oldenburg’s Bachelor’s modules. Compulsory modules from subjects with restricted admission are excluded from this. See also: Modules. Information about the area of specialisation and the PB modules can be found on the UOL website.

Do I have to complete the project studies recommended for the UWI degree programme (pb180, pb181, pb182, pb257) or the subject-related PB modules?

No, these modules are merely recommended as they round off your subject-specific training. However, you are free to choose from any of the modules in the area of specialisation.

Is it possible to have UWI subject modules recognised for credit in the area of specialisation (PB)?

Yes, upon proposal (and approval), compulsory-elective and specialisation modules from the BSc Uwi can be credited towards the PB. This option is available if you have completed more than the required two sets of three modules. See the examination regulations for the area of specialisation (extracurricular).

Can I earn more than 30 credit points in the PB?

It is possible to take more modules and credit points than required. Upon proposal, additional compulsory-elective or specialisation modules that have been completed may also be transferred to the PB. However, exactly 30 credit points are used for the calculation of the final mark. The modules are, however, listed in full on the transcript.

How long does the work placement last?

The placement lasts 9 weeks.

Is it possible to split the contact placement and complete it at two different locations?

It is possible to split the placement and complete it in two blocks within half a year. A contact placement at multiple locations requires valid reasons and must be authorised by the module coordinator as an exception.

Is it possible to have my training as a XXX recognised as part of the work placement?

The training can be credited (as the practical part of the module) if the following conditions are met:
1. A tutor must supervise the topic and assess the report to be written.
2. A written proposal must be submitted to the module coordinator:
– including a brief summary of the course content
– including the name of the supervising lecturer
– including the title of the presentation for the seminar.
3. You must attend the seminar for the contact placement and deliver a presentation.

Can I also undertake the contact placement at a consumer advice centre?

An internship at a consumer advice centre is possible. The subject-matter relevance to environmental sciences is generally interpreted broadly. You simply need (as with all other contact internships) to find a lecturer from the UWI degree programme who will supervise and carry out marking. In your own interests, bear in mind that the placement should serve your qualification and study objectives. If in doubt, please contact the module coordinator.

I’m planning to do an internship in the field of renewable energy. Is this compatible with the Environmental Sciences degree programme, i.e. am I even allowed to do this?

Of course. Renewable energy is a suitable topic for the contact placement. However, you must find a lecturer from the UWI degree programme (perhaps from the Physics department?) who will supervise and carry out marking for your placement. If in doubt, please contact the module coordinator.

As I enjoyed my semester abroad in XX so much, I’d also like to complete the contact placement required by the examination regulations whilst abroad. Am I even allowed to complete the contact placement abroad?

Yes, you can complete the contact placement abroad. However, you must also find a supervisor in Oldenburg who will subsequently perform marking on your report and presentation, and you must attend the seminar. Funding via an Erasmus+ placement may be available. Please contact the academic advisory service and the International Office for further information.

When can I register for the Bachelor's thesis?

You can register for the BA as soon as you have achieved 120 CP and successfully completed the six compulsory modules.

How long does the Bachelor's thesis take?

It can take 4 months to complete the entire Bachelor's thesis (12 CP) (-> 360 h).

Does the supervisor of the Bachelor's thesis have to be habilitated?

According to the examination regulations, the Bachelor's thesis is assessed by two examiners, at least one of whom must belong to the group of university lecturers - i.e. be a professor or private lecturer from the Uwi. In the case of internal Bachelor's theses, two full-time lecturers of the B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences can also assess the thesis with the approval of the Examinations Office.

Can I take leave of absence during the Bachelor's thesis?

No. As the final thesis is an examination, it is not possible to take leave of absence during the semester in question. If the last examinations are taken at the beginning of a new semester, students must still re-register, but can de-register after the end of the examination. Fees will only be refunded if you apply for De-registration within one month of the start of the lecture period.

What is the accompanying seminar? Do I have to defend my Bachelor's thesis there?

The accompanying seminar is usually the working group seminar of the working group in which the Bachelor's thesis is written. According to the supervisor's instructions, the topic and results are presented there. There is no marked defence of the Bachelor's thesis.

Is it usual or necessary to do a Master's degree in Marine Environmental Sciences after successfully completing a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences?

The Bachelor's degree is a professionally qualifying degree in its own right. Many of our graduates, especially in the Environmental Planning pathway, go straight into working life after completing their Bachelor's thesis.
However, there is the option to continue studying after the Bachelor's degree. The University of Oldenburg offers various Master's degree programmes that provide a useful follow-up to the UWI degree programme, e.g. Marine Environmental Sciences, Environmental Modelling, Landscape Ecology or Microbiology. However, you can also switch to any other Master's programme offered by another university.

The homepage of the University of Oldenburg states that there are a wide range of future job opportunities. Does this mean that the prospects for academic appointments are also promising? Or do some graduates find it difficult to enter the labour market?

In our experience, graduates of the UWI degree programme have very good chances of entering the job market. Because the degree programme is so broadly based and the environmental aspect is becoming increasingly important for many areas, graduates with environmental science knowledge are sought after. The solid scientific education in the BSc Uwi is a good basis for a career or further degree programmes in many areas.

Are there degree programme or module descriptions available in English?

The ICBM website provides information in English on entry requirements, applications, career prospects and the course structure.
There is no module handbook in English. A collection of module descriptions in English is currently being compiled, for example for use in applications abroad. Please enquire at course counselling.

Will I be using English on the BSc Uwi programme?

That depends on your individual choice of modules. Generally speaking, the degree programme is taught entirely in German, meaning that almost all lectures and examinations are in German. However, some modules in the areas of specialisation and professional development are taught in English to give you the opportunity to try your hand at them. In addition, English-language textbooks and other specialist literature are used in some modules. When searching for further reading, you will frequently come across English-language texts, as English is the dominant language of science.
In many professional roles today, a knowledge of English is expected. Many master’s degree programmes require proof of English language proficiency at a specific level as a condition of admission. We therefore recommend that you acquire English language skills or build on your existing knowledge whilst studying for your Bachelor’s degree. The Language Centre, for example, offers courses for this purpose. Modules successfully completed there are recognised as credits in the area of specialisation of the programme.

Are any modules taught in English?

The degree programme is taught in German; that is, the compulsory modules and the majority of all other modules are taught in German. However, there are also a few modules with English-language classes in the area of specialisation and the area of specialisation, which can be taken on an optional basis.

What should I do if my studies are taking a long time?

The university offers support for those who are finding it difficult to complete their degree. This support includes, for example, one-to-one counselling, coaching sessions and group programmes to support students in their day-to-day studies, as well as workshops to improve study skills and prepare for exams (see https://uol.de/studium/endspurt).

Do you have to study abroad during your degree?

No, you are not required to spend a semester abroad during your Bachelor’s degree. However, there are opportunities, for example through the ERASMUS programme or other exchange programmes, to spend a semester at one of the University of Oldenburg’s partner universities. Internships can also be undertaken abroad, but this is not compulsory.

Which books should I buy for my degree?

Whether any books are required, and if so which ones, is generally discussed in the first lectures of the various modules. You can buy many books in good condition second-hand via adverts on the ‘notice board’ of the university’s internal Stud.IP system. Every student gains access to this system upon enrolment. So it’s best to wait until the start of the semester before buying any books!

Do you have to dissect animals during your degree?

You do not have to dissect vertebrates. Insects and other invertebrates are prepared and/or identified as part of some internships.

Can I be granted time off for committee work?

Student representatives on university committees and members of the Student Parliament are granted time off for the relevant meetings. As set out in Section 18(1) of the university charter, they must not suffer any disadvantages as a result of their involvement in student self-government.

How do I use the cloud service?

To use cloud storage, you must first activate your user account at https://uol.de/itdienste/services/datenhaltung/cloudstorage. The cloud folder can then be accessed at https://cloud.uol.de/login or via Stud.IP (click on the profile icon → Cloud storage).

...do I find the course material too much to cope with?

In exercises and tutorials, tasks are revised and explained, so it’s well worth taking part. In addition, the student body offers study centres to provide support in the first and second semesters.

...I want to register for or withdraw from a written exam?

You must register for each examination via Stud.IP. To do so, go to ‘Studium > My Examinations’ for the relevant exam and enter your TAN. A new TAN list can be generated using the last TAN.
During the registration period (usually up to one week before the exam), you can also withdraw in the same way. At short notice, you may only withdraw from an exam for valid reasons. To do so, upload the certificate of inability to sit the exam via Stud.IP and notify the examiner. A detailed explanation can be found at https://uol.de/fileadmin/studium/download/PAmt/Anzeige_einer_Erkrankung_in_Stud_IP_DE_EN.pdf?v=1615975567
The Examinations Office will answer any further questions regarding examination performance: https://uol.de/studium/pruefungen/faq

...what if I fail a written exam?

Bachelor’s Examination Regulations §15 (1): “Failed module examinations may be retaken twice.” This means there are a total of three attempts per module. The ‘free attempt’ rule even allows for a fourth attempt. In the event of a retake, an oral examination may also be possible; the decision is at the discretion of the lecturer.

...I want to use my ‘free attempt’ (if I fail an exam)?

The ‘free attempt’ provision for failed exams allows for one additional attempt. This can only be taken within the standard period of study and at the earliest possible date. Upon proposal, the failed attempt may be treated as ‘not taken’. To do this, send an email to the Academic Examinations Office before the second attempt, asking them to mark the first attempt as a free attempt.
If an examination is not passed after four attempts (including the free attempt), the Bachelor’s degree programme is irreversibly failed!
According to the Bachelor’s Examination Regulations, the final attempt may be marked by two examiners: BPO §9 (4): “Module examinations are generally marked by one examiner. On the student’s proposal, final resit examinations which could result in the Bachelor’s examination being definitively failed shall be marked by two examiners. The student must be informed accordingly.”

...I would like to use my free attempt to improve my mark?

Within the standard period of study, an examination passed on the first attempt may be retaken once in order to improve the grade. The retake must take place within one year (at the next available date) and generally applies only to written exams. The better result counts.
You must apply to the Examinations Office to register for an exam to improve your mark.

...I am restricted due to health reasons and would like to apply for Allowances for special needs?

Chronic and mental health conditions can lead to reduced ability to work and perform. Where such limitations apply, you can apply for Allowances for special needs for examinations. This may involve changing the type of examination, extending the writing time or finding other individual adjustments. You can find more information on this topic and contact details at https://uol.de/behindertenreferat/nachteilsausgleich and https://www.studentenwerk-oldenburg.de/de/beratung/behindertenberatung/nachteilsausgleiche-im-studium.html

...if I need psychological support?

Sometimes you simply lack motivation, feel overwhelmed or just don’t know how to proceed with a particular topic. The Psychological Counselling Service (PBS) offers one-to-one coaching as well as workshops and resources on mental health during your studies. More information at https://www.studentenwerk-oldenburg.de/de/beratung/psychologischer-beratungsservice/pbs-oldenburg.html

...if I’m not sure which career path to take?

The various study pathways within the BSc in Environmental Sciences provide guidance when specialising in a particular area.
The Study and Career Counselling Service (ZSKB) also offers support with decisions regarding your choice of degree and career, planning and organising your studies, as well as with doubts about your studies and questions about changing subject or university.

...if I witness or experience discrimination or sexual harassment?

Talk about it and seek support! There are various people you can turn to who will be happy to advise and help you:
Awareness Team, School of Environmental Sciences
Confidential advisors at School V
AStA’s initial point of contact for discrimination and bullying
ConTakt counselling service for questions regarding sexualised discrimination and violence

...if I’d like to study abroad whilst I’m at university?

A period of study abroad is possible both within and outside Europe. The UOL has contacts with around 50 partner universities outside Europe. Advice on applications and financial support for study periods outside Europe is available from the International Office: https://uol.de/io/team
Semesters abroad within Europe are funded through the Erasmus+ programme. You can find the partner universities for students at the ICBM at https://uol.de/icbm/studium-und-lehre/studieren-im-ausland/erasmus-partneruniversitaeten. Applications for Erasmus places are handled by the departmental Erasmus coordinator (depending on the university: Prof. I. Mose or Dr M. Pohlner) and the application deadline is 31 January each year.
As well as the typical semester abroad, you can also undertake an Erasmus placement. This is particularly suitable for a work placement in another European country. More information is available at https://uol.de/erasmus/erasmus-praktikum

...if I have prior learning that should be taken into account?

Credits from previous studies or from abroad can be transferred to the Environmental Sciences degree programme through credit recognition. You can find the relevant proposals at https://uol.de/anerkennung/formulare
Further information on the process and other matters can be found at https://uol.de/anerkennung/haeufige-fragen.
Prior professional knowledge gained through vocational training or work experience must be recognised via the PLAR service. Information on the procedure and advice can be found at https://uol.de/plar

...if I’m looking for a part-time job?

There are various job boards with vacancies:
Stud.IP: Notice Board > Job Board
http://www.nwzonline.dewww.nwzonline.de
www.meinestadt.de
www.jobruf.de
www.jobsintown.de
Further job boards can be found at https://uol.de/career-and-jobs/job-search/job-portals/job-portals-for-student-part-time-jobs
The Studierendenwerk Oldenburg offers valuable advice on working whilst studying:
https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/geld/jobben-im-studium

...if I’m having financial difficulties?

There are various support services available here too:
Financial advice from the Studentenwerk
Loans from the AStA to bridge short-term financial difficulties
State education loans
Scholarships:
https://uol.de/servicestelle-stipendien
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/database/de/21148-stipendiendatenbank/

...if I want to do a part-time study?

The BSc in Environmental Sciences can also be studied on a part-time basis. In this case, you can complete between 40% and 80% of the standard number of credits, and the standard period of study is extended accordingly. You must apply to the Admissions office to undertake a part-time study (deadlines: 31 July for the winter semester, 15 February for the summer semester); you can find the relevant documents at https://uol.de/studium/formulare