Recognitions Master Computer Science
General information
In principle, it is possible to have credits earned as part of a degree programme at another university or another study programme recognised for the Master's degree programme. The basis of the recognition procedure is the competences acquired.
When recognising credits, a distinction is made between
- explicit, i.e. application-based recognition and
- implicit, i.e. automatic recognition for which no application is required.
Implicit recognition usually occurs when the programme content is adapted and when the study regulations are changed. Explicit recognition, on the other hand, is the rule and must be applied for and carried out in the event of a change of university or degree programme as well as semesters abroad.
Implicit recognition of credits
As a rule, all students study according to a specific programme and examination regulations until they graduate. However, it is also possible to change programmes upon request.
The sometimes dynamic development of certain subject areas makes it necessary to adapt the course content from time to time and to introduce new examination regulations with a modified subject canon, which all new first-year students then study according to. Bottlenecks in teaching capacity can then force certain subjects from the old examination regulations to be discontinued.
In such cases, the examination board will then select courses to replace the cancelled courses. It is then no longer necessary to apply for these subjects to be recognised (implicit recognition). It is firmly integrated into the grade management system.
Explicit recognition of credits
Students must submit an application for the recognition of credits if the credits
- at another university (e.g. as part of a previous degree programme or as part of a semester abroad) or
- in another study programme at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences or
- as part of a semester abroad
and they wish to have these credits recognised for the degree they are seeking.
In principle, students are only entitled to have credits credited in the first semester of the respective study programme. After a period of study abroad, the credits earned there will only be recognised if this is applied for in the first subsequent semester in Germany. In any case, an achievement can no longer be recognised if an examination attempt has already been started in the module to be recognised in the current study programme.
The recognition process
The recognition process for students from other universities or those changing degree programmes is a 3-stage recognition procedure. It works as follows:
- First, the head of degree programme or a person from the subject representative body who teaches the subject themselves checks the content requirements for recognition (appropriate content, scope in SWS/ECTS, form of examination, etc.). If he/she certifies the creditability, the 2nd stage follows.
- The Chair of the Examination Board checks the legal examination requirements for credit transfer. For example, a subject may no longer be recognised if the subject has already been passed at the Faculty of Computer Science or if the subject concludes with an examination, a registration for this has already been submitted and the deadline for withdrawal has already expired. If the credit to be recognised was assessed according to an incompatible grading system, the recognised grade will now also be determined. If the application is rejected, you will receive a written notification. If the requirements are met, the chairperson of the examination board together with the deputy is authorised by the examination board to carry out the recognition.
- The recognised subjects are entered into the grade management system by the Examinations Office. The recognised subjects then appear in the overview of credits.
Please note that this process can take some time. This applies in particular to new and rarely offered modules. It is the student's responsibility to apply for recognition in good time. In principle, the recognition procedure can only be carried out if a fully completed and signed application and the required supporting documents are submitted. The following documents are required in any case:
- Transcripts/certificates (originals or certified copies, translated into German if necessary) from the issuing university, which, in addition to the assessment (grade, grade), also contain information on the scope (SWS, ECTS, credit points) and the underlying grading system.
- The module description or a Diploma Supplement from the issuing university or, alternatively, a keyword list of the course content with references (including URL if applicable) or your personal lecture notes and documents (practical reports, exam assignments, etc.).
The better you justify and substantiate your application in writing, the better your chances of success. Incomplete or unstructured applications will not be accepted. Please also note that reliable statements on the recognition of achievements are only possible after the application has been made and all documents have been submitted.
