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About DissOnline

The German National Library houses the largest national collection of online dissertations in Europe. We have been collecting online dissertations and theses since 1998. Since then, the collection has grown to more than 284,000 documents (as of November 2020).

Since these activities began under the aegis of DissOnline more than 20 years ago, electronic publishing has become a part of everyday university life. This is due to the close cooperation between universities, their libraries and computer centres, and representatives of academia as well as the long-standing support provided through projects funded by the German Research Foundation ( DFG ).

The DissOnline project was brought to a successful, sustainable conclusion. Stakeholders whose initiative had supported DissOnline then became free to transfer their commitment to other areas. In June 2012, the DissOnline advisory committee therefore decided to integrate the functions and information on the website www.dissonline.de into the German National Library’s services. This is particularly relevant in terms of the deposit of works with the German National Library. The extended metadata format XMetaDissPlus enables all types of publications and documents available in subject-specific and institutional repositories and on university servers to be deposited in just one fully automated transaction.

Deposit information

The DissOnline portal is also integrated into the German National Library's catalogue as a search option. This means that online dissertations are listed as a component of the German National Library’s collection alongside traditional printed dissertations, other online university publications and academic literature. Our catalogue offers a wide variety of search options that are constantly being developed and optimised further. You will find an explanation of all the available search options here:

Guide to searching dissertations and theses in the German National Library’s catalogue (only available in German)

In order to enhance the international visibility of the collection, the metadata for all German online dissertations is continually delivered to DART , the European portal for online dissertations. NDLTD : Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations is committed to the promotion of electronic publishing in the academic sector beyond Europe. The International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) takes place every year.

Statistical information

Online university publications have been collected, catalogued and archived at the German National Library since 1998. The illustration shows how the percentage of online publications has developed over the years since this work began. Here it must be considered that although dissertations are subject to a mandatory publication obligation and an obligation to be placed on deposit with the German National Library, only an approximate impression of doctoral and publication activities in Germany can be given.

As the statistics refer to the year in which the publication was released rather than the year in which it was deposited, it is quite possible that figures may rise in succeeding years. This applies in particular to the most recent full year.

The DissOnline projects

• 1998–2000 Dissertations Online
• 2003–2004 Establishment of a coordinating body for online university publications
• 2005–2007 DissOnline Tutor
• 2005–2008 Establishment of a portal for online university publications

The intensive cooperation between all partners and sponsors also made it possible to start collecting dissertations and theses on a voluntary basis in 1998, eight years before the amendment to the Law Regarding the German National Library and the provision stipulating the mandatory deposit of online publications.

Last changes: 08.03.2021 Short-URL: https://www.dnb.de/dissonline

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Making Your Thesis a Success

For most students, their final research paper is the first major work written during their degree program. It is much more comprehensive and demanding than term or seminar papers they have written during the course of their studies and, therefore, requires more planning.

Formalities: What regulations apply to the thesis?

Here, you will find information on the regulations governing the writing and submission of your thesis.  Formalities Please take note: These specifications apply for bachelor’s and master’s theses. You can find the regulations applying to the diploma thesis in the §§ of the ADPO (General Academic and Examination Regulations) and the FPSO (Departmental Study and Examination Regulations) of your degree program.

Tips and Tricks

Here, you will find some tips, literature and links we have compiled to help you succeed in writing your thesis. Tips and Tricks

Please note: The recently issued prohibition on the use of special characters in connection with gender-sensitive language in Bavarian schools, universities and authorities relates exclusively to the official tasks of the institutions themselves ; the prohibition does not extend to personal speech, documents, texts, and communication in study and teaching . 

Students are free to decide whether and in what form they want to use gender-sensitive language. The use or non-use of gender-sensitive language has no influence on the assessment of examinations, seminar papers, or theses .

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The English Writing Center and the Schreibberatung German as a Foreign Language offer free one-to-one consulting in English or German writing to all members of the TUM community. The Center is staffed by both professional language instructors and student peer tutors, all of whom are native English or German speakers. They help you develop long-term proficiency in English or German writing, while polishing your actual texts in the process.

Having trouble choosing a topic for your bachelor’s or master’s thesis? Our Themenbörse posts current thesis topics from across the spectrum of TUM’s academic departments.

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Dissertation search tools available at Yale

• Orbis (Yale dissertations only) Orbis holds records for all Yale dissertations for which microfilm copies exist, i.e. all dissertations completed in departments of the Graduate School since 1965, plus select dissertations completed in departments of the Graduate School between 1892 & 1965. Yale dissertations can be located in Orbis by: (1) Entering the author / title in a Simple Search (2) Using the terms “dissertation” or “thesis” and words known to be in the bibliographic record in a Keyword search. more... less... If you do not locate a Yale dissertation in Orbis, check the card catalog at Manuscripts and Archives. Except for some early dissertations that are not available, all Yale dissertations are held at Manuscripts and Archives.
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses This database makes nearly every dissertation ever filed in the United States available in PDF format. Not all dissertations are available, however, as authors with dissertations under contract with a press are sometimes encouraged not to make their dissertations freely available. In these cases you can at least read an abstract. Note that you can search by school, department, and adviser.

From European institutions

• DART-Europe The European portal for finding electronic theses and dissertations. DART-Europe is a partnership of research libraries and library consortia who are working together to improve global access to European research theses.
• Deutsche Nationalbibliothek German dissertations since 1998 are comprehensively collected by the National Library of Germany, so search its online catalog by clicking on the link above.
• Dissonline Searches electronic university publications held by the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek, including dissertations and "Habilitationen".
• Electronic Theses Online Service (EThOS) EThOS offers free access, in a secure format, to the full text of electronically stored UK theses--a rich and vast body of knowledge.
• Index to Theses A Comprehensive Listing of Theses with Abstracts Accepted for Higher Degrees by Universities in Great Britain and Ireland since 1716. Abstracts are available from many theses since 1970 and for all since 1986.
• Österreichische Dissertationsdatenbank This database references over 55,000 dissertations and theses held at Austrian universities; select dissertations are available online.

From international institutions

• CRL Center for Research Libraries Foreign Doctoral Dissertations Holds 800,000 dissertations from universities outside the U.S. and Canada. However, only 20,000 of these are cataloged in the database. If you know the exact title of a dissertation and do not find it in the database, CRL recommends searching the CRL Catalog. If the title does not appear in the database or the catalog, contact CRL directly to inquire if it is held. CRL continues to acquire about 5,000 titles per year from major universities.
• Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations (NDLTD) The NDLTD is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination, and preservation of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). The NDLTD Catalog contains more than one million records of electronic theses and dissertations. For students and researchers, the Union Catalog makes individual collections of NDLTD member institutions and consortia appear as one seamless digital library of ETDs.
• The Universal Index of Doctoral Dissertations in Progress This site holds a database of voluntarily-registered, author-identified doctoral dissertations in progress around the world. Its goal is to avoid duplications in doctoral dissertations, create the ultimate meeting place for researchers, and allow for interaction between them. Bear in mind, though, that only dissertations which have been registered by their authors can be found in the database. Registration and access to the database are free.
• Theses Canada This is your central access point for Canadian theses. From here you will be able to: - search AMICUS, Canada's national online catalog, for bibliographic records of all theses in Library and Archives Canada's theses collection; - access & search the full text electronic versions of numerous Canadian theses and dissertations; - find out everything you need to know about Theses Canada, including how to find a thesis, information on copyright, etc.
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• Last Updated: May 6, 2024 4:20 PM
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Guidelines for the Master’s thesis

The master’s thesis is considered the final outcome of your master project and is also the most extensive scientific work of the study. The basis is identifying an appropriate topic, which is worked on independently, based on scientific theories and methods.

Below you will find important information and related references to the Master’s Framework Examination Regulations (M-RPO) regarding the individual steps before and during the preparation of a master’s thesis, as well as its assessment and evaluation.

You will find a summary of all the information in this downloadable PDF.

Before Registration

Before you register your master’s thesis, choose a topic that is related to your master's program and discuss it with your initial supervisor.

Important information before registration

Compensation for disadvantages.

If you are unable to complete all or part of the master’s thesis in the described form or within the deadline due to a chronic illness, a disability, pregnancy a/o maternity leave, you may apply for compensation for a disadvantage. Accordingly, the Master's Examination Committee may extend the processing time for examinations or the deadline (paragraph 10a and 10b of the M-RPO).

For this purpose, please contact the Diversity Officer ( Diversitätsbeauftragte ) of the University of Erfurt, who is supported by Department 1: Study & Teaching ( Dezernat 1: Studium & Lehre ), or the representative for Studying with Children before proposing the topic of your master’s thesis.

Language of the Master’s thesis

The master’s thesis could be written either in German or English. Should you want to write your thesis in a language other than the above mentioned, you will need to get your first supervisor’s approval before issuing the topic of the master’s thesis (paragraph 21 (6) of the M-RPO). In this case, the master’s thesis must contain a short summary in German as an appendix.

Joint-master’s thesis

The master’s thesis can also be written as a group thesis if its contribution could be assessed clearly and distinguishably. Further details are regulated by paragraph 21 (4) in conjunction with paragraph 21 (1) of the M-RPO.

Supervision of the Master’s thesis

Any professor or other person who is authorized to conduct examinations and hold a teaching position within your master's program can supervise the master’s thesis (paragraph 21 (2) of the M-RPO).

External second Supervisor

You have found a person who does not (regularly) teach at the University of Erfurt, but agrees to review your work? Then you can request the appointment of an external second supervisor. This person must have at least the university degree you are pursuing. Thus, it could be an expert from a company or another university, but their appointment must be justified and well-founded.

Formalities for appointing an external second supervisor

• Clarification of the importance and advisability of appointing an external second supervisor with the first supervisor.
• Submission of a written request to the M-Examination board ( M-Prüfungsausschuss ) stating why this external second supervisor would perform this task to the same extent instead of a professor, or another person authorized to examine at the University of Erfurt. This written application shall be co-signed by the first supervisor.
• Submission of the application along with the contact details of the second supervisor as well as the "Application for issuing the thesis’ topic".

The official form "Application for issuing the thesis’ topic" can be found here. Please use only this form for application.  A translation help is given with this document .

In principle, students who wish to peruse their degree within the standard study period (four semesters) must “apply for issuing the thesis topic with taking into account that handing in the master’s thesis shall be one month before the end of the fourth semester at the latest.” (paragraph 21 (3) of the M-RPO).  

Please note that you should submit your application as well as a current Certificate of Enrolment to the Dean's Office by the 15th of (each) month so that your thesis topic and the start of the processing period can be scheduled for the 1st day of the following month.

The topic and the supervisors will then be approved by the Master's Examination Committee and communicated to you in an issue letter . This letter will be sent to you by the dean's office via e-mail a few days before the start of the processing period. Your confirmation of this letter is required so that the corresponding link can be activated in WISEflow and sent to you.

During the Master's thesis processing period

The deadline for submitting your master’s thesis is 5 months starting from the day you will be notified with the issue letter (paragraph 21 (5) of the M-RPO). As a rule of thumb, the length/word count of the master thesis should not exceed approx. 25,000 words. You should thus keep the topic appropriately brief to fit into the given word count.

The work must contain (from a purely formal point of view) the following elements:

• table of contents,
• list of sources/bibliography,
• page numbers,
• references.

The requirements of any other scientific work apply (Research question(s), research interest, state of research, theory, results, conclusion/further research…etc.).

Further remarks

Return or change of thesis’ topic.

The topic can only be returned once and only within two months after the issue of the master thesis’ topic (paragraph 21 (3) of the M-RPO). For this purpose, please send an informal letter with a short justification to the M-Examination Committee ( M-Prüfungsausschuss ) and submit it via the Dean's Office.

Changing the thesis' topic of the thesis is only possible in justified exceptions. For this purpose, a written request with reasons must be submitted to the Master's Examination Board no later than 4 weeks before the submission deadline (final deadline). This request requires a written statement from your supervisor. Adding an (additional) subtitle is possible at any time without an application. However, this addition will not (!) be shown on the certificate.

Extension of the Deadline

In case you are unable to submit on time due to an illness, you must immediately submit the sick leave notification to Department 1: Study & Teaching (Dezernat 1: Studium & Lehre).  For this purpose, it is mandatory to use the given form.

If the inability to work on the thesis is recognized, the Deadline will be extended according to the respective number of days of illness or delay. After processing the documents received by the Dean's Office for this purpose, students receive a letter with the recalculated deadline.

Submission of the Master’s thesis

To verify that the  submission deadline  has been met, the  date of receipt of the digital submission  via WISEFlow applies.

On the day of submission, you upload your digital master thesis as a PDF file via the platform  WISEflow . This file must not exceed a size of  20 MB  and must (formally) contain the following:

• list of sources and bibliography,
• page numbers

Please make sure that no conclusions can be drawn about your name or address here (personal data - data protection) - i.e. do not insert the title page or declaration of independence in this document!

The  the title page, the valid Certificate of enrolment and the declaration of independence signed by hand in blue must be uploaded in WISEflow as separate files under " Anhangsmaterial "; and furthermore, additional files with attachments or appendices (video recordings, statistics files, etc.) may be uploaded here - these files together must not exceed the size of  1 GB .

After that, you also add the automatically generated cover sheet in WISEflow.

As a last step, click on the "Click here to submit" field in WISEflow to complete the submission. After that, you can download a receipt for yourself and print it out if necessary.

If requested by your examiner(s) , please submit one/two bound printed version(s) of your master thesis to the Dean's Office  no later than 3 days  after submitting your thesis in WISEflow.

Evaluation of the Master’s thesis

After submitting your master’s thesis in due time, the Dean's Office will send it to the respective supervisors. The deadline for the evaluation procedure is based on paragraph 22 (2) of the M-RPO.

The master's thesis will be reviewed by two supervisors and evaluated in accordance with paragraph 15 (3) of the M-RPO. If the grades of both appointed supervisors differ by 2.0 or more, or if one of the two supervisors assesses the thesis as "insufficient", the thesis is to be assessed by a third examiner (paragraph 22 (2) of the M-RPO).

You will receive your grade certificate by mail shortly after the receipt of all experts‘ reports. The Dean's Office will then automatically forward a copy to Department 1: Study & Teaching ( Dezernat 1: Studium & Lehre ).

Second Attempt of Master's thesis

The master’s thesis is deemed not to have been passed if you do not complete your thesis within the deadline of the Master Examination Board or if the two supervisors rate your work as "insufficient" (grade 5.0) (paragraph 23 (2) of the M-RPO).

If the master’s thesis has not been passed for the first time, it can be repeated once on a different topic. A change of the topic of the master’s thesis is only permitted if you did not make use of this option when writing the first master’s thesis (paragraph 21 (3) of the M-RPO). The application can be submittd by the 15th of (each) month (the processing time starts on the 1st of the following month).

If the master’s thesis is also not passed in the second attempt, the right to be examined expires. If you lose your right to take an examination, you will be de-registered (ex-matriculated) (paragraph 23 (2) of the M-RPO).

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Appointments for the submission of applications and printed master theses are possible by individual arrangement. Appointments and confirmations are made after e-mail request.

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Theses and Dissertations

The following resources are general indexes to theses and dissertations on all topics, including those on Germanic Studies. Dissertations are important as they often express the most innovative work on a topic; include comprehensive citations and bibliographies of primary and secondary sources; and provide detailed literature reviews and theoretical discussions.

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global This index includes dissertations and masters theses from most North American graduate schools as well as many European universities. Full text is provided for most indexed dissertations from 1997 to the present, while most dissertations from 1980 on include abstracts written by the author. Orders for complete dissertations before 1997 may be placed online, but check UW's Library Catalog first to see if they are owned on campus. Free interlibrary loan may also be a possibility
• Annual Bibliography of English Language and Literature (ABELL) Covers from 1920 to present. Includes doctoral dissertations about English language, literature, and culture published anywhere in the world
• DART-Europe DART-Europe is a project by research libraries and library consortia to improve global access to European research theses
• Dissonline.de - Digitale Dissertationen im Internet Open access dissertations online, a service of the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek, integrated into their larger catalog (after entering search, limit to Hochschulschriften and even further to Online Ressourcen ). Instructions, in German, here
• Electronic Theses Online Service (EThOS) OS offers free access to the full text of nearly 100,000 electronically stored UK theses; of the remaining 200,000 records dating back to at least 1800, many are available to be ordered for scanning through the EThOS digitisation-on-demand facility. A rich resource!
• Foreign Dissertations at the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) CRL holds more than 800,000 foreign dissertations and Habilitationsschriften from universities outside of the US and Canada. If you know the exact title of a dissertation and do not find it in the CRL Catalog, CRL has a program to purchase foreign doctoral dissertations for scholars' individual research needs; such requests should be initiated via Interlibrary Loan
• Helveticat The catalog of the Schweizerische Nationalbibliothek; search for dissertations by combining diss with a keyword
• Index to Theses in Great Britain and Ireland A comprehensive listing of theses with abstracts accepted for higher degrees by universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland since 1716. As of 2013, there were 589,028 theses in the collection, with 355,862 having abstracts
• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination and preservation of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). NDLTD supports electronic publishing and open access to scholarship in order to enhance the sharing of knowledge worldwide. Try the new Global ETD Search
• Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD) Index of more than 1.5 million electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), with preference given to records of graduate-level theses freely available online
• Österreichische Dissertationsdatenbank This database references over 99,000 dissertations and theses held at Austrian Universities; about two-thirds are abstracted in both German and English
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Writing the Thesis

Schreiben der Dissertation / Writing the Thesis Image Credit: http://www.istockphoto.com

You can either submit a monograph or a cumulative thesis . As a general rule, both must be comparable/equivalent in terms of type and scope. The thesis must be written in one language throughout either English or German (with the exception of the German and English summary). This also applies to the acknowledgments and any quotes used. In exceptional cases, the doctoral board shall decide whether the requirement for a cumulative work to be entirely in either German or English can be waived if the work consists of articles in both German and English.

When preparing the dissertation, please observe the requirements of the Statute for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice . If you have any questions about citations, please use the citation consultation hours at the University Library.

Please note: When you are submitting your dissertation to obtain the title "Dr. rer. nat.", the term "Ph.D." should not be used in the acknowledgements (or any other section) - this is a different title, which will not be awarded to you after a successful doctorate.

MONOGRAPH A monograph is a self-contained representation of the research work and its results. It may already be published completely or partially. Any publications related to the thesis have to be submitted separately. They must not be embedded in the thesis.

CUMULATIVE THESIS A cumulative thesis reports the scientific work done during the doctoral thesis using a set of research articles. In a cumulative thesis, the research articles (including supporting information/supplements) are an integral part of the thesis and have to be embedded in the scientific part of the thesis (like the chapters of a monograph). In addition to the research articles, an introduction, a list of references etc., a cumulative thesis must include an extended summary which has to go beyond the summary of the individual papers as it has to give an overarching discussion of the results described in the research articles. Although figures may be taken from the publications, the text should be genuinely new and should not be taken from the text of the individual publications. The contributions of the author must be described for each article individually, according to the requirements of the Statute for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice.

A cumulative thesis must consist of at least two published or accepted publications. Only publications from journals with a peer review system will be considered. All additional publications might be in an earlier stage (in revision, submitted or in preparation). The version submitted cannot be changed or updated in the further course of the doctoral process, i.e. changes to the content as part of the publication process cannot be taken into account once the dissertation has been submitted. Only those articles qualify in which the doctoral student has made substantial contributions. The substantial contribution of the doctoral student to the respective articles must be confirmed by the supervisor of the thesis. This confirmation is requested by the doctoral office as part of the evaluation process. In case of manuscripts being accepted but not yet published, a confirmation of acceptance must be provided at the time of thesis submission; to this end, it is also possible to submit a separate list with DOI links.

For more information on writing a cumulative thesis, click here .

1) First page = cover sheet

Title Inaugural-Dissertation to obtain the academic degree Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.)

submitted to the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy of Freie Universität Berlin

year of submission

2) Second page:

Please name the time period, supervisor and institute of your doctoral studies.

1 st reviewer: _____________________ 2 nd reviewer: _____________________

Date of defense: ____________ (please leave the date open)

ATTENTION One reviewer must be research active in one of our departmental research areas. At least one reviewer must be a professor of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, whose primary employment is with the university. (Retired, em., apl., hon. professors are not or no longer considered university teachers).

3) Third page: acknowledgment (if desired)

4) Declaration of authorship     Please use the following text:     I hereby declare that I alone am responsible for the content of my doctoral dissertation     and that I have only used the sources or references cited in the dissertation.

If you are writing an English-language dissertation, please note that all texts must be in English (with the exception of the German-language summary), including the acknowledgments and the declaration of authorship.

6) Summary in German and English

7) Main scientific part of the thesis (incl. introduction, method section, bibliography)

8) If applicable: List of publications

9) CV (voluntary)

10) Appendix

Typeface/line distance/formatting Sheet size: DIN A4 Font: an easy-to-read font (such as Arial). Font size: not less than 10 pt Line spacing: 1½ Margin: approx. 2.5 - 3 cm Unilateral and bilateral printing is accepted. The thesis has to be bound (no spiral or ring binding).

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) can be found here.  

Read on for the next topic: Submission of the Thesis

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Final Theses

Registration of thesis.

To register for theses, please contact your  examination team by email.

• You will receive the registration form from your exam team on request.
• You send the completed  form from your TU e-mail account to your examination team.
• Your exam team will check the prerequisite, fill out their part of the form and send it to the first examiner.
• The first examiner determines the topic, suggests a second examiner, signs the form and forwards it to the examination board.
• The examination board sends its decision to the examination team.
• You will then receive information about the specified topic and the submission deadline by email to your TUB account or by post. The submission deadline is determined based on the regulations of your StuPO.

Academic Adjustment

Requests for academic adjustments in the context of final examinations (e.g. extension of the processing period) should already be submitted when the application for topic issuance is made. The compensation for Academic Adjustments does not belong to the reasons according to the StuPO for which an extension of the processing period can take place, i.e. that, for example, a limited illness during the processing period can additionally extend this period.

Thesis processing period

The thesis processing period begins the day the examination team assigns you your topic. It ends at a fixed time.

Application to extend processing period

You must submit a request to extend the processing period to your examination team before the standard period ends. No specific form is usually required. But some examination boards provide forms; please check the website of your examination board for more information. If you are requesting an extension due to illness, you must include a sick note (Gelber Schein) from your doctor with your application. A detailed sick note (Attest) is required upon the third request for extension. If you are requesting an extension due to reasons of content, include a statement from your first examiner with the application.

Submission of Final Theses

The submission of theses is usually done by submitting 2 bound printed copies + an electronic version on an enclosed stick or CD (please do not send the electronic version by e-mail) in a sealed envelope addressed to the responsible examination team

•     by mail or
•     in person at the gatekeeper in the main building of the TU Berlin (manned 24/7) or
•     in person during opening hours at the Campus Center or
•     in person by appointment at the responsible examination team.

With the consent of both examiners, the submission can also be made exclusively electronically to the team mailbox of the examination team responsible for your degree program; you are obliged to coordinate the form of submission with the examiners in good time; a written confirmation for the Examination office is not required.

Depending on the type of submission, the following is decisive for timely submission

•     the date of the postmark or
•     the date of the receipt stamp of the porter's lodge or the Campus Center
•     the date of personal delivery to the Examinations Office
•     the date of receipt of the e-mail in the Examinations Office.

For electronic submissions, email the paper in PDF format to your designated exams team or deposit it in the cloud and send us the link. Please also attach a photo or scan of your entry form.

• The thesis file should be named as follows: Thesis_YourMatriculation_Number.pdf.
• Matriculation number:
• Degree and program of study:
• Name and email address First examiner*:
• Name and e-mail address Second examiner*:
• Title of the submitted work:
• Declaration that the thesis contains a declaration of independence according to § 60 Abs. 8 AllgStuPO.
• If the thesis is written in a foreign language that is not the language of examination according to the study and examination regulations: Declaration that the thesis contains a German summary. Please refer to the instructions on our website and, if applicable, to your StuPO for the instructions that are necessary.

If the submission deadline ends on a Sunday or public holiday, a postmark on the following business day is considered to be on time for postal delivery; for personal delivery of printed versions, the deadline is considered to be on the following business day.

Please note that you must register your thesis before you begin any substantive work. Final papers will generally not be accepted by your exam team until half of the completion time specified in the degree program's regulations has passed.

Early submission of the thesis

You would like to submit your thesis to your examination team before half of the processing time has elapsed? If so, you must also submit a statement from the first examiner, confirmed by the examination board, justifying an early submission. This statement will be attached to your examination file. If this statement or the confirmation of the examination board is missing, your examination team will inform the examination board and ask you to submit the corresponding statement later. This also applies should you hand in your thesis by mail or to the gatekeeper before half of the processing time has elapsed, e.g. due to closing times of your examination team.

Submission deadline in the semester of leave

The deadline for submitting your thesis falls in your semester of leave and you cannot submit it on time? Then you must apply for an extension of the deadline.

(I)STROD (International) Student Thesis and Research Opportunities Database

(I)STROD - (International) Student Thesis and Research Opportunities Database

(I)STROD is TU Berlin’s database for thesis topics. Students can use (I)STROD to search and apply directly for thesis and research topics. TU Staff can publish and manage their topics using the tool.

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Bachelor and master dissertations - frequently asked questions, preliminaries.

The following material provides relevant information related to dissertations at the Chair of Information Systems (CIS). Unless stated otherwise, the information applies to both Bachelor and Master theses. We organize the page as an FAQ. You may wish to navigate directly to the parts that interests you most.

Table of Contents

• Is there a fixed date at which I have to start with my dissertation?

Is there anything I should consider when choosing a starting time for my thesis?

• Is there a maximum  or minimum length for my thesis? How long is a dissertation on average?

I plan to write my thesis in the next semester. What should I do beforehand?

Can i suggest my own topic, i was asked to prepare an extended abstract for a topic of my choice. what does that entail, are there any core research areas from which thesis topics are normally selected, is it possible to collaborate with industry, how do i find a topic, how about formatting requirements for my thesis, do i have to write my thesis in english/german, what is the typical structure of a bachelor thesis, i plan to apply for a master program, when do i have to start with my bachelor thesis, what is the typical structure of a master thesis, i understand that many theses at the cis involve empirical work. how do i acquire the data for such a task, do i have to complete certain modules before being eligible to write my thesis at the cis, in addition to mandatory modules, are there any other skills that i need/should possess, how do i register my thesis, is there a fixed data at which i have to start with my dissertation.

No. At present, we accept theses throughout the whole year. Please note that we may not be able to offer such flexible regime forever. Depending upon demand and resources, it may be necessary to implement a structured approach where all dissertations start at fixed dates (e.g., begin/end of a semester). However, by the time of writing, students can begin their dissertation anytime.

Back to the table of contents

You may want to consider that opportunities for personal meetings are somewhat limited during summer breaks due to conference attendance, research visits, etc. Therefore, if you seek very close collaboration with your supervisor, consider to schedule your thesis such that the majority of the writing time is within lecturing periods.

Is there a maximum or minimum length? How long is a dissertation on average?

On average, Bachelor and Master theses are 30 and 35 pages, respectively. Deviations are possible. See also the explanations on our new moodle page on dissertations .

It is good to plan well ahead. However, as far as we are concerned, there is not much that needs to be done long in advance. In particular, please understand that we allocate our thesis topics on a first come first serve basis. That means that we don’t reserve topics for students who plan to start their dissertation in a few months’ time. However, you may want to consider suggesting your own thesis topic. In such a case, we could fix a thesis topic before the start of the actual thesis.

Yes, you can. If you wish to work on a topic of your choice, please prepare an extended abstract and send it to your supervisor for discussion. We assess the potential of your proposition for a Bachelor/Master thesis and might suggest extensions/revisions. In general, we prefer topics that relate to our research areas . However, exceptions are possible, so feel free to elaborate any topic related to information systems research.

An extended abstract is about two to four pages long and should clarify:

• What research question(s) you plan to analyze
• What is the academic and practical importance of your topic
• How your thesis will contribute to the existing literature 

In addition, an extended abstract includes a selection of relevant literature.

There certainly are. In general, our research focuses on big data analytics (BDA). Approaches associated with the support of managerial decision-making and quantitative, data-driven methods are of particular interest. This scope offers a variety of research questions to be examined in a dissertation. Potential business applications to study include, but are not limited to:

• Marketing and e-commerce
• Consumer finance and risk management
• Speculative financial and betting markets

In terms of methodology, we employ a broad variety of techniques to solve planning problems, explain decision maker behavior, and assess the effectiveness of formal decision aids. Examples of such planning methods include:

• Ensemble selection (e.g. for marketing or credit-scoring problems)
• Kalman filters (e.g. for time series data or real-time targeting of advertising in e-commerce)
• Multi-armed bandit models (e.g. for or real-time targeting of advertising in e-commerce)
• Deep learning (basically applicable everywhere)
• Survival models (e.g. for price optimization in the automotive industry)
• Choice models/hierarchical Bayesian models (e.g. for or real-time targeting of advertising in e-commerce or betting markets)
• (Recurrent) neural networks (e.g. for turnover or financial markets predictions or in interaction with metaheuristics for model training or model selection)
• Metaheuristics (e.g., to build predictive decision support models or develop normative decision aids)

Furthermore, there is a large body of literature on novel learning paradigms, which differ substantially from conventional explanatory (e.g. regression or classification) or descriptive (e.g. clustering) methods. Surveying the state-of-the-art in such fields and/or evaluating such modelling strategies in business settings is an interesting task for a dissertation. Some examples include:

• Active learning
• Causal machine learning
• Learning with privileged information (e.g. financial forecasting)
• Semi-supervised/transductive learning (e.g. for churn prediction)
• Imbalanced learning (e.g. for marketing or credit scoring)
• Multi-task learning (e.g. financial forecasting)
• Reject inference (credit scoring)
• Online learning

Yes, we support collaborative theses written with an industry partner. In general, industry partnerships are more common for master dissertations. However, writing a bachelor thesis with an industry partner is also feasible. In some cases, our list of open topics includes such collaborative theses. Alternatively, you can propose a topic that you’d like to study together with an industry partner. However, please note that we normally do not sign NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). If you are in contact with an organization where you’d like to write your thesis, you may want to check whether your industry partner accepts this policy.

That is the key question. In general, you can browse through our list of open topics and see whether some of our propositions fit your interests. Alternatively, you can propose a thesis topic to us, preferably but not necessarily in one of our research areas .

We do not enforce specific formatting requirements. Instead, we recommend that students follow the author guidelines of scholarly outlets such as, e.g., the European Journal of Operational Research.  Note that these guidelines might also mention a minimum/maximum length. Such recommendations do not apply to your thesis and can be ignored. Instead, please adhere to our own recommendations related to thesis length.

MSc. theses are generally prepared in English. For a BSc. thesis, you are free to decide whether to write in English or German.

There are some general guidelines that any academic thesis follows. If you have already participated in one of our seminars (for Bachelor or Master students), you will be familiar with these guidelines. Otherwise, make sure that you have a careful read through our recommendations related to academic writing .

In addition to general guidelines, a typical Bachelor thesis written at the CIS adopts one of three paradigms.

First, the majority of dissertations is organized as a literature survey or, in other words, a state-of-the-art . Consider for example the question of IT business value. To which extent increases the use of information and communication technologies the performance of a firm? Several research projects have been undertaken to shed light on this question. A Bachelor thesis can review this field, identify sub-streams in the literature, and distill some overall conclusions. In addition, it might be possible to identify research gaps in the literature. In a nutshell, such a thesis provides a holistic overview of a clear-defined field.

Second, a bachelor thesis can be organized as a meta-analysis. A good example for such an endeavor is the paper of Jamain and Hand (2008) , who conduct a meta-analysis for the field of consumer credit scoring. In brief, this field is concerned with the question how a money lender can predict whether a credit applicant would pay back her loan, if the loan were granted. You can imagine that many papers have been written about this topic, and you can also imagine that several of these papers present some sort of forecasting method. Often, the proposition of a novel forecasting method is accompanied by an empirical evaluation to showcase that the new method predicts well. Given a large number of empirical studies that adopt this approach (i.e., present and compare forecasting methods), a meta-analysis first gathers empirical data about these comparisons (i.e., papers). This could be, for example, i) how many different forecasting methods have been compared in a paper, ii) how many times did some method A beat some other method B, iii) which measures have been used to assess the accuracy of a forecasting methods, etc. Next, a meta-analysis performs some statistical analysis on this data and, in doing so, distills some overall conclusions; for example, method A is better than B. You see that the outcome is the same as in the previous setup of a Bachelor thesis. Only the way in which one arrives at this outcome differs. Clearly, not every topic facilitates a meta-analysis. If you are generally interested in this format, feel free to contact our team members to find out which possibilities are available.

Third, it is also possible to organize a Bachelor thesis as a ‘little Master thesis’. This means that you conduct your own research study, which, at the CIS, would typically entail some empirical or analytic work. Such a study can span the whole research process – from gathering relevant data over data analysis to interpreting the observed results and drawing conclusions, or focus on specific steps in this process. Consider once again the above example of credit scoring. Given some credit scoring data set, your task could be to compare some novel forecasting method to some established benchmark. Given the similarity to Master theses in terms of format and organization, we do not publish dedicated topics for Bachelor theses that fall into this category. Students who are interested in the “small-scale Master thesis format” can review our topics for Master dissertations and ask the corresponding supervisor whether the topic could be changed such that it fits the smaller scope of a Bachelor thesis.

Every Master program has its own rules. We cannot make any recommendations related to programs offered at other universities. More specifically, the following guidelines apply only to our Master program Information Systems .

If you are considering to apply for the above program, you need to proof that you have collected at least 150 ECTS by the time of application. Say you want to start your Master in IS at the Humboldt-University in the winter semester 2016/2017. Assume for example that the application deadline is 30 th of April 2015. So, by end of April, when submitting your application, your transcript must show at least 150 ECTS. It is not necessary that you have completed your Bachelor studies. In particular, you can still be involved with your Bachelor thesis, or does not even have started with your Bachelor thesis. However, you need at least 150 (see ZSP-HU 1.1.2) .

There are some general guidelines that any academic thesis must follow. If you have already participated in one of our seminars  (for  Bachelor  or  Master  students) , you will be familiar with these guidelines. Otherwise, make sure that you have a careful read through the recommendations related to academic writing .

In addition to these general guidelines, a typical Master thesis written at the CIS addresses a research question(s) in the business fields mentioned above and contributes to the literature through providing some novel insight (e.g., original empirical results, evidence in favor of or against previously derived hypotheses, a new piece of methodology, etc.). Most dissertations contain an empirical part related to some real-world planning problem. For example, evaluating the effectiveness of a novel method from the realms of big data analytics in a real-world setting through empirical experimentation is a common task for a Master thesis. Such endeavor may also include the development of an entirely new methodology or the extension of some known technique to better fulfill the requirements of the application setting in question.

There are several possibilities to acquire the data for dissertation. Examples include:

• The master’s thesis is written in cooperation with an industry  partner who provides data
• The data is collected during (as part of) the thesis (e.g., through accessing a data provider’s API, say Twitter, or web scraping)
• The data comes from an academic data mining/forecasting competition (KDD Cup, Data Mining Cup, NN3 or NN5 Competition, etc.) or a Kaggle competition (www.kaggle.com)
• The data is associated with a current research project of the CIS. At the moment projects/data sets from the following areas are available:
• Direct marketing/churn modeling
• Automotive industry/sales of pre-owned vehicles
• Real-time targeting in e-commerce
• Credit scoring or PD modeling
• Markets for sports betting

The typical setting is such that students first complete some of our modules prior to starting their dissertation at the CIS. In particular, our seminars modules provide relevant background on the scientific method, academic writings, etc. Therefore, it is compulsory to complete the module Bachelorseminar Wirtschaftsinformatik to write a Bsc. thesis at the CIS. For master students, it is compulsory to complete one of our seminars, Masterseminar Information Systems or Applied Predivtive Analytics .

We gurantee that every student who has successfully completed the relevant seminar is given an opportunity to write her/his BSc./MSc. thesis at the CIS. Of course, there will still be a need to agree on the topic.

In general, completing our Bachelor/Master modules equips you with a firm understanding of research in information systems and big data analytics in particular. Moreover, our courses give you an opportunity to develop the skills typically needed to write a dissertation at the CIS.

Having said that, given your research interests and focus on analytic/empirical work, some useful skills include, e.g., scientific computing, databases, programming (preferably in Matlab, R, Python or Julia), econometrics and statistics, machine learning.

First of all, to be eligible to register for the final thesis you have to fulfill certain requirements (e.g. you must have completed certain modules or have earned a certain amount of ECTS – depending on your degree program). To verify that, you can consult the examination office. Afterwards, you have to receive a thesis application form in the student office that you need to fill in and hand in to your supervisor for signing (on the form you will have to indicate the exact datum when you have received the final topic). Afterwards, submit the signed registration form to the examination office: either give it personally during the office hours or send per post. You will also receive a copy of the filled form once the examination office processes the documents. 

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How To Write A Bachelor/Master Thesis [2024]

It's that time of year again when students are wrapping up their final semester and beginning to write their dissertation. In Germany, students must adhere to some particular formatting standards while writing their Bachelor's or Master's thesis. 

The dissertation is a crucial component of all German higher education programs. Students may use it to demonstrate their understanding and abilities in a given field of study. The thesis also plays a crucial role in helping students develop critical thinking and research skills. They are a valuable preparation for future career opportunities.

In this article, we'll go through everything you must do to write a successful thesis. We will also provide tips and tricks to stay organized and on track throughout the process!

Thesis writing process

Bachelor’s thesis vs. Master’s thesis

A Bachelor's and a Master's thesis are two types of academic papers. A Bachelor's thesis is usually shorter and is meant to show that the student has learned the basics of the subject. In contrast, a Master's thesis is more extended and more in-depth. It should serve as evidence that the student has mastered their chosen subject.

How to format your Bachelor's or Master's thesis in Germany

The following are some of the most critical format requirements in any thesis:

Note:  Depending on the university and the "style" of the student's thesis, the formatting requirements might vary (e.g., Harvard or APA). Be sure to check with your supervisor or department for specific guidelines.

• Margins:  Your thesis must have 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Spacing:  The text must be double-spaced.
• Fonts:  Subtitles must be in a 14-point typeface. The text's main body should be in 12-point font, subheadings in a 14-point typeface, and title headings in a 16-point typeface.
• Length:  A Bachelor's thesis should be around 60 pages, while a Master's thesis should be about 80 pages.
• Language:  Your thesis must be written in German or English, depending on your program.

Let's take a look at each thesis component, starting with the Title page. The following are the required sections for both Bachelor's and Master's thesis.

Title page 

The title page of your thesis must include the following information:

• The title of your thesis
• The name of your supervisor
• The name of your program

The abstract is a summary of your thesis. It should be a maximum of one page long and include the following information:

• Your research questions

Table of contents

The table of contents must list all of the sections and subsections of your thesis.

• List of figures:   The figures must include all the figures used in your thesis.
• List of tables:   The list of tables must consist of all of the tables used in your thesis.

Introduction

The introduction should explain the context of your research and the problem you are trying to solve. A Bachelor's thesis should be around three pages, while a Master's thesis should be about five pages .

Literature review

The literature review critically analyzes the existing research on your topic. The literature review is an essential part of any research paper.

It helps you situate your research within the context of existing scholarship and allows you to critically evaluate the existing research on your topic. It is essential to be as critical as possible when reviewing the literature.  It would be best if you addressed questions such as:

• What are the limitations of the existing research?
• What gaps does the current research leave open?
• How can my research contribute to the current body of scholarship?

Methodology

The methodology section explains the research methods you used to collect data for your thesis. This information is crucial because it allows the reader to understand how you gathered your data and what conclusions you drew from it. It is also essential to be transparent when describing your research methods so the reader can evaluate them critically.

Results & Discussion

Result and discussion : The results section presents the data you collected during your research. The discussion section is where you interpret the data and discuss the implications of your findings.

The conclusion summarizes your findings and their implications for practice or future research. A Bachelor's thesis should be around three pages, while a Master's thesis should be about five pages.

Bibliography/References

The references section lists the sources you used in your thesis. It is essential to list all of the sources you used, even if you did not cite them directly in the text.

The appendices include any additional material relevant to your thesis but do not fit within the main body of the text. This part might consist of data sets, survey instruments, or detailed descriptions of research methods.

Tips and tricks for writing a successful Bachelor's or Master's thesis

Choose a topic you are passionate about : This factor will make writing your thesis much easier, as you already have some knowledge about the subject. Passion will also help you stay motivated throughout the writing process!

Do your research : Make sure to do a thorough literature review to be familiar with the existing research on your topic. This step will also help you develop new and original ideas for your thesis.

Create an outline : Once you have done your research, create an outline of your thesis to know what topics you will cover and in what order. It will help you stay organized and on track.

Start early and give yourself enough time : This will allow you to avoid unnecessary stress.

Create a schedule and stick to it:  This step will help you stay on track and make steady progress.

Take breaks and reward yourself : Breaks are essential to avoid burnout. Make sure to schedule some breaks and reward yourself for completing tasks! It will help you stay motivated.

Get feedback from your supervisor:  It is vital to get regular feedback throughout the process. It will ensure that you are on the right track.

Ask for help when you need it:  Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available to help you with the writing process.

These are the general guidelines for writing a Bachelor's or Master's thesis. However, checking with your supervisor and program for specific requirements is essential. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a Bachelor's or Master's thesis. However, these tips and tricks will help you write a successful dissertation!

Happy writing!

Chances after Graduation

Want to know what your life would look like after Graduation? Read the below article to learn more.

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Master Thesis

Please find here information on writing master theses at the Department of Business Administration and Marketing.

General Information

1. requirements.

• Transcript of Records showing at least 78 credits
• Very good command of German and English
• Advanced skills in academic writing (e.g., database research, excerpting scientific literature)
• For more information, please see the exam regulations applicable to you.
• A focus on marketing, especially the successful completion of the seminar in marketing (M.Sc.) are highly recommended.

2. Module Information

• Credits: 24
• Time frame: 20 weeks

The time frame depends on the respective exam regulations of the study program of the student.

3. Schedule

• You will find information on the application for the bachelor thesis under #7 Application.
• Admission is granted only after successful application via the application form below. A confirmation of admission will be issued within a week of the deadline for applications.
• Customer Experience (Management)
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing and innovative technologies
• Sustainability Marketing
• Topics currently on offer

5. Topics by our Cooperation Partners

Our department supports praxis-oriented theses. If you are interested in the topics offered by our cooperation partners, please send your application directly to the partner in question. If you are chosen for a bachelor or master thesis by the company, the thesis can be registered and written at any time, independent of the application period listed below. For us to be able to supervise your thesis, the topic needs to have a focus on marketing questions and meet the standards of scientific theses. In order to ensure this, please send a research proposal (max. one page; content: topic’s relevance, research question, proposed method for answering the research question) as well as the company's acceptance of your application as one single PDF document to  [email protected] .

The following companies currently offer topics for theses:

6. Examination

• Length: 60-65 pages (roughly 35 for a paper-based thesis)
• The guidelines for writing a thesis at the Department of Business Administration and Marketing apply.
• The number of approved applications is based upon the capacity of the department.
• Master theses cannot be written as a group.
• It is possible to write a master thesis in cooperation with a company.
• Language: German or English (with German summary)

7. Application

• Short letter of motivation (max. one page) including your matriculation number and a list of up to three preferred topics
• Current transcript of records
• Research proposal (max. one page) if you want to propose your own topic (topic’s relevance, research question, proposed method for answering the research question)
• Link to the application form
• Winter semester:  21.09. 12:00 pm   -  08.10. 12:00 pm
• Summer semester: 21.03. 12:00 pm   -  08.04. 12:00 pm

Leon Lehnert

Research Assistant

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Thesis Topics for Master Students

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Prof. Dr. Bettina Braun Zinn

- The phonetic realization of word stress across languages - Intonational systems across languages - Cognate processing - Online speech processing

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Brehmer Für die Themen für die MA-Arbeiten wenden Sie sich bitte direkt an Herrn Bernhard Brehmer. Please contact directly Mr. Bernhard Brehmer to determine the subject of your MA-Thesis.

Prof. Dr. Miriam Butt

Grammar Development

Develop a Grammar Fragment for a language using LFG/XLE.

Framing and Argumentation

Computationally analyze linguistic strategies involved in framing and argumentation. Other possible topics are the automatic detection of hate speech or the content of political manifestos.

Computational Morphological Analysis

Develop a computational analysis for morphophonological phenomena in a language using Finite-State Morphology.

Computational Semantics

Work on a topic within Natural Language Unterstanding: the automatic analysis semantic content.

Artificial Intelligence

Develop small AI systems. These could be Chatbots or systems involving machine learning from texts for a given task like text generation or classification or clustering of texts/phenomena.

Theoretical Linguistics

I am happy to supervise topics on the following: case, complex predicates, lexical semantics, grammar architecture, including the prosody-syntax-semantics/pragmatics interface. My area of specialization is South Asian languages, but I am happy to do other languages as well.

Historical Linguistics

Understanding language change, particularly with respect to case or auxiliary formation. This can be done purely from a general linguistics perspective or be combined with computational approaches (corpus linguistics and/or visual analytics).

Emotion-evoking language in Spanish political manifestos

In this thesis, you will examine the instances of emotion and emotion-evoking language in Spanish political manifestos and speeches. The aim is to create word lists that will help us in the analysis of emotional language in Spanish texts. 

Required skills:

• knowledge of Spanish; no programming skills required

Prof. Dr. Nicole Dehé

Word Stress and Language contact

Data are available for English and Icelandic, purpose-recorded for the analysis of word stress and cross-linguistic influence. The two languages behave very differently with respect to word stress. Icelandic has fixed initial primary word stress, English has more flexible (rule-based) word stress. Possible topics include: Word stress in Heritage Icelandic, Word stress in L2 Icelandic

Prerequisites: Interest in (Icelandic) phonology, interest in working with/analysing experimentally elicited data, some experience with annotation (in Praat)

Literature: Árnason, Kristján. 2011. The Phonology of Icelandic and Faroese. Oxford University Press. Chapter 13.

The intonation of Faroese

The Intonation of Faroese is still understudied and any contribution will be welcome. For example: the intonation of specific utterance types, a comparison with related languages, phonological and phonetic aspects, etc. Speech data (from a map task study carried out in 2019) are available for analysis. Prerequisites: - Knowledge of Praat, some experience with intonational annotation / analysis - Interest in Faroese Literature: Árnason, Kristján. 2011. The Phonology of Icelandic and Faroese. Oxford University Press. Lockwood, W. B. 1977. An Introduction to Modern Faroese (3rd printing). Tórshavn: Føroya Skúlabókagrunnur. Dehé, Nicole, Moritz Jakob, Meike Rommel & Christiane Ulbrich. 2023. The intonation of declaratives, polar questions and wh-questions in two varieties in Faroese. In: O. Niebuhr & M, Svensson Lundmark (eds), Proc. 13th Nordic Prosody Conference: Applied and Multimodal Prosody Research, Sonderborg, Denmark, 117-129. DOI: 10.2478/9788366675728-009. (paper)

Topics in Heritage Icelandic Phonology

As part of a funded research project on Heritage Icelandic spoken in Manitoba, Canada, a large corpus of data for phonological and phonetic analysis is available. Potential topics include segmental issues, phonological rule application, regional differences, contact phenomena (contact with English), comparison between methodologies, among others.

Literature: Árnason, Kristján. 2011. The Phonology of Icelandic and Faroese. Oxford University Press.

Prof. Dr. Regine Eckardt

Ich betreue Abschlussarbeiten im Bereich Semantik, Pragmatik und Sprachgeschichte. Sie können theoretische Arbeiten, Literaturvergleichende Arbeiten oder empirische Studien anstreben. Hier ist eine Auswahl an exemplarischen Themen. Für Ihre eigenen Vorschläge bin ich immer offen.

Most topics can also be researched for English, and in English. See me in my office hours talk about your ideas and interests.

Perspektivierung und perspektivierende Ausdrücke

Mit perspektivierenden Ausdrücken wird die Meinung eines Sprechers wiedergegeben. Es gibt viele Formen der Perspektivierung: geschmacklich ( gut, lecker, ekelhaft ), emotional ( leider, gottlob ), epistemisch ( wohl, vielleicht ).

Da viele davon noch nicht genauer beschrieben wurden, können hier viele Einzelfallstudien durchgeführt werden..

Ein weiterer Aspekt perspektivierender Ausdrücke ist ihre Funktion in Medientexten. Welche Art von Mitteilung wird perspektiviert? Welche Perspektiven werden vermittelt?

Form und Funktion rhetorischer Fragen.

• Datenbezogen: in welchen Texten und Medien werden rhetorische Fragen vermehrt verwendet?
• Form: Wie werden rhetorische Fragen im Deutschen markiert? (Negativ-Polare Elemente, Negation, Partikeln, Adverbien usw.)
• Funktion: Kann jede beliebige Frage auch als rhetorische Frage verwendet werden? Wie sehen adäquate Verwendungskontexte für rhetorische Fragen aus?

Emphatische Negation in Zeitungstexten

• Pragmatik von negativ-polaren Elementen
• Einordnung weiterer Negationsformen des Deutschen in die Theorie: Niemals, nicht einmal, nicht ein einzige(s) … und ihre Verwendung in Zeitungstexten
• Verwendung und Funktion von von wegen!

Präteritumsschwund im Süddeutschen

In den süddeutschen Dialekten sind die morphologischen Formen des Präteritums fast völlig verschwunden; sie werden durch analytische Formen im Perfekt ersetzt.

• welche bedeutung hat in diesem System das Doppelperfekt ( Peter hat das Buch gelesen gehabt )?
• Überprüfung von Quellen des 16. Jahrhunderts auf die Verwendung von Perfekt / Präteritum
• Überprüfung von Quellen aus dem Bereich der Hanse auf die Verwendung des Perfekts / Präteritums im 15. und 16. Jahrhunderts
• eventuell für Romanisten: Quellen aus dem Norditalienischen Raum aus dem 14. Jahrhundert auf die Verwendung von Vergangenheitsformen hin überprüfen.

Argumente und Scheinargumente

Erarbeitung von fallacies (= Scheinargumenten) anhand von Lehrbüchern, und eine empirische Studie zu der Frage: Welche fallacies kommen bei (online-)Debatten am häufigsten vor? (Zur Eingrenzung empfiehlt sich ein Fokus auf Debatten zu einem bestimmten Thema, z.B. nur über Migration, nur über Corona, …)

Texte und Medien

Wie wird in Texten die Perspektive des Autors indirekt spachlich vermittelt? Wie setzen Journalisten subjektive Prädikate ein, um einen gemeinsamen Glaubenshintergrund zu suggerieren?

Semantik von Adjektiven

Die Natur von A+N-Komposita im Russischen: Zur Semantik von A + N – Phrasen im Russischen. Im Deutschen bedeutet rote Socke dasselbe wie „ist rot und ist eine Socke“. Im Russischen scheint es A+N-Verbindungen zu geben, in denen das Adjektiv nicht einfach zur N-Bedeutung dazukommt. Was ist die Semanitk dieser A+N-Verbindungen? Gibt es solche Beispiele auch in anderen Sprachen (z.B. „blauer Brief“)? Wo ist die Grenze zwischen kompositionaler und konventioneller Bedeutung?

Indirekte Sprechakte: Russisch und Deutsch im Vergleich

Befehle und auch manche Fragen können face-threatening acts sein. Oft wird behauptet, dass Sprecher auf indirekte Sprechakte ausweichen, um den FTA abzumildern. Ist diese Strategie empirische belegbar? Ist sie kulturspezifisch?

Prof. Dr. Carsten Eulitz

Underspecification of phonological features in the mental lexicon

In this thesis, you will be conducting an EEG study using a component of the event-related activity, called MMN, to generalize MMN effects demonstrating the underspecification of phonological features in the mental lexicon. This topic is conditional to the re-opening of the EEG lab. Required skills: Experimental linguistics and neurolinguistics, ideally experience with EEG measurements and data analyses Language of the thesis: English or German

Pre-attentive recognition of the language mode and nativeness in bilingual speakers

In this thesis, you will be conducting an EEG study using a component of the event-related activity, called MMN, to investigate the pre-attentive recognition of the language mode of bilingual speakers while producing CV syllables in the L1 or the L2 as well as the nativeness of their productions. This topic is conditional to the re-opening of the EEG lab. Required skills: Experimental linguistics and neurolinguistics, ideally experience with EEG measurements and data analyses Language of the thesis: English or German

You can come to me with ideas about projects on neurolinguistics topics. Language of the thesis: English or German

Juniorprof. Dr. Diego Frassinelli

Automatic generation of behavioral measures using Distributional Semantic information

In this thesis, you will use regression methods to predict (extra)linguistic information (e.g., behavioral norms like concreteness, valency, arousal) using distributional semantic representations. The main focus of this project is to identify the type of linguistic and non-linguistic information available in distributional representations and understand how to access this type of information. Required Skills: Understanding of distributional semantics; Understanding and running correlation and regression studies; Good knowledge of Python or R. Language of the thesis: English only

Investigating Multimodal Distributional Semantics

In this thesis, you will use existing multimodal distributional representations (e.g., visual vectors) in combination with purely linguistic vector representations to understand how information coming from multiple modalities can be combined to solve traditional tasks from lexical and distributional semantics. Required Skills: Understanding of distributional semantics; Understanding and running correlation and regression studies; Good knowledge of Python. Language of the thesis: English only

Building Multimodal Distributional Representations

In this thesis, you will build visual vectors using complex neural networks and test such representations on traditional tasks from lexical and distributional semantics. The main question in this project is the following: does the quality and type of pictures used to build such vectors significantly affect the final representation? Required Skills: Understanding of distributional semantics; Understanding and running correlation and regression studies; Very good knowledge of Python; good knowledge of neural networks. Language of the thesis: English only

You can come to me with ideas about projects that use corpus linguistic methods and distributional semantics to solve specific tasks. Language of the thesis: English only

Prof. Dr. Georg A. Kaiser Für die Themen für die MA-Arbeiten wenden Sie sich bitte direkt an Herrn George Kaiser. Please contact directly Mr. Georg Kaiser to determine the subject of your MA-Thesis.

Prof. Dr. Tanja Kupisch Für die Themen für die MA-Arbeiten wenden Sie sich bitte direkt an Frau Tanja Kupisch. Please contact directly Ms. Tanja Kupisch to determine the subject of your MA-Thesis.

Prof. Dr. Theo Marinis

Language policies in multilingual cities

The aim of the project is identify what language policies are in place in countries with large multilingual populations in Europe and beyond.

Language policies in Konstanz as an international city – the view of the Konstanz citizens

This aim of this project is to identify through a survey the needs of the citizens of Konstanz in terms of the language policies they would like to be implemented in the future in Konstanz. "Language policies in multilingual cities-2 and "Language policies in Konstanz as an international city – the view of the Konstanz citizens" are closely linked together.

Effects of Covid19 on children’s language development

The aim of this project is to find out through a survey with parents their perceptions about how social distancing has affected their children’s language development.

Evaluating flyers from the Centre for Multilingualism

As part of the Ringvorlesung students are developing material for families and professionals. This project will evaluate the material through questionnaires and interviews with parents, professionals, people working in local authorities

Any other topic related to language development

Processing of cognates in english-german bilinguals (to be supervised with elisabeth süß).

The aim of the project is to study the effect of lexical stress on cognate production. While cognates are produced faster and more accurately than non-cognates (cognate facilitation effect (CFE)), it is unclear if and how lexical stress affects the CFE. A production experiment will be conducted to fill this research gap by testing German-English bilinguals on a picture naming task in both German and English. The pictures will depict non-cognates, cognates with stress overlap, and cognates with stress mismatch.

Pronoun resolution in bi-/multilingual children (to be supervised with Angelika Golegos)

The aim of this project is to study how children produce and comprehend pronouns. Pronouns as referential expressions are crucial in everyday communication. The target like use of pronouns is considered to be a demanding task that costs a long developmental progress. It is little known about the strategies monolingual children are applying for producing and interpreting pronouns and even fewer studies investigate bilingual children strategies. In this project we address the question of pronoun use and interpretation by applying various tasks, e.g., story retelling, pronoun judgment task.

Irony comprehension in children (to be supervised with P10 project)

The aim of the project is to compare the comprehension of irony in monolingual (German) and bilingual children with Italian as a heritage language. Several tests will be used to assess the participants’ ability to understand irony, general cognitive abilities, and Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is the ability to make inferences about other people’s beliefs, intentions, and states of mind. Your two objectives will be 1) to find out potential correlations between different tasks (within participants), and 2) to investigate two different dimensions of language acquisition (monolingual vs bilingual).

[Knowledge of Italian is not necessary; if present, the project can also include the heritage language.]

Irony comprehension – comparing native speakers and late learners of German (to be supervised with P10 project)

How do adults who learn German as a second language perform in Irony Comprehension tasks? Are there differences between groups with a different L1 (e.g., Italian vs Japanese)? In this project, you will be able to compare how Italian learners of German and another group of late learners perform in an Irony Comprehension task. The L1 of the second group of late learners can be chosen based on your linguistic experience.

Rhetorical questions in German and (a language of your choice) (to be supervised with P10 project)

The aim of the project is to test two groups of monolingual speakers, speakers of German and speakers of another language. The linguistic phenomenon under investigation is rhetorical questions, which involve different linguistic cues in different languages (syntax, lexicon, prosody). There will be three main experiments (perception, comprehension, production) and some additional tasks. Your objective will be to find out which cues trigger rhetorical interpretation in different languages.

Rhetorical questions in German monolinguals and Italian heritage speakers (to be supervised with P10 project)

The aim of the project is to compare heritage speakers of Italian and monolingual speakers of German on rhetorical questions which involve different linguistic cues in different languages (syntax, lexicon, prosody). There will be three main experiments (perception, comprehension, production) and some additional tasks. Your objective will be 1) to find out which cues trigger rhetorical interpretation in German, and 2) to investigate two different dimensions of language acquisition (monolingual vs bilingual).

Prof. Dr. Tamara Rathcke

The role of the media in interpersonal accommodation and sound change

Prof. Dr. Tamara Rathcke (with Prof.. Dr Theo Marinis) The role of media in interpersonal accommodation and sound change has been controversially debated, with compelling evidence yet to be provided. In this project, the role of media engagement will be examined and compared between L1 and L2 speakers of English. This work will inform both sociolinguistic theory and second language acquisition models.

Prerequisites:

• Understanding of the posits of accommodation theory
•  Readiness to learn new technical skills
•  Basic knowledge of statistical inference

Literature: J Stuart-Smith, G Pryce, C Timmins, B Gunter (2013). Television can also be a factor in language change: Evidence from an urban dialect. Language, 501-536.

Interpersonal accommodation during speed dating

Speed dating is one of the contexts that allows us to study verbal and non-verbal accommodation in highly relevant contexts. The time that speed-daters spend in each other’s company is very short, and what they say is often less important than how they say it. This project will study if and how communicative accommodation can explain and predict interpersonal attraction during speed dating. The data for this project was recorded at the Centre for General Linguistics in Berlin in mid-October, and is available in German.

• Good command of Praat or another speech processing software
• Basic knowledge of statistical inference

Literature:

Giles, H., & Ogay, T. (2007). Communication Accommodation Theory. In B. B. Whaley & W. Samter (Eds.), Explaining communication: Contemporary theories and exemplars (p. 293–310). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

Prosodic interfaces between language and music

If music/singing is your thing, you may want to consider a dissertation topic on shared structures of music and language. Both are uniquely human abilities, and their shared cognitive underpinnings have been controversially debated for quite some time. You can take up different stances on the issue at hand, but a potential project involves the study of the so-called “speech-to-song illusion”, an illusory perception of singing in speech. The effect has been documented in many intonation languages but is limited (if at all present) in tonal languages. There is also quite large, to date poorly understood individual variation in the susceptibility to the effect. You can run this experiment with your own data, or use existing recordings. Prerequisites:

• Rock-solid knowledge of acoustic-phonetic concepts
• Understanding of key issues in speech and language processing

Falk, S., Rathcke, T. and Dalla Bella, S. (2014). When Speech Sounds Like Music. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance [Online] 40:1491-1506.

Perceptions of charisma in speech

We can easily say who we perceive as charismatic, but it is more difficult for us to say why. Some previous research has shown that for a person to radiate charisma, the content of their message is not as relevant as the way the message is delivered. If this fuels some research interest in you, the topic can be studied in different cultures and languages. An existing database of speeches given by British politicians during Brexit campaigns can also be used.

Rosenberg, A., & Hirschberg, J. (2009). Charisma perception from text and speech. Speech Communication, 51(7), 640–655.

Prof. Dr. Maribel Romero

Alternative Questions

Alternative questions like Is the baby awake or asleep? are realized using a wealth of different surface cues in different languages –prosodic, morpho-syntactic, lexical– and have special semantic and pragmatic properties. This makes the mapping from surface form to utterance meaning in this construction particularly interesting from a cross-linguistic point of view.

• How are alternative questions realized in less studied languages?
• What is their distribution in embedded environments?
• What is their distribution in matrix environments, i.e., do they have special discourse restrictions?

Biased Questions

There are many ways to ask one and the same question. Compare: (i) Is Amy at home? , (ii) Is Amy not at home? , (iii) Isn’t Amy at home? , (iv) Amy is at home? , (v) Amy is at home, isn’t she? . While some of these forms are neutral, others express some degree of bias towards or against the prejacent proposition ‘that Amy is at home’.

• How exactly do these forms differ from each other in terms of semantic/pragmatic behavior?
• What impact does prosody have in polar questions like (i)-(iii)? [Together with Prof. Bettina Braun]
• What readings do Rising Declaratives like (iv) allow in your native language?
• Besides a tag question form like (v), does your native language have other tag question forms? What are their semantic-pragmatic properties?

Quantifier meaning and semantic universals

Crosslinguistically, the meaning of lexical quantifiers –e.g., ‘every’, ‘some’, ‘no’, ‘most’,… – is known to obey a number of mathematical properties, including extension, isomorphism and conservativity. Recent efforts in Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and Linguistics strive to derive these universal properties from (i) learnability considerations (using neural networks), (ii) the simplicity/informativeness trade-off and (iii) properties of logical operators and/or of natural language. For each such universal property:

• What explanation is best?
• Can several competing explanations be tested experimentally?
• If a particular reading of a specific quantifier in your native language seems to violate that universal property, can this reading be derived otherwise within the grammar of that particular language?

Tense and Aspect (with M. Butt)

Languages differ in how their tense and aspect paradigms are structured and what meaning distinctions they convey. For a given language, one can develop a grammar fragment on tense or aspect in LFG/XLE.

Discourse particles

Expressions like German schon and bloss or English totally and even , etc. often live a double life in the grammar: as adverbial elements contributing to the propositional content of the sentence (e.g., in The glass is totally full ) or as speech acts modifiers fine-tuning the illocutionary act performed (e.g., in You should totally click on that link ).

• Does the speech act use have any syntactic/semantic/pragmatic distribution requirements? If so, what is the underlying motivation for them?
• Can we pin down the content of the speech act reading with the help of experimental methodology?
• How should the speech act reading be theoretically modelled?
• How do the two readings –the propositional meaning and the speech act meaning– relate to each other?

Different attitude verbs –e.g. think , know , wonder — select for different types of complement clauses –e.g., that -clauses vs. interrogative clauses, indicative vs. subjunctive clauses, only V-final clauses vs. also V2 clauses. What guides this selection in each particular language? And can general semantic properties be identified that guide this selection cross-linguistically?

Meaning in Multilingualism (with T. Marinis or T. Kupisch)

What happens with the meaning of functional items –e.g., pronominal reference, definite and indefinite article, tense/aspect/mood morphology—in a multilingual setting? Do we observe transfer in their acquisition? Is there delay or acceleration in the acquisition process?

Open topic in Semantics and/or Pragmatics

If you have some ideas or interest on any other topic within semantics and/or pragmatics, feel free to come to my office hours.

Prof. Dr. George Walkden

Language contact and syntax in Early Modern English

In this thesis, you will investigate the grammatical effects of lexical borrowings from French and Latin into English, with a specific focus on French and Latin verbs with non-finite complements. You’ll be testing the idea that these borrowings entered the system at a crucial time to trigger wider changes in complementation patterns. Required skills: Corpus linguistics, ideally experience working with historical texts, basic syntax Language of the thesis: English or German

Parsing a historically-attested language

Your thesis will focus on the application of natural language processing tools to the parsing, i.e. syntactic annotation, of a language attested in historical texts – adapting tools developed for a better-resourced present-day language.

Required skills: Good coding skills (e.g. Python); have taken at least one MA-level course in machine language processing that has touched upon the topic of parsing

Language of the thesis: English or German

You can come to me with ideas about projects with a historical, typological, morphological, or syntactic dimension to them, especially those that use corpus evidence. Language of the thesis: English or German

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Applying For a Master’s Degree in Germany

Master’s programs in Germany offer a diverse range of options, with many taught in English. They are known for their affordability, top-notch curricula, hands-on learning, and excellent career prospects. So, it’s no wonder that master’s degrees are the go-to choice for international students in Germany. During the 2021/2022 period, 42.6% of them (148,901 students) were enrolled in master’s programs.

But don’t let the application process hold you back – we’re here to guide you through the steps and set you on the path to success in Deutschland!

Here are the main steps to apply for a master’s degree in Germany:

Research and Choose a Master’s Program

Check admission requirements.

• Gather Documents and Meet All Requirements

Secure Funding

Submit your application, wait for the admission letter, get health insurance, apply for the german student visa.

When it comes to pursuing a master’s degree in Germany, the initial step is all about research and making an informed choice. Start by assessing your career goals and pinpoint the field of study that aligns with your aspirations. Look into the curriculum to ensure it covers the subjects that pique your interest.

Language matters too — many programs are available in English, but if you’re proficient in German, it opens up more options. When it comes to costs, most programs are quite affordable or even tuition-free, but be sure to check tuition fees just in case.

To aid your search, German study program databases and university websites offer detailed program information and application guidelines. Take your time to explore and find the program that’s the perfect fit for your educational journey.

Study at GISMA University of Applied Sciences

Be one step ahead with a globally recognised college in Germany!

> Check out our list of over 9,000 master’s study programs in Germany.

Once you’ve picked a couple of programs that pique your interest and align with your study goals, it’s time to check if you meet their admission requirements or can meet them by the application deadline.

While each program may have its unique requirements, let’s explore some of the most common admission criteria for master’s programs in Germany:

• Bachelor’s degree. You have graduated or will graduate from a program equivalent to a German bachelor’s degree, often in a related field to the master’s program you’re applying for.
• Transcripts and diplomas . Submit transcripts and copies of your academic diplomas from previous educational institutions.
• Subject-specific knowledge . Some programs may require you to have gained specific subject knowledge or credits during your prior education. Business schools and MBA programs may require a particular score from recognized tests, like GMAT or GRE.
• Language proficiency. Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, which is typically English or German. Proof of language proficiency is often required through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume . Provide a comprehensive CV or resume detailing your academic and professional background.
• Statement of purpose & letters of recommendation. Some universities may request a Statement of Purpose (SOP), which details your motivations and goals, along with one to two letters of recommendation from professors or professionals.

> Visit our full guide of admission requirements for master’s programs in Germany for more details.

Gather Documents and Ensure You Meet All Requirements

After reviewing admission requirements and selecting your program(s), it’s time to start gathering what you need for your application, including transcripts, motivation letter, etc.

This is also an ideal time to confirm that you meet your university’s language proficiency requirements. Depending on your program’s language (English or German), you may take a standardized language test or provide alternative proof. Consider language courses if improvement is needed.

According to the German government’s regulations, international students planning to study in Germany must demonstrate financial resources of at least €11,208 per year (equivalent to €934 per month) to qualify for a student visa and pursue a master’s degree in the country.

This financial requirement may seem daunting for many students, so it’s crucial to address this well in advance of the official application period at your preferred German university. You can meet this requirement in various ways:

• Having €11,208 deposited in a German blocked account .
• Your parents can provide documentation of their income and financial resources.
• Someone with permanent residence in Germany can guarantee to the Alien Registration Office that they will financially support you.
• Present a scholarship awarding certificate specifying the financial amount or coverage granted to you.

Important Tip: To Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your German Student Visa You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

A blocked account is a special type of bank account , to prove you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year.

As of 2022, as a foreigner in Germany you need a minimum of €934 euros per month for living expenses. So, you are required to have a total of €11,208 in your bank account before you apply for a German internship visa.

Click here to learn more about the German Blocked Account

Planning ahead is important before your preferred German university’s application deadline, as this amount may be substantial for most students. Usually, four to six months prior should provide enough time to save money and explore scholarship and loan options.

Now is the exciting time to send in your application! Most universities have their own application portals where you’ll need to create an account, or they might use uni-assist for handling applications.

Make sure to read and follow all the instructions on the master’s program website, and be sure to submit all the required documents. It’s crucial to respect the application deadlines; your application won’t be processed if you miss the deadline.

Once your application is submitted, the next step is simply waiting for the university’s decision. While you wait, you might want to brush up on your language skills or start looking into the specific visa and travel requirements for Germany. It’s also a good time to explore accommodation options.

The university will notify you via email about the status of your application, and if you’re accepted, they’ll include the next steps you should follow.

Health insurance is a must for all international students in Germany. You can kickstart this process after receiving your admission letter or once you arrive in Germany.

If your home country has an agreement with Germany, you can often use your current health insurance, typically with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In some cases, private health insurance from other countries may also be accepted.

Alternatively, you can choose to obtain insurance through a provider in Germany, with student packages usually priced around €120 per month, depending on your age and the provider.

Most international students in Germany prefer to get health insured with DR-WALTER .

EDUCARE24 by DR-WALTER is suitable for the following groups of people:

• Foreign exchange students, language students and students participating in university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
• University students
• Participants in exchange programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
• Accompanying family members

Still have questions about health insurance?  Learn more about health insurance in Germany from experts.

Get DR-WALTER insurance online within a few minutes

With a few exceptions, the majority of international students planning to study in Germany require a student visa. Our German student visa guide covers everything you need to know about this process, from requirements to the application process, fees, and more.

To kickstart the process, set up a visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, ideally about three months before your planned start of studies.

During the interview, provide all the required documents like proof of admission, language proficiency, financial means, and health insurance. Be ready for potential requests for more documents during the interview, and make sure your passport stays valid for your entire stay.

Arrive in Germany and Attend Orientation

Once your German student visa is sorted, it’s time to get on that plane and arrive in Germany. After settling in, make use of the pre-semester orientation sessions at German universities. Some things addressed through the orientation or to over on your own include:

• You’ll complete the enrollment process , which involves registering for your courses, receiving your class schedule, and learning about academic requirements.
• Getting your student ID . You’ll be issued a student identification card, often referred to as a “Studierendenausweis” in German.
• Residence registration. Once you’re in Germany, you will have to register your residence. This is a mandatory process that involves obtaining a “Meldebescheinigung” from the Resident’s Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
• Opening a local bank account. Orientation often provides guidance on opening a bank account in Germany.
• Campus tour. You’ll explore the campus to discover its facilities, libraries, and labs.
• Language courses. Some universities offer language courses or resources to help international students improve their German language skills if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Additional Information

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions and additional information to support you on your path to pursuing a master’s degree in Germany:

Which Universities Offer Master’s Degree Programs in Germany?

The higher education system in Germany includes public universities, funded and regulated by the state, and private universities established by independent entities.

While private universities may have higher fees, they are valuable for specialized courses not available at public institutions. Public universities in Germany have their own degree programs, assessments, and entry requirements, with state oversight to ensure the quality and accreditation of courses.

Germany has four main types of higher education institutions that offer master’s degree programs:

• Research Universities. These publicly administered institutions offer Master’s and PhD programs, focusing on various academic disciplines.
• Technical Universities. A subgroup of research universities, they specialize in science, technology, and engineering fields.
• Universities of Applied Sciences. These institutions concentrate on engineering, business, and social sciences, often partnering with professional organizations.
• Colleges of Art, Film, and Music. These institutions provide instruction in creative fields and can be part of research universities or universities of applied sciences.

What Are the Types of Master’s Degrees in Germany?

In Germany, you can pursue various types of Master’s degrees. Some of the most common include:

• Master of Arts (MA). Awarded in humanities, social sciences, and arts-related fields.
• Master of Science (MSc) . Awarded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA). Focuses on management and business administration topics.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.). For degrees for high school teacher positions.

What Are Consecutive and Non-consecutive Master’s Degrees?

Consecutive master’s Degrees in Germany follow a logical progression from a related bachelor’s degree and build upon the same academic field. They provide in-depth knowledge and specialization within the same subject area.

Non-consecutive master’s Degrees, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Students with diverse academic backgrounds can go for non-consecutive master’s programs, which often focus on broader skills and interdisciplinary knowledge. These programs may include extra coursework to bridge any knowledge gaps.

How Long Is a Master’s Degree in Germany?

A master’s degree in Germany typically lasts for one to two years, depending on the specific program and the number of semesters required. Each academic year consists of two semesters, and the program may also include a final project or dissertation conducted in collaboration with a mentor.

How Many ECTS Credits Is a German Master’s Degree Worth?

Master’s programs in Germany typically consist of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. However, the exact number of credits may vary depending on the university and the specific program.

What is Numerus Clausus?

Numerus Clausus (NC) in German master’s programs is a restricted admission system where limited spots are available, and selection is based on factors like academic performance and qualifications. It controls program capacity to prevent overcrowding. Applicants compete for admission based on their qualifications, and requirements vary by program.

When Are Application Deadlines for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

There are two semesters in German universities; the winter semester and the summer semester. Application deadlines for master’s programs vary depending on the university, however, the most common dates are:

• For courses starting on the winter semester: July 15th
• For courses starting on the summer semester: January 15th

Can I Apply for a Master’s in Germany Before I Get My Undergraduate Degree?

Yes, it’s common for students to apply during the final year of their bachelor’s degree. However, you must provide proof of your current academic progress and an expected graduation date as part of your application.

What Are the Language Requirements for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

If your courses are in German, you’ll need to prove your proficiency through tests like TestDaf or DSH. A lower level of proficiency may be accepted if you continue taking language courses upon arriving in Germany or during the early stages of your Master’s program. However, language requirements for master’s programs in Germany can vary depending on the university and program

If you choose English-taught programs, no German language tests are required. Non-native English speakers may need to take English language tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. If you’ve completed your undergraduate studies in English, you typically won’t need English language tests.

To discover programs in your preferred language, explore our tool and select the program language from the options on the left.

How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost in Germany?

In most public universities in Germany, semester fees for master’s programs typically range from €100 to €350 per semester, with some exceptions. Some specialized graduate programs may have tuition fees, and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria may charge tuition fees for non-EU international students.

Private universities set their own tuition fees, and the cost of master’s degrees can vary significantly, especially for programs like MBAs. At private universities in Germany, tuition fees can range from approximately €5,000 to €20,000 per year or more, depending on the institution and program.

To find out more about the costs of studying in Germany, visit our extensive guide .

Can I Work While Studying for a Master’s Degree in Germany?

Yes, students of all nationalities can work while studying for a master’s degree in Germany.

• EU, EEA, Swiss, and Norwegian students can work up to 20 hours per week. They can exceed this number, however they will have to pay social security contributions.
• Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, but they face restrictions on self-employment and freelancing.
• Academic assistants have no limitations on workdays but are required to inform the foreigners’ office.

> Read more about working while studying in Germany .

What Is the Master’s Thesis Process Like in Germany?

In your final year of a master’s program in Germany, you’ll work on your thesis project, guided by a professor. The goal is to showcase your ability to tackle a subject-related issue independently using research methods.

You can usually write your thesis in German or English and may even complete it externally, like at a company or another research institute. Universities often set page limits, usually between 50 to 100 pages, and impose deadlines, typically around six months from the project start.

The thesis defense involves submitting your work and presenting your research methods and findings.

Study Visa Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Germany

Make sure you collect on time all the documents you typically need in order to apply for a German Student Visa .

For detailed information about Germany Visa requirements, go to  www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/

What Are the Career Prospects With a German Master’s Degree?

With a German master’s degree, you’ll have excellent career prospects, especially in STEM fields . EU/EEA graduates can work immediately after graduation, while non-EU/EEA graduates can extend their residence permits for up to 18 months to find field-related jobs.

You can also pursue academic careers, and highly skilled non-EU graduates can apply for an EU Blue Card to work and stay in Germany. Plus, your German degree is globally recognized, offering international career opportunities in multinational companies and organizations.

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• Published: 15 May 2024

How Iranian students can master integration into German academia

• Ata Makarem   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1291-4312 1 , 2 &
• Karel Douglas Klika   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7009-1487 3  

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Thousands of Iranians study at German universities every year, but many struggle with the German academic system. Here, we offer some advice.

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Knerr, B. International Labor Migration: Asian students in Germany Ch. 6 (Kassel University Press GmbH, 2015).

Hüther, O. & Krücken, G. Higher Education in Germany — Recent Developments in an International Perspective , Vol. 49 (Springer International Publishing, 2018).

Moradi, S. Nat. Hum. Behav. 3 , 1025–1025 (2019).

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Teen walks at graduation after completing doctoral degree at 17

Dorothy Jean Tillman II was 10 when she entered college as a freshman.

A teenager from Chicago walked in her graduation ceremony this month after earning her doctoral degree at 17.

Dorothy Jean Tillman II told " Good Morning America " that she was homeschooled in her early years before entering college at age 10.

In 2020, she said she earned a Master of Science degree, and then, one year later, at age 15, was accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at Arizona State University.

In December 2023, at 17, Tillman successfully defended her dissertation to earn her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from ASU's College of Health Solutions.

On May 6, she walked at ASU's spring commencement ceremony.

Tillman told "GMA" she has always held education in such high regard in part due to her family's background.

"People in my life like my grandmother, who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always," Tillman said. "But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about."

She continued, "I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me."

Teen who battled leukemia and homelessness as a child graduates college at 18

Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at ASU, told "GMA" that Tillman is the youngest person in school history to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health.

Manson said she oversaw Tillman's dissertation for the doctoral program offered through ASU Online.

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During her studies, Tillman wrote a journal article of her dissertation and completed an internship at a university student health center, according to Manson.

"She really led change and worked on different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services," she said of Tillman. "It was wonderful to see her and help her navigate some of those personal and professional interactions and grow through those experiences."

Manson described Tillman as an "inquisitive" and "innovative" student, and emphasized just how rare it is to accomplish what she has so far.

"It's a wonderful celebration ... but this is still something so rare and unique," she said. "She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader."

Manson said she hopes Tillman continues to inspire people with her love of learning, saying, "That curiosity is always there, and I think all learners come with that, but it's great to be able to see it in someone so young as well."

Her inspiration and how she gives back to community

Tillman said her own journey wouldn't be possible without the support of her mom, who she said is one of her biggest motivators.

"Seeing my mother consistently work so hard to continuously uphold our family's legacy, and be that person that everyone was able to go to, if they needed anything ... always seeing [her] like [a] 'wonder woman' definitely made me want to grow up [into] an accomplished person," she said.

An advocate for education, Tillman is also the founder and CEO of a leadership institute that emphasizes the arts and STEM.

"I feel like adding art and putting a focus on it throughout science, technology, engineering and math makes the kids excited to learn all those things," she said. "And it opens them up to all of the possibilities and all the knowledge provided in that area of just STEM."

'Super dad' graduates with master's while working 3 jobs

As for her plans after graduation, Tillman said she is "just like any other teenager, still figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are."

"I'm really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I've done so much so young," she said. "And I have time to kind of think that through."

Tillman added that she hopes young people will take away from her story that it's OK to continually figure out what you want to do in life.

"Always remember that everyone has points in their life where they feel like they're figuring it out," she said. "And so figuring things out, not knowing what you want isn't a bad thing. But making the choice not to sit down and try to figure it out is."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional quotes from Tillman since its original publish date of May 13, 2024.

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