Internationals FAQ

Stand: 07/09/2025 6:35 p.m. Uhr

This page collects several frequently asked questions about the English Computer Science Masters programme.

I am an exchange student. Which modules am I allowed to take?

You are allowed to take any module from every level in any language. The only requirement is that you meet the prerequisites in content.

What is a blended module?

A module that is partially offered online, partially offered on-site. Some modules are marked as blended even if they are completely on-site, as no one might have changed that information since the COVID pandemic.

What is an English/German module?

A module that is either partially German, partially English, or in one of both languages, but the languagage is not determined, yet. In the latter case, you should ask the lecturer if they could hold their module in English.

What are bricks (German: Teilleistungen)?

Modules usually consist of multiple parts, the so-called bricks (German: Teilleistungen). You have to complete one ore multiple of these bricks to complete the module. To find out, which bricks to take, look into the Module Handbook or ask your lecturer.

What are bricks with 0 LP/ECTS?

Some modules contain bricks with 0 LP (ECTS). This usually means that the brick is connected to another brick within the same module. The time needed to complete the 0 LP brick is included in the credit amount of this other module. One common type of bricks with 0 LP are Worksheet Certificates.

What are Worksheet Certificates (German: Übungsschein)?

In some modules, you have to complete worksheets to be admitted to the module's exam or to complete the module. This is usually modelled as a brick and called a Worksheet Certificate (German: Übungsschein).

What is an Übung?

An Übung (English: Exercise (Class)) is a lecture-scale lesson that extends on the contents of the lecture or discusses the results of worksheets.

Does a German/English lecture count as a German lecture or an English lecture?

We currently do not know. Please inform us, if you experience how the department deals with this case.

How can I get paid jobs in research and education?

When you begin your studies here, give yourself the time and space to accommodate yourself. In general, you do not need a special permission to work in Germany, as long as you arrived on a student visa.

Once you are ready to commence a job, there are multiple platforms you can look into:

KIT Career Service offers a Job Market. They also offer counseling on German job applications, etc. Once a year, they offer a large Career Fair.
The Fachschaft offers a Mailing List for job offers and paid internships.
Your favourite chair within the Department might look for student assistants. Don't hesitate to ask!

Is it possible to earn ECTS credits with German language courses (DaF-Kurs, short für Deutsch als Fremdsprache)?

Yes. Contact ISS (informatics study program services) to discuss the details.

What is the Grading scale (German: Notenskala) in the Module Handbook / in the Campus System / in Ilias?

A brick within a module can be graded to the third of a grade. These grades are 1.0 (best), 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, ..., 4.0 (passed), and 5.0 (not passed). When there are multiple bricks within a module, the grade of a module is the LP-weighted average of the bricks' grades. Therefore, a module can be graded to the tenth of a grade, the second decimal of the average is cut off.

Does not passing a first attempt influence my GPA?

No, the grade of the second attempt is counted if you do not pass the first attempt.

The Module Handbook / Campus System says, my module is held every (summer/winter) term. Is it offered in the current (summer/winter) term?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The Module Handbook / Campus System is not always up to date. A good indicator if the module is offered is, whether there is an event (German: Veranstaltung) for the module in the Campus System. In doubt, contact the lecturer responsible for the module.

On the department website, I only find a Module Handbook in German / a Module Handbook for other study programmes. Where is mine?

You can find the Module Handbook for the M.Sc. Computer Science on the English website of the department. The Module Handbook for the German programme is not on the English website and vice versa.

How do I register for courses? What is the timeline of registration?

To attend a lecture, you do not have to register. You only have to register, once you want to take the exam for the corresponding module. Exam registration usually starts in the middle of the term (winter term: November or December, summer term: May or June) and ends some weeks before the exam. We recommend to look into the Campus System when the semester starts and to register for exams, once it is possible. You are always able to de-register until the day before a written exam or three days before an oral exam. For written exams, you can de-register in person at the exam, as well.

To attend to seminars or labs (German: Seminare und Praktika), you will have to register. There are multiple platforms, on which these are offered, and the registration time varies. We recommend to look into these platforms about two or three weeks before the term begins:

In doubt, contact the responsible lecturer.

If you miss a registration deadline, there is a small chance that you still will be admitted. Ask the responsible lecturer.

What is the best way to find and register a Master's thesis?

This topic is summarized in a presentation by the department.

How final is my decision for a Field of Specialisation (German: Vertiefungsfach)? Can I move modules between areas of my study?

In general, you can always switch your Field of Specialisation, as long as most of the completed modules stay within a graded area of your study. This includes the other Field of Specialization and the Electives (German: Wahlbereich).

To move a module between areas, you have to apply using a form. Unfortunately, this is currently only available in German. If you need help to fill it in, don't hesitate to contact the Fachschaft.