Designing Degree Programs
Designing Degree Programs at the University of Bremen
Teaching at the University of Bremen should be up-to-date, student and research-oriented as well as motivating for students. In order to achieve this as many students as possible, the programs and teaching continuously undergo revisions to ensure good quality. The Administrative Unit Teaching and Studies plays an active role in this development process with a holistic approach which includes didactic ideas, structural specifications, quality requirements, legal regulations, and manageability. Close cooperation ensures that all individual aspects of a degree course are considered.
There are two distinct processes for degree program development: that of new programs and further development of existing programs. Whether degree programs are newly established or existing ones are enhanced; in each case various aspects, considerations and regulatory frameworks play a role. The implementation of degree programs is regulated by statutes, which are summarized under the term regulatory means and are managed in the Adminitrative Unit Teaching and Studies. Development of teacher education degree programs is accompanied by the Centre for Teacher Education and Educational Research (ZfLB), and as part of further education courses by the Academy of Continuing Education.
The legal basis for designing and development of degree courses can be found in the collection of the legal office (available in German only).
Strong Connections between Research and Teaching
Research-based learning and studying is encouraged in all disciplines at the University of Bremen. It is firmly anchored in the mission statement statement for teaching and learning and is therefore also taken into account when designing degree programs. Extensive experience in interdisciplinary cooperation strengthens the research-oriented focus of teaching at the University of Bremen, while the internal culture of consensus promotes its implementation.
Based on the concept of research-based learning, students and researchers at the University of Bremen are also made aware of and trained in the area of good scientific practice. During their studies, students are introduced to the topic and informed about interdisciplinary and subject-specific standards of good scientific practice for them to make their contribution to increasing the quality and credibility of science.
Establishing New Degree Programs
New market analyses, research topics or cooperations can provide ideas for the development of new degree programs. A description of the process for setting up new degree programs as well as the essential documents for the start can be found in the QM portal under Studieng?nge einrichten (availabe in German only).
Calculations on capacity and feedback on equipment issues are the responsibility of the Administrative Unit 11: University Development and Capacity Planning. Templates for resource planning can be found in the QMPortal.
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Updating Existing Degree Programs
There are always reasons for change in degree programs: Some lead to changes in module descriptions, others to changes in the admission requirements or examination regulations. Degree programs can also change to accommodate internationalization, be it in the language of instruction or in the awarded degree, e.g. by introducing multiple degree options.
Changing existing degree programs requires the adherance to deadlines and the relevant documents must be submitted to the Administrative Unit for Study and teaching. Especially when it comes to significant changes, which necessitate the approval of the University Executive Board, the process is even more time-consuming and requires early planning.
Please contact us with any change requests you have; we are happy to provide advice and support.
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Toolbox for Developing Degree Programs
Collection of helpful links and basic information regarding degree program development:
(Most are available in German only)
Legal requirements:
- Bremisches Hochschulgesetz (BremHG)
- Bremische Verordnung zur Studienakkreditierung (StudakkVO)
- Rechtssammlung der UB
- Allgemeiner Teil der Prüfungsordnungen
Design regulations:
- Kultusminister Konferenz (KMK)
- Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK)
- Wissenschaftsplan Bremen 2025
Quality management::
- QM-Portal der Universit?t Bremen
Internationalization:
- International Office
- Multiple Degree options at UB
- Sprachenzentrum der Hochschulen im Land Bremen (SZHB)
- Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE)
Further information:
- Degree programs at the Univeristy of Bremen (all degree programs and applicable regulations)
- ZPA Archive with all current and previous examination regulations