Admission regulations for the consecutive Master degree courses (M.Sc.) Engineering Physics, Physics, the English language degree courses Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy and European Master in Renewable Energy (EUREC) at the Faculty V, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. Version dated 13 June 2013. The admission regulations for the consecutive Master degree courses Engineering Physics, Hearing Technology and Audiology, and Physics at the Faculty V were agreed on 19 December 2012 by the council of the Faculty V, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, in accordance with 18, paragraph 7 of Lower Saxony s Higher Education Act. They were approved by the Ministry of Economics and Culture (MWK) by a decree on 26 April 2013 and published in Carl von Ossietzky University s official notices no. 2/2013. 1 Scope of Application (1) These regulations, including the subject-specific appendices, regulate admission to the Master degree courses (M.Sc.) Engineering Physics, Physics, and Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy at the Faculty V, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. (2) Should more applicants meet the admission criteria than there are places are available, then the places will be allocated in accordance with the university's selection procedure ( 5). 2 Admission requirements (1) A prerequisite for admission to a Master s degree course is that the applicant a) - Has either a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from a degree course which is in accordance with the subject-specific appendices. This was earned at a German university or at a university that belongs to one of the Bologna Signatory States, or - Has an equivalent degree earned at a university abroad in a closely related field; the equivalence is in accordance with the weighting proposals made by the Central Office for Foreign Education at the Standing Conference of the Ministers for Education (www.anabin.de), and b) Can prove particular aptitude in accordance with paragraph 2. The Admissions Committee decides whether or not a degree course is closely related. A positive appraisal may be linked to the applicant being required to catch up on the missing modules within two semesters. (2) The aptitude to study calls for professional and personal suitability of the applicant to studying. It must be demonstrated by: a) a Bachelor degree in accordance with paragraph 3 and also b) proof of personal suitability for the chosen course according to paragraph 5 with an average grade of 2.51 to 3.50, as well as c) language skills, if the subject-specific appendices so require. 1
(3) The eligible Bachelor degree requires that the previous studies be completed with a minimum grade of 2.5. If the degree has not yet been awarded at the time of application, it is required, contrary to sentence 1, that at least 150 ECTS have been obtained; the average grade determined from the exam results to date must be at least 2.5. This average grade is also taken into consideration in the selection procedure according to 5, regardless of whether or not the result of the Bachelor deviates from this. (4) Special aptitude can otherwise be proven by a person who has completed a previous course of studies with a grade between 2.51 and 3.50 and has proven their personal aptitude according to paragraph 5. Paragraph 3, sentence 2 applies accordingly. (5) The personal aptitude requires a strong interest in the overall direction of the Master programme at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg and in its selected course specialisations. Verification of this is by a letter of motivation accompanying the letter of application, in which the following should be presented: 1. Which specific abilities and interests lead the applicant to believe that he or she is particularly suited to this degree course with this area of specialisation at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg and 2. In what way does the applicant identify with the aspired profession. This must be evident from the presentation of the personal and professional background, including the certificates from the first degree and previous further education: 1. to what extent the applicant has the ability to apply scientific working methods and 2. to what extent he or she has sound knowledge of the basic scientific principles and the basic competencies from his or her first degree, which are listed in the subject-specific appendices. The letter of motivation and the proof of previous studies will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee. 0 or 0.5 points are given for each of the four parameters mentioned in sentences 2 and 3. These scores correspond to the following evaluation: 0 = no motivation presented or not convincingly explained 0.5 = motivation presented or convincingly explained. (6) The Admissions Committee determines the required aptitude based on the documents provided. The aptitude is ascertained as follows: a) Grade for eligible Bachelor degree in accordance with paragraph 4 2.51 3.50 1 point > 3.50 0 points b) Evaluation of personal aptitude in accordance with paragraph 5 0 to 2 points. The level of aptitude is calculated from the sum of the points in a) and b). The prerequisite for admission to study is at least three points to be reached in the evaluation of the degree of aptitude. (7) Applicants who are unable to prove either a German university entrance qualification or a Bachelor degree from a German university must have sufficient knowledge of the German language. The minimum qualification is TestDAF level TDN 4, or an equivalent qualification. 2
Degree courses that are fully or partially carried out in a language other than German can make alternative regulations. These are to be found in the subject specific appendices. 3 Application deadline und application documents (1) Enrolment takes place in the winter semester and summer semester. Deviations are regulated in the respective subject-specific appendices. The written application, together with the necessary application documents as stated in paragraph 2, have to arrive at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg by 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, unless the subject-specific appendices specify other dates. The application is only valid for the awarding of a university place for the respective application date. In exceptional cases, if good reason can be proven, an application can be submitted outside of the dates stated, i.e. 15 October (winter semester) or 15 April (summer semester). (2) The application must include the following documents in German or English (with a certified translation if necessary): 1. the Bachelor certificate, or - if this is not yet available - an attestation of the work done, the ECTS credits achieved and the average grade; 2. if required, a representation of the personal and professional development, including the testimonies of previous education and training in accordance with 2 paragraph 5; 3. if required, a letter of motivation in accordance with 2 paragraph 5; 4. if required, proof of German language proficiency as according to 2 paragraph 7; 5. if required, proof of English language proficiency in accordance with the subject specific appendices. The subject specific appendices may include alternative regulations. 4 Admissions committee (1) The entry requirements for each degree course are decided by an admissions committee and based on the documents submitted, in particular the documents to determine the necessary aptitude and previous studies in a closely related subject. (2) The admissions committee is appointed on the recommendation of the respective institute at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg. For degree courses which are borne by several departments, other rules may be foreseen and these can be found in the subject specific appendices. The admissions committee is made up of: 3 academic teaching staff, 1 research assistant, 1 student, relevant deputies. The academic staff member should be someone who teaches in the relevant field, at Bachelor or Master level, at the Faculty V. 3
(3) The admissions committee elects a chairperson and deputy from the midst of the teaching staff members. The admissions committee is quorate if at least three members who are entitled to vote are present, including two drawn from the academic teaching staff, unless the subject-specific appendices specify other regulations. The term of office for the members is two years and one year for the student member, reappointment being possible. 5 Admissions procedure (1) Should the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements exceed the number of university places available, the applicants will be selected according to a ranking based on the overall Bachelor grade or the average grade according to 2 paragraph 3 and 4 of these regulations. The subject specific appendices may include alternative arrangements. (2) In the case of equal ranking the selection will be made by the drawing of lots. (3) The provisions specified in the university s enrolment regulations, which apply to the enrolment procedures in general, remain unaffected. The registration of the applicant considered suitable according to 2 paragraph 3 becomes void if the Bachelor certificate, which is required for enrolment, is not submitted to the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg by 15 December for the winter semester and by 15 June for the summer semester. The submitting of the certificate is the applicant s responsibility. 6 Letter of acceptance or rejection (1) Applicants who have been accepted according to 2 and/or 5 will receive a letter of acceptance from the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. The letter of acceptance specifies the date by which the applicant must enrol. If this deadline is not met, the letter of acceptance becomes ineffective. The subject specific appendices may include alternative arrangements. (2) If not all of the applicants to be admitted, in accordance with paragraph 1, should enrol within the specified deadline, then a corresponding number of applicants who did not initially receive a letter of acceptance may be admitted according to their ranking (clearing). The subject specific appendices may include alternative arrangements. (3) The admissions procedure ends as soon as all the university places have been filled, and by 15 October or 15 April at the latest. Should university places still be available at this time, they will be awarded by lottery. The subject specific appendices may include alternative arrangements. (4) Applicants who cannot be admitted will receive a letter of rejection and information as to their right to appeal. 4
7 Admission to an advanced semester (1) The university places available in an advanced semester with restricted admission will be awarded to the applicants according to the following order: a) those participating in the same or an equivalent course of studies aa) who are, or were, registered at another German university, bb) who have German citizenship or according to statutory registration procedures are equivalent to German citizens and were, or are, registered at a foreign university,. b) those who would suffer particular hardship if not admitted for reasons due to their person. c) those who can enforce other claims. (2) For each of the three case groups in paragraph 1 the result of the Bachelor examination or an exam equivalent to the Bachelor examination will determine admission. If two or more results are the same then the main social reasons for choosing this location, in particular family related and economic reasons, will be taken into account and if the cases are similar then the final decision will be made by the drawing of lots. 8 Coming into effect (1) These regulations take effect on the day after their publication in the official notices of the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. (2) The admission regulations for the Master degree courses Engineering Physics, Hearing Technology and Audiology and Physics cease to have effect. (3) The admission regulations for the Master degree course Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy, version dated 16.12.2005, ceases to have effect. (4) The alterations to the regulations take effect on the day after their publication in the official notices of the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. Subject specific appendices: Appendix 1: Engineering Physics Appendix 2: Physics Appendix 3: Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy Appendix 4: European Master in Renewable Energy (EUREC) 5
Subject-specific appendix 1 for the consecutive Master degree course Engineering Physics at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg and the University of Applied Sciences Emden / Leer Supplement to 2, Entrance requirements To (1) a) Admission may be granted to any person who has a professionally oriented Bachelor degree in Engineering Physics or a comparable qualification from a closely related natural science or engineering degree course. To (7) The minimum qualification is Test-DAF level TDN 3 or an equivalent qualification. (8) The proof of English proficiency by: TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (internet-based test) or IELTS: 5,5 minimum or Cambridge Advanced Exam in English: B minimum or Cambridge Proficiency Exam in English: C minimum or the simple average of the grades from the last two school years of upper secondary education: at least 8 points average any other similar proof. This proof can be dispensed with if it is proven that the first degree course was held completely in English. In cases of doubt decisions on English proficiency shall be made by an elected lecturer from the joint committee for Engineering Physics. Supplement to 3, Application deadline und application documents To (1) The application for admission has to arrive at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg by 15 August for applications for the following winter semester and 15 February for applications for the following summer semester. Supplement to 4, Admissions Committee To (2) The admissions committee is appointed by the "Joint Committee for Engineering Physics" at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg and the University of Applied Sciences Emden / Leer, in agreement with the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. The admissions committee is comprised of six voting members; namely two members from the academic teaching staff at the University of Oldenburg, two members from the academic teaching staff of the HS Emden / Leer, one member of staff that is involved in teaching, as well as a student from the appropriate degree course. Subject-specific appendix 2 to the Faculty V s Master admission regulations for the consecutive Master degree course Physics at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg 6
Supplement to 2, Entrance requirements To (1) a) Admission may be granted to any person who has a professionally oriented Bachelor degree in Physics or a closely related degree course and has knowledge of advanced mathematics, and experimental and theoretical physics. Supplement to 4, Admissions Committee To (2) The admissions committee is appointed on the recommendation of the Institute for Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. Subject-specific appendix 3 to the Faculty V s Master admission regulations for the English language Master degree course Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg Supplement to 2, Entrance requirements In place of 2 paragraph 2 For admission to the Master degree course Renewable Energy (English: Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy PPRE) at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg the following conditions have to be fulfilled: 1. A degree from a German or foreign university (e.g. B.Sc. or Dipl. Ing. FH) in: a. Physics / Engineering Physics b. Electrical Engineering c. Mechanical Engineering d. or, from a specialisation in which comparable basic skills in mathematics or physics have been gained, such as in the degree courses a), b) and c). Admission requires previous studies of at least seven semesters with at least 210 ECTS credits to have been studied at a German or foreign university and in the subject areas as in 1a) to d). If a degree from a six semester course is presented then the responsible examination committee can stipulate a bridge semester worth 30 credit points, which should be suitable for compensating the applicants lacking skills. 2. Alternatively to point 1. Admission is possible if an above-average degree (e.g. B.Sc. Honours), from a minimum three years course at a German or foreign university and in the fields mentioned in 1 a) to d), is presented and additional academic achievements such as publications or evidence of further qualifying professional activities can be proven. 3. The proof of English proficiency is by: TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (internet-based test) or IELTS: 5,5 minimum or Cambridge Advanced Exam in English: B minimum or Cambridge Proficiency Exam in English: C minimum or any other similar proof. 7
This proof can be dispensed with if it is proven that the previous degree was held completely in English. 4. The aptitude to study requires professional and personal suitability of the applicant. The professional suitability requires good subject oriented skills in mathematics and physics, and that these are shown by the examination results from the previous studies. The personal suitability requires a strong interest in the specialisations of the Master course, a correspondingly high level of motivation and outstanding commitment. A presentation of personal and professional development should also state the motivation for the proposed admission to the course, the course majors and the intentions for after the course. With admission applications from applicants with degrees from fields related to 1 a) and b) the admissions committee decides whether admission is possible, and determines in individual cases, how the proof to point 2 is to be provided. The admissions committee determines the final date by which the particular applicant must provide any missing documents and other evidence in order to be admitted. Supplement to 3, Application deadline und application documents Supplement to 3, paragraph 1 The enrolment of applicants is carried out exclusively in the winter semester. The application for admission to the Master degree course Renewable Energy must be received complete with all the documents as required by the admission regulations of the University of Oldenburg by 15 January of the year in which the studies should commence. The admissions committee checks the entirety of the documents submitted in individual cases. Supplement to 3, paragraph 2 The application must include the following additional documents in English (with a certified translation if necessary): 1. Detailed proof of academic achievements from the first degree (transcript of records), 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Letter of motivation in accordance with 2 paragraph 5 of the general admission regulations 4. Proof of English language proficiency according to 2, point 3 of the subject specific supplements (proof of English language proficiency) Supplement to 4, Admissions Committee Supplement to 4, paragraph 2 The admissions committee is appointed on the recommendation of the Institute for Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg. The admissions committee assesses the applications which have been submitted by the deadline and makes a proposal to the president of the university as to which applicants are to be admitted. The admissions committee is made up of the following members: 1. Two university lecturers from the University of Oldenburg, who teach in the Master degree course Renewable Energy or are members of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science 2. The director of Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy 8
3. A student who is, if possible, enrolled in the Master degree course 4. A research assistant who teaches in the Master's course. The Admissions Committee may invite members of the University of Oldenburg or guests from partner institutions to attend its meetings if their expertise is helpful for the work of the admissions committee. These observers will be informed about the confidential nature of the meetings. The Faculty of Mathematics and Science may give the admissions committee a Rules of Procedure. Supplement to 5, Admission procedure Supplement to 5, paragraph 1 Should the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements exceed the number of university places available, the applicants will be selected according to the following criteria (points system): 1. Evaluation of the applicant s previous academic performance including the area of specialization a successfully completed first degree fulfils the admission requirements for the Master degree course "Renewable Energy" max. 5 points 2. Evaluation of the applicant s detailed written motivation for the application max. 5 points 3. Evaluation of relevant recommendations or reports by a third party max. 2 points The score for each application is determined by the average of the points given by each member of the admissions committee. The ranking for the admissions arises from the amount of points obtained by each applicant. The list shall be constructed in such a manner that a sufficient number of substitutes be listed. In the case of the same number of points, women are given preference. In the case of a tie then a decision is made taking social or regional aspects into consideration. If there is no consensus within the admissions committee, then the decision is made by drawing lots. Supplements to 6, Letter of acceptance or rejection Supplement to 6 paragraph 1 In the letter of acceptance the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg determines a date by which the applicants must have declared their acceptance of admission to the Master degree course. If this declaration is not at the university by the date given, then the letter of acceptance becomes ineffective. Supplement to 6 paragraph 2 If letters of acceptance for successful applicants become ineffective, then further acceptances can be sent out according to the ranking of the list, insofar as, and taking all circumstances into consideration, this seems promising to the admissions committee. Supplement to 6 paragraph 3 The application procedure for the degree course PPRE is complete by 15 September - including clearing - before the course starts. 9
Subject-specific appendix 4 to the Faculty V s Master admission regulations for the English language Master degree course European Master in Renewable Energy (EUREC) at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg Supplement to 2, Entrance requirements Instead of 2 (2): Particular suitability for the Master programme "European Master in Renewable Energy" (EUREC) at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg is given under the following conditions: 1. A degree from a German or foreign university (e.g. B.Sc. or Dipl. - Ing. FH) in the fields of: a) Physics / Physical Engineering b) Electrical Engineering c) Mechanical Engineering d) or in a field in which similar basic knowledge of mathematics or physics as in the courses mentioned under a), b) and c). A prerequisite for approval is at least seven semesters of study at a German or foreign university with at least 210 ECTS credits in the fields such as 1 a) to d). In the case of a sixsemester undergraduate degree the relevant examination committee decides if a bridging semester worth 30 credit points, which should compensate for the lacking qualifications, is required. 2. Proof of English proficiency by: TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (internet-based test) or IELTS: 6 minimum or Cambridge Advanced Exam in English: B minimum or Cambridge Proficiency Exam in English: C minimum or any other comparable proof. This proof does not apply if it is proven the first degree was completely in English. 3. The suitability for studying requires a professional and personal suitability of the candidate to study. Professional suitability requires good, professionally relevant knowledge of mathematics and physics, which can be determined by the results from the previous study's examinations. Personal suitability requires a strong interest in individual core areas of the Master's course and a correspondingly high level of motivation and dedication. This must be evident in all areas of academic, professional and personal development. In the case of admission applications from candidates with degrees from 1 a) and b) related subjects the admissions committee decides if admission is possible. The Admissions Committee determines by which exclusion date each applicant must provide any missing documents or proof in order to be admitted. To paragraph (3), (4), (5): The paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) do not apply. 10
Supplement to 3, Application deadline und application documents To (1) Enrolment of candidates takes place exclusively in the winter semester. To (2): In addition to the documents mentioned in 2, paragraph 2, the application for admission should include the following documents in English (with a certified translation if the original document is not in English): 1 Detailed evidence of academic achievements in the first degree (Transcript of Records) 2 A representation of the personal development including certificates from previous training and further education (Curriculum Vitae) 3 Proof of English language skills in accordance with 2 paragraph (2), 4 Two letters of recommendation from approved institutions / organisations (e.g. employer, university) Supplement to 4 Admissions Committee To (2) The admissions committee is made up of the following members: 1. Two members from the group of academic teaching staff at the University of Oldenburg, who either teach in the Master's course "EUREC" or are members of the faculty of mathematics and science 2. The director of the EUREC degree course in Oldenburg 3. One student who is, if possible, enrolled in the Master's degree course 4. One research assistant who teaches in the degree course. The Admissions Committee may invite other members of the University of Oldenburg or visitors from partner institutions to its meetings, if their expertise is of assistance to the the Admissions Committee. These advisors are to be advised about the confidentiality of these meetings. Supplement to 5 Admission procedure To (1) If the number of applications which meet the admission requirements exceed the number of places available, the applicants will be admitted according to the following criteria (point system): 1. Evaluation of the candidate's academic achievements in previous completed studies, whose the successful completion of which meets the admission requirements for the Master's course "EUREC" - up to 6 points 2. Evaluation of the overall image of the candidate in terms of academic and professional history with regard to application to the degree course - up to 5 points 3. Evaluation of relevant recommendations or reports by third parties - up to 2 points The number of points for each application is derived from the average of the points given. The hierarchy for admission arises from the score achieved by the candidates. The list is to be so extensive that a sufficient number of substitutes are included. In the case of an equal number of points women will receive preferential admission. 11
Supplements to 6, Letter of acceptance or rejection To (1): In the letter of acceptance the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg sets a date by which the applicants have to submit their declaration of acceptance to study. If the University has not received the declaration by this date then the letter of acceptance will be ineffective. In addition, the letter of acceptance shall be void if the enrolment is not completed by the date specified in the letter of acceptance. All notices sent in the admission procedure by the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg to the Master's course applicants shall be in English. 12