Abitur / General Higher Education Entrance Qualification
The Abitur, also known as the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification, is the highest school leaving certificate in Germany. It entitles the holder to study at universities, colleges, or other academic institutions.
Accreditation
Official quality assessment of a degree program.
Additional qualifications/certificates
Additional offerings from the university, e.g., language courses, ethics, PERSPECTUM.
Admission restrictions / restricted admission
An admission restriction means that only a limited number of places are available for a degree program. Selection is often based on high school grades (NC) or other criteria.
Alumni
Former students of a university.
Aquarium (Lecture Hall W2.2.01)
Colloquial name for a lecture hall in the Faculty of Economics and Law. The room bears this name because of its glass walls, which are reminiscent of an aquarium. It is often used for larger lectures and events.
AStA (General Student Committee)
The AStA represents the social, economic, and cultural interests of students at Pforzheim University. It is also the point of contact for issues relating to politics, sports, and international relations. The AStA at Pforzheim University acts in accordance with the Baden-Württemberg State Higher Education Act and is the executive body of the student body at Pforzheim University. More details can be found in §§ 65 ff. of the LHG.
Contact:
- Email: asta(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de
- Phone: 07231 28 6263
- Office: W1 building, room W1.1.21
Audimax
The university's largest lecture hall, often used for introductory events or large lectures.
AWS (General Science Seminar)
The study and examination regulations of the Faculty of Technology stipulate an examination "General Science Seminar" with a scope of 1 ECTS in the 5th or 7th semester of the bachelor's program. The examination is recognized if the corresponding number of hours is completed in the form of [...]
- attending lectures by industry practitioners at the university
- conducting tutorials for courses in lower semesters
- participation in project and final presentations
- or participation in excursions
Bachelor's degree
First academic degree (standard period of study at the University of Applied Sciences PF: 7 semesters; at universities and in other federal states: sometimes 6 semesters). The degrees Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) are equivalent because they all represent the first professional qualification from a university. They differ only in their subject focus.
Bachelor's thesis
Final thesis in the last semester of the bachelor's program.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Degree primarily in humanities, social sciences, languages, and cultural studies.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Degree primarily awarded in business administration programs with a focus on management, corporate governance, and economic practice.
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
Degree primarily in engineering programs with a strong technical focus.
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
Degree in the field of law.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Degree primarily in natural sciences, technical, economics, and engineering courses.
BAföG
State study financing (grant + interest-free loan).
Block course
Compact course that takes place over a few days or weeks.
Campus
The campus is the grounds of a college or university. It often houses lecture halls, libraries, cafeterias, and other facilities for student life.
Career Center
The Career Center at Pforzheim University supports students in their transition to the professional world. It offers counseling, workshops, job portals, and contacts to companies in order to promote career opportunities.
Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports students and prospective students with questions about the range of courses on offer, choosing a subject, entry requirements, course structure, financing your studies, changing courses or universities, or alternatives to studying.
Certificate of enrollment
The certificate of enrollment is the official proof of enrollment at a college or university. It is often required by authorities, insurance companies, or employers. The certificate of enrollment for the respective semester is available for download on the Pforzheim University online portal after successful enrollment or re-registration.
Chancellor
Member of the university management, responsible for administration and finances.
College council
The highest supervisory and advisory body of a college, often with external members from business, politics, and society. Elects, supports, and monitors the college management.
Colloquium
Technical discussion or presentation, often as part of a thesis.
Committees
Collective term for the co-determination bodies at universities, e.g., senate, faculty council, university council.
Compulsory attendance
Requirement to be physically present at certain events (e.g., laboratory, internship).
Credit Points (ECTS)
European Credit Transfer System; 1 CP = approx. 25–30 hours of work.
Curriculum
The entire study plan for a degree program (specified in the module handbook).
Dean / Vice Dean / Dean's Office
Faculty management with organizational responsibility.
De-registration
Official withdrawal from the university.
Dissertation
A dissertation is an academic paper written for the purpose of obtaining a doctoral degree. It involves independent research and contributes to the field of study.
Doctorate (title)
The doctorate represents an independent research achievement that is of great importance to science and research. The doctorate leads to the award of a doctoral degree. The doctoral degree is the highest academic degree that can be awarded: Doctorate at Pforzheim University
Double degree
Graduation from two universities with two certificates.
E-Campus
Internal online portal for students (course registration, grades, information).
ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) / Credit Points
European credit points; 1 CP = approx. 25–30 hours of work.
Elective subject
Subject that must be chosen from a selection.
Encouragement award / encouragement
Awards or scholarships to support special achievements.
Enrollment / Immatriculation
Enrollment is the official registration at a college or university. It registers you as a student and gives you access to all of the college's services.
ERASMUS+ EU
funding program that enables students to study abroad at partner universities or do internships in Europe. It provides financial and organizational support.
Ethikum
The Ethikum certificate demonstrates a deep commitment to ethics and sustainability and underscores socially and ecologically responsible thinking and action.
Exam (paper)
Written examination.
Examination board
Committee that decides on examination matters.
Examination period
Period during which examinations take place.
Examination registration
Formal registration to participate in an examination. Registration for an examination at Pforzheim University takes place here.
Exam review
Opportunity to review one's own corrected exam.
Exercise / tutorial
This course is a supplement to the lecture. Tutorials are usually led by students in higher semesters.
Habilitation
The habilitation is the highest academic qualification in Germany. It serves as proof of the ability to independently represent a scientific field in research and teaching, and is often a prerequisite for a professorship.
HAW / University of Applied Sciences
Pforzheim University is a HAW. HAWs focus on practice-oriented courses and close links with the professional world, often with a strong connection to business, technology, design, or social services.
HIS
Online platform for course registration, grade overview, and exam administration.
HiWi (student assistant)
Students who work in teaching, research, or administration.
ID card (student ID / university ID)
Multifunctional card for the library, cafeteria, copier, room access, and often also usable as a public transportation ticket.
Initiatives / student initiatives Groups founded
by students, e.g., on social, cultural, or subject-related topics.
Institute
Subunit of a faculty for research, teaching, or specialization.
Interdisciplinary
Collaboration or content across multiple departments.
Interlibrary loan
Option to order books from other libraries.
International Office
Point of contact for semesters abroad, internships abroad, and international students.
Laboratories & workshops
Particularly important in technical and design courses – this is where knowledge is applied and tested in practice.
Laudatory speech
A laudatory speech at a university graduation ceremony is a formal speech that honors the special achievements and successes of the graduates and formally recognizes their graduation.
Lecture
Theoretical course. Teaching of fundamental subject content by professors.
Lecture-free period / semester break
Semester breaks are the lecture-free period between two semesters. They last several weeks and are often used for internships, travel, or part-time jobs. Exams take place at the beginning of the lecture-free period. The dates can be found here: Semester dates.
Lecture notes
Documents relating to lectures, created by lecturers.
Library
Building where you can borrow books, e-books, and magazines, as well as find places to study. Central source for specialist literature and databases.
Mandatory
Compulsory.
Master's
Advanced academic degree following a bachelor's degree (usually 3–4 semesters).
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Degree primarily in natural sciences, technical, economic, and engineering subjects.
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Degree primarily in humanities, social sciences, languages, and cultural studies programs.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Degree in highly technical engineering courses.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Degree in law, often as a further course of study after the first law exam.
Matriculation number
Personal identification number for students.
Maximum duration of study
The maximum duration of study specifies the latest date by which a degree program must be completed. At Pforzheim University, the following applies to technology, economics, and law:
- 1st stage of study (1. StA):
All exams in the 1st stage of study must be passed by the end of the 4th semester at the latest. - 2nd stage of study (2. StA):
All exams must be passed by the end of the 10th semester at the latest.
Exception: An extension is only possible with an approved extension of the period of study. Further information can be found here: Extension of the period of study.
Important: If you encounter any problems, please act early – subsequent corrections ("postponements") are not possible. In special cases, individual solutions are possible if you contact the Central Student Advisory Service in good time.
Mensa
University cafeteria.
Module
Thematically complete part of the degree program (with courses and exams).
Module handbook
Contains all modules of a degree program with content, learning objectives, and exam formats.
Moodle
Digital learning platform.
PERSPECTUM
The PERSPECTUM certificate confirms the acquisition of interdisciplinary skills, the ability to think in a networked manner in complex systems, and to collaborate with other disciplines in solving problems.
Plagiarism
Unauthorized use of someone else's content without citing the source (leads to accusations of cheating).
Practical semester
The practical semester is an integral part of many degree programs, especially at universities of applied sciences (HAW). It usually lasts one semester (6 months) and provides practical experience in a company or institution.
Professor
Teaching and research staff at universities who have high academic qualifications. They give lectures, supervise students, and advance research. They bring professional experience from the field and place particular emphasis on the practical relevance of the degree program.
Project work / practical project
Practical work on real or simulated tasks – often in collaboration with companies.
Rector / Rectorate
Head of the university administration, responsible for overall strategy.
Re-registration
Confirmation of continuation of studies (by transferring the semester fee). Instructions for re-registration at Pforzheim University can be found on the E-Campus: Re-registration.
Research assistant
Students who work in teaching, research, or administration.
Scholarship
A scholarship is financial support that students receive for their studies. It is often awarded for special achievements and does not have to be repaid.
Scientific work
Methodical approach to writing term papers and theses.
Semester
Half-year section of the course (winter or summer semester). A semester lasts 14 to 15 weeks. Lectures take place during this period.
Regular start of semester:
- Summer semester: beginning of March
- Winter semester: beginning of October
Semester abroad
A semester abroad is a period of study completed at a university abroad. It offers the opportunity to gain international experience and improve language skills.
Semester break / lecture-free period
Semester breaks are the lecture-free periods between two semesters. They last several weeks and are often used for internships, travel, or part-time jobs. Exams take place at the beginning of the lecture-free period. The dates can be found here: Semester dates.
Semester fee
Mandatory fee per semester for administration, student services, and public transportation: Fees Pforzheim University.
Seminar
Smaller groups with active participation – ideal for discussions and in-depth study of complex topics.
Senate
Central committee of the university. Decides on study and examination regulations, determines development goals, and elects the university management.
Standard period of study
Recommended duration of a degree program according to the study and examination regulations. Further information can be found under the term “maximum period of study.”
Student council (StuRa)
Student committee at university level, similar to the AStA.
Student counseling
Student counseling is the central point of contact for students' questions and concerns. Each faculty has its own student counseling service.
Student ID card / university
ID card for library, cafeteria, copier, rooms, and often also public transportation.
Student Services
Institution for BAföG, cafeteria, dormitories, childcare.
StudiCenter
The StudiCenter supports students and prospective students with questions about the application process, enrollment, or re-registration, and refers them to internal departments as needed.
StudiCockpit
Here you can find: study plans, exam registrations, grade reviews, exam certificates, lecture schedules, re-registrations, etc. To the Studi-Cockpit of Pforzheim University.
StudiTicket
The student ID card also serves as a StudiTicket and allows free travel by bus and train in the VPE network (Pforzheim and surrounding area). Until the ID card is issued, the letter of admission can be used together with an ID document.
Study and examination regulations (SPO or StuPO)
Regulates the structure, procedure, and examinations of the program: SPO Pforzheim University
Study section
A part of the degree program, e.g., basic and main studies.
SWS (semester hours per week)
Measure of the workload of a course per week.
Syllabus (plural: syllabi)
Overview document for a course or module.
Term paper / seminar paper
Written examination on a specific topic.
Thesis
Generic term for final theses (e.g., bachelor's thesis, master's thesis).
Tuition fees
Costs that are incurred in some federal states/programs in addition to the semester fee: Pforzheim University fees.
Tutorial / Exercise
This course supplements the lecture. Tutorials are usually led by students in higher semesters.
University account / webmail
Access to email, Wi-Fi, e-learning, and campus systems.
University entrance qualification
The university entrance qualification is a school-leaving certificate that entitles the holder to study at a university. This includes the Abitur, the Fachhochschulreife (technical college entrance qualification) and the fachgebundene Hochschulreife (subject-specific university entrance qualification).
University ID card / student
ID Card for library, cafeteria, copier, rooms, and often public transportation.
University library
Building where you can borrow books, e-books, and magazines, as well as find study spaces. Central source for specialist literature and databases.
University of applied sciences vs. university
Universities of applied sciences are practice- and application-oriented, while universities are more scientifically and research-oriented. However, both institutions award internationally recognized academic degrees such as bachelor's and master's degrees.
University semester
Counts the total number of semesters (including sabbatical or practical semesters).
Vacation (semester break)
Semester breaks are the lecture-free period between two semesters. They last several weeks and are often used for internships, travel, or part-time jobs. Exams take place at the beginning of the lecture-free period. The dates can be found here: Semester dates.
Vice Rector
Member of the university management team, responsible for specific areas (e.g., studies & teaching, international affairs, sustainability).
Vocational baccalaureate diploma/subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
The vocational baccalaureate diploma, also known as the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, enables students to study at universities.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Secure access to campus services from outside the university. This allows, for example, scientific papers and resources that are otherwise only available via the university WiFi to be used from outside the university.
Waiting semester
Waiting semesters are six-month periods after graduating from high school during which no enrollment at a German educational institution takes place. They can increase your chances of getting a place on a restricted-admission degree program (e.g., medicine). It does not matter whether you work, complete an internship, or gain other qualifications during this time.
Working student
Students who work in a company alongside their studies.
Workshops & laboratories
Particularly important in technical and design degree programs – this is where knowledge is applied and tested in practice.
