Abridged admission regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences for the Master s programmes Food Science and Engineering, Food Microbiology and Biotechnology and Earth System Science Disclaimer: This is an abridged, non-official translation of the official Zulassungsatzung der Fakultät Naturwissenschaften für die Master-Studiengänge Food Science and Technology, Food Microbiology and Biotechnology sowie Earth System Science. This abridged translation is not legally binding. This abridged version of the admission regulations provides you with all pertinent information regarding the application and admission procedures. It also serves as a check-list for your application. A box ( ) next to a paragraph indicates that you have to submit documented proof of the required information. By checking the boxes you can make sure your application is complete. CONTENTS 1. Application deadlines 2. Entry requirements 3. Application process 4. Selection quota 5. Selection procedure 1. Application deadlines Applicants only qualify for the selection procedure, if the application for admission, including all required documents, has been submitted before the deadline expires. I. Food Science and Engineering Application deadline for admission to the winter semester is May 15th. No admission to the summer semester. For further information please visit master.unihohenheim.de/fse. II. Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Application deadline for admission to the winter semester is May 15th. No admission to the summer semester. For further information please visit master.unihohenheim.de/fmb. III. Earth System Science Application deadline for admission to the winter semester is May 15th. No admission to the summer semester. For further information please visit master.unihohenheim.de/ess. 26.06.2014 1 9
2. Entry requirements Food Science and Engineering Eligible for admission are applicants who fulfil all of the following entry requirements: A Bachelor s or equivalent degree with a profile in the natural sciences or engineering completed at a domestic or foreign university lasting a minimum of three years and awarding a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. Accepted are bachelor s degrees in food science and biotechnology, food technology, food engineering, food chemistry, biotechnology, process technology, as well as a Bachelor s degree in Ernährungswissenschaft obtained at the University of Hohenheim. The selection committee may recognize further programmes in the natural sciences or engineering as equal to those listed in this paragraph. Documented proof of good English language skills. Proof of language proficiency can internet based TOEFL test with a minimum of 90 points IELTS certificate with a minimum of 6.5 points UNIcert II certificate with a minimum grade of good Applicants can be exempted from producing proof of language proficiency, if they declare English to be their mother-tongue and are citizens of one of the following countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana. have completed their Bachelor s studies with English as the language of instruction in a country mentioned above or a member state of the European Union. have visited a bilingual school, if one language of instruction was English. have taken English as a school subject during the Oberstufe (final years) at a German Gymnasium (secondary school) with a minimum grade point average at the end of the Oberstufe of 8 grade points. If the required minimum grade point average of befriedigend ( satisfactory ) has not been obtained, the applicant may compensate for this, if a minimum of 1 semester of the bachelor s studies has been completed with English as the language of instruction; or a full-time internship lasting a minimum of 3 month has been completed in an English-speaking company Documented proof of basic German language skills. Proof of language proficiency can UNIcert I certificate with a minimum grade of good ( gut ) 26.06.2014 2 9
the Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Zertifikat Deutsch of the Goethe Institut the Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz, level DSD 1 the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF) with a minimum score of 3 in all 4 examinations the examination certificate of the DSH I (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, German Language Examination for University Admission). Applicants can be exempted from producing proof of language proficiency, if they declare German to be their mother-tongue; or have visited a German school (including such schools outside the Federal Republic of Germany); or have visited a bilingual school, if one language of instruction was German. Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Eligible for admission are applicants who fulfil all of the following entry requirements. A Bachelor s or equivalent degree with a profile in the natural sciences or engineering completed at a domestic or foreign university, lasting a minimum of three years and awarding a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. Accepted are bachelor s degrees in food science and biotechnology, food technology, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, chemistry, as well as a Bachelor s degree in Ernährungswissenschaft obtained at the University of Hohenheim. The selection committee may recognize further programmes in the natural sciences or engineering as equal to those listed in this paragraph. Documented proof of good English language skills. Proof of language proficiency can internet based TOEFL test with a minimum of 90 points IELTS certificate with a minimum of 6.5 points UNIcert II certificate with a minimum grade of good Applicants can be exempted from producing proof of language proficiency, if they declare English to be their mother-tongue and are citizens of one of the following countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana. have completed their Bachelor s studies with English as the language of instruction in a country mentioned above or a member state of the European Union. have visited a bilingual school, if one language of instruction was English. 26.06.2014 3 9
have taken English as a school subject during the Oberstufe (final years) at a German Gymnasium (secondary school) with a minimum grade point average at the end of the Oberstufe of 8 grade points. If the required minimum grade point average of befriedigend ( satisfactory ) has not been obtained, the applicant may compensate for this, if a minimum of 1 semester of the bachelor s studies has been completed with English as the language of instruction; or a full-time internship lasting a minimum of 3 month has been completed in an English-speaking company Documented proof of basic German language skills. Proof of language proficiency can UNIcert I certificate with a minimum grade of good ( gut ) the Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Zertifikat Deutsch of the Goethe Institut the Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz, level DSD 1 the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF) with a minimum score of 3 in all 4 examinations the examination certificate of the DSH I (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, German Language Examination for University Admission). Applicants can be exempted from producing proof of language proficiency, if they declare German to be their mother-tongue; or have visited a German school (including such schools outside the Federal Republic of Germany); or have visited a bilingual school, if one language of instruction was German. Earth System Science Eligible for admission are applicants who fulfil all of the following entry requirements. A Bachelor s or equivalent degree with a profile in the natural sciences or engineering completed at a domestic or foreign university lasting a minimum of three years and awarding a minimum of 180 ECTS credits. Accepted are Bachelor s degree obtained at the University of Hohenheim in Agrarbiologie, Biologie and Nachwachsende Rohstoffe und Bioenergie. The selection committee may recognize further programmes in the natural sciences or engineering as equal to those listed in this paragraph. Documented proof of good English language skills. Proof of language proficiency can internet based TOEFL test with a minimum of 90 points IELTS certificate with a minimum of 6.5 points UNIcert II certificate with a minimum grade of good 26.06.2014 4 9
Applicants can be exempted from producing proof of language proficiency, if they declare English to be their mother-tongue and are citizens of one of the following countries: United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana. have completed their Bachelor s studies with English as the language of instruction in a country mentioned above or a member state of the European Union. have visited a bilingual school, if one language of instruction was English. have taken English as a school subject during the Oberstufe (final years) at a German Gymnasium (secondary school) with a minimum grade point average at the end of the Oberstufe of 8 grade points. If the required minimum grade point average of befriedigend ( satisfactory ) has not been obtained, the applicant may compensate for this, if a minimum of 1 semester of the bachelor s studies has been completed with English as the language of instruction; or a full-time internship lasting a minimum of 3 month has been completed in an English-speaking company 3. Application process In order for an application to be properly completed, the following documents must be submitted before the application deadline has passed: the completely filled in and signed application for admission on the application form of University of Hohenheim a legally certified copy of the entire diploma of the completed undergraduate programme, as well as the transcript of records, which provides information on the contents of the study programme documented proof of English language proficiency documented proof of German language proficiency!! No proof of German language proficiency is required for Earth System Science!! a curriculum vitae which encompasses a maximum of two pages (written in English) if available, documents providing additional information as to the applicant s qualifications for the selected study programme. These can be already completed coursework of a Master s programme, completed vocational training, practical work with a minimum duration of 4 weeks, other subject-specific performances or exchange semesters. Details for each study programme are outlined below in 5. Selection procedure. Applicants who have already been enrolled in a Master s programme have to prove that the examination claim for the programme for which admission is requested is valid and that the applicant is not part of any other examination processes. This applies only to related study programmes. Proof has to be presented in the form of a statement from 26.06.2014 5 9
the university at which prior enrolment occurred. If documented proof of the criteria mentioned in letters a) to g) is not available in German or English, it is necessary to present a legally certified German translation of the respective documents. If the diploma of the undergraduate degree has not been issued at the time of application, a transcript of records detailing the course of studies has to be attached to the application for admission. The complete diploma is to be handed in by December 31st for the winter semester for which admission has been granted. In this case, admission is granted under the condition that proof of the completion of studies is produced within the allotted period. If the deadline lapses admission to the programme is revoked. If 50% of the coursework required for the UNIcert II certificate is completed until the application deadline has passed, the applicant must attach proof of this to the application for admission. The completed UNIcert II certificate is to be handed in before October 1st at the latest. In this case, admission is granted under the condition that the UNIcert II certificate is produced within the allotted period. If the deadline lapses admission to the programme is revoked. 4. Selection quotas Available places are assigned as follows. 80% of available places are awarded to German applicants and applicants coequal with German citizens. Those are: German citizens, citizens of other member states of the European Union, foreign or stateless applicants in possession of a German university entrance qualification children of citizens of member states of the European Economic Area not belonging to the European Union, so long as these citizens are or have been employed in the Federal Republic of Germany, and 20 % of available places are awarded to other foreign applicants. For each of these quotas a separate ranking is created. The remaining unassigned places of one quota will be added to the other quota. 26.06.2014 6 9
5. Selection procedure Food Science and Engineering If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the total amount of available places, a ranking is created based on the criteria and standard of evaluation set forth by the selection committee. This ranking is the basis on which places are awarded and letters of admission or rejection are issued. The following aspects are taken into consideration while creating the ranking: Final grade of the undergraduate university degree or the grade point average of the examinations completed thus far. Subject-specific coursework may be credited, if the respective modules award a minimum of 6 ECTS credits. The modules need to be from the following fields: physics, mathematics, physical chemistry, food chemistry, microbiology, engineering, process engineering, process, measurement and automatisation technology. Further, an excellent bachelor s thesis with a topic related to food sciences may be credited. Work experience may be credited, such as internships, completed vocational training, as well as further qualification in food scientific, biotechnological, technological or chemical sectors. The selection of the applicants is governed by a two-step selection procedure: The first step consists of a preselection which is based on the final grade of the first university degree or the grade point average of the examinations completed thus far and the subject-related coursework mentioned above (component A in what follows). Points for the final grade are weighted at a rate of 66.5% and points awarded for subject-specific academic achievements at a rate of 33.5%. Based on this preselection, the 86 best applicants are selected to remain within the selection procedure. All other applicants are excluded from the continuing selection procedure. In a second step, a ranking of the 86 best applicants is created based on component A and work experience (component B in what follows). Points achieved in components A and B are weighed at the rate of 70 30 and a final ranking is created. Admission to the Master s programme is governed by this ranking in correspondence with the quotas as per 4. Selection quotas. Food Microbiology and Biotechnology If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the total amount of available places, a ranking is created based on the criteria and standard of evaluation set forth by the selection committee. This ranking is the basis on which places are awarded and letters of admission or rejection are issued. The following aspects are taken into consideration while creating the ranking: 26.06.2014 7 9
Final grade of the undergraduate university degree or the grade point average of the examinations completed thus far. The results of the mandatory aptitude test. The test is passed, if at least 33% of total points are achieved. Relevant vocational training, such as laboratory technician (natural sciences, medicine); technical assistant (natural sciences, medicine); completed vocational training in the food industry, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry or biotechnological industry. Subject-specific coursework may be credited, if the respective modules award a minimum of 6 ECTS credits. The modules need to be from the following fields: biotechnology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, process technology. Relevant work experience, such as an industrial internship with a minimum duration of 3 months, or a stay abroad at a university within the EU, Switzerland, USA or Japan with a minimum duration of 3 months may be credited. The selection of the applicants is governed by a two-step selection procedure: The first step consists of a preselection which is based on the final grade of the first university degree or the grade point average of the examinations completed thus far and the subject-related coursework, relevant vocational training, work experience and stays abroad as mentioned above. Points are awarded for each selection criteria. A preselection ranking is created based on the overall preselection score. The overall preselection score is calculated by adding the points awarded according to the following scheme: points awarded for the final grade of the undergraduate degree or the grade point average of examinations completed thus far contribute 60% to the overall score points awarded for subject-specific coursework contribute 30% to the overall score points awarded for relevant vocational training, relevant work experience and stays abroad contribute 10% to the overall score. Based on this preselection, the 55 best applicants are selected to remain within the selection procedure and are invited to the mandatory aptitude test. Only applicants who pass the aptitude test remain within the continuing selection procedure. All other applicants are excluded from the continuing selection procedure. In a second step, a final ranking is created that also includes the results of the mandatory aptitude test. Points are awarded for each selection criteria. A final ranking is created based on the final overall score. The final overall score is calculated by adding the points awarded according to the following scheme: points awarded for the final grade of the undergraduate degree or the grade point average of examinations completed thus far contribute 50% to the final overall score points awarded for the results of the aptitude test contribute 30% to the final overall score points awarded for subject-specific coursework contribute 15% to the final overall score points awarded for relevant vocational training, relevant work experience and stays abroad contribute 5% to the final overall score. 26.06.2014 8 9
Earth System Science If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the total amount of available places, a ranking is created based on the criteria and standard of evaluation set forth by the selection committee. This ranking is the basis on which places are awarded and letters of admission or rejection are issued. The following aspects are taken into consideration while creating the ranking: Final grade of the undergraduate university degree or the grade point average of the examinations completed thus far. A letter of motivation (two to three pages, written in English) outlining the reasons of the applicant for choosing this degree programme. Relevant vocational training with a background in mathematics, the natural sciences or technology, such as laboratory technician or technical assistant (each with a profile in the natural or geosciences). Vocational training in programming languages; documented internships with a minimum duration of 4 weeks in: computer simulation technology or as a research assistant in natural or geoscientific field experiments; documented attendance of summer schools based on mathematics, the natural sciences or geosciences lasting a minimum of two weeks. Subject-specific coursework may be credited, if the respective modules award a minimum of 5 ECTS-credits in the subjects mathematics, physics or chemistry. Points are awarded for each selection criteria. A ranking is created based on the overall score. The overall score is calculated by adding the points awarded according to the following scheme: points awarded for the final grade of the undergraduate degree or the grade point average of examinations completed thus far contribute 60% to the overall score points awarded for subject-specific coursework contribute 20% to the overall score points awarded for vocational training and internships contribute 20% to the overall score. 26.06.2014 9 9