Program Organization / Course of Study

University brings with it many new experiences and challenges. In addition to engaging coursework, good organization is key to getting through the semester successfully and stress-free. Organizing your studies means keeping track of deadlines, exams, and courses, and adapting your academic schedule to your personal circumstances. Those who tackle this early on lay a solid foundation for a smooth academic journey.

General Information on the Organization of the Program

The organization and administration of your studies are handled through various online platforms, which you can access using your  university username. The most important platforms are Stud.IP (course registration, access to digital learning resources),  HISinOne (exam registration at the end of each semester), and your own email account—SoGo (used for university-wide communication, e.g., with instructors). You can access and use each platform individually, or you can access all platforms through a single portal:  MyUOS.

Note:
Emails sent via SoGo are visible only in SoGo. Messages sent within Stud.IP appear in both Stud.IP and SoGo. It’s best to check both portals so you don’t miss any messages.

VirtUOS offers a micromodule providing a brief introduction to the basic digital services at the University of Osnabrück. You can find it by searching in Stud.IP under “Micromodule: Basic Digital Services at UOS (Micromodule).”
You can also find information about the  university’s software licenses and general  information about various IT services at the Computer Center.

In general, you have a great deal of freedom in structuring your studies. However, many courses that must be taken are subject to specific requirements—which is why long-term planning is essential. To assist you,  study  plans have been created to help guide you.

The  checklists allow students to track their own academic progress. Each completed module can be checked off, providing a clear overview of tasks that have been completed and those still pending.
Note: The checklists are intended solely for orientation purposes. They do not include courses from any additional major you may have chosen, the interdisciplinary component, the internship, or the thesis.

Detailed module descriptions can be found in the module overview for the respective degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Teacher Education). These documents are available on the websites of the  Institute of Art/Art Education as well as in the central  “Programs of Study” section of the University of Osnabrück. They indicate which modules are recommended for which semester, provide a description of their content, and align with the overview of the types of courses that should be taken.

Creating your class schedule is one of the first important steps in your academic career. The goal is to combine the courses offered—lectures, seminars, and tutorials—in a way that meets the requirements of the examination regulations while also fitting into your personal daily routine.

Check
for required courses First, check whether there are any required courses for which no alternatives are offered. These must be firmly scheduled into your timetable.

Select
module-specific courses Next, add courses that can be credited toward the respective modules. Be sure to check for scheduling conflicts with other courses.

Consider special offerings

  • Courses that are offered only once a year.
  • Special courses (e.g., with guest lecturers).
  • Courses with limited enrollment, where admission may be difficult.

Avoid
overlaps Plan enough time for preparation and follow-up work, independent study, and breaks.

Get
tips from fellow students Students in higher semesters, student councils, or academic advisors can offer valuable advice.

Note on Course Load
Ideally, you should take about 30 credit points (CP) per semester and spread them evenly throughout the semester. This will help you avoid both under- and overloading yourself.

Course of Study

This section provides an overview of the program structure at the IfKK. It explains the basic structure of the program and helps you better understand the modules and courses.
The respective examination regulations and module descriptions are binding.

Basic Structure of the Degree Program

A degree program is divided into modules. Modules are thematic units that typically consist of several courses.

Some of the individual courses within a module are predetermined. In most cases, however, you also have the option to choose from a selection of courses.

Modules and Course Selection

Which modules must be completed depends on the respective examination regulations or the degree program. The specific content of the individual modules can be found in the respective  module descriptions.

The module descriptions also provide information on the scope of the modules and individual courses, the number of credit points, and whether the course is graded or ungraded.

Often, the titles of the modules alone provide guidance on how they fit into the degree program.

Basic modules generally provide the foundation for advanced courses and are often a prerequisite for taking advanced modules. Core modules build thematically on the basic modules and serve to deepen students’ understanding of the subject matter.

A distinction is also made between required modules and elective modules. In required modules, there are generally only limited options to choose from. Elective modules, on the other hand, offer more freedom in selecting content and can be tailored to individual areas of focus.

Areas of Focus in the Program

A unique feature of the IfKK is that students can set individual areas of focus over the course of their studies. It is generally not possible to study all offered areas equally.

Therefore, it is advisable to consider, after an orientation phase—especially during the foundational modules—which areas you would like to focus on later.

In the master’s program, the areas of focus vary depending on the degree program:

  • In the teacher-training Master’s programs, the focus is on art education.
  • In the specialized Master’s program “Art and Communication,” students have the option to choose one of three specializations: exhibition practice, project work, or cultural education.

Practical Specialization (Studio Courses)

The so-called studio courses form a central component of the art program. They enable in-depth practical work in the respective artistic fields and generally build upon previously completed foundational modules.

Since the number of basic modules available is limited, students should choose them carefully. At the same time, it can be helpful to try out different areas in the early stages of the program in order to make an informed decision about a specialization.

Making a decision too early or limiting oneself to a single area may restrict access to certain artistic fields later in the program.

The IfKK offers various practical specializations that students can explore in greater depth over the course of their studies. These include, in particular:

  • Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking
  • Sculpture and Spatial Art
  • Media and design, photography
  • Time-based art forms

These areas constitute the possible practical specializations within the program.

The main practical modules, or studio courses, are generally structured over two consecutive semesters. In the first semester, the studio course is designed to help students become familiar with the respective medium and develop their own initial questions. In the following semester, this work is deepened and continued. The program often concludes with a project or a portfolio.