Assessments

By booking a module, you commit to complete the assessment listed in the course catalogue. This may include a written exam, a portfolio, or a written paper. The legally binding information on assessments is published in the course catalogue under the section "Requirements" for each module.

Written exams are usually conducted on-site, either digitally on your own device or in paper format. Remote online exams are rare exceptions. Detailed information about digital exams will be provided during the respective courses. Please consult the Central IT website for technical requirements.

Most exams take place during the final week of lectures or the week before. In some compulsory modules, exams may be scheduled during the break between semesters (early January or early June).

In compulsory modules, resit exams are offered in the same semester under the same conditions as the main exams. If you are unable to attend due to illness or do not pass, you must register again for the resit or take the exam in the next regular exam period (typically one year later).

Cancellation Due to Illness or Accident

If you are unable to attend an exam due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, you can submit a cancellation request via the "My Requests and Invoices" app in the student portal within five working days of the exam. Please include supporting documentation (e.g. a medical certificate).

Please note:

• Late or incomplete requests cannot be considered.
• Cancellations cannot be made after the exam has been taken.

Cancellation Due to Exam Scheduling Conflicts

If you have two exams scheduled at the same time, you may submit a cancellation request for one of the affected modules via the “My Requests and Invoices” app after the booking and cancellation deadline has expired. Please include the module number and course title from the course catalogue.

If approved, the module will be cancelled. In the case of a compulsory module, the missed exam does not count as a failed attempt. You can register for the resit exam as a first attempt. If no resit is offered, you may rebook the module in a later semester.

Resit Exams

Resit exams are offered in the same semester for compulsory courses. You must register independently. Check the course catalogue for deadlines. Alternatively, you can rebook the module in a future semester.

Important: Two failed attempts in a compulsory module result in a subject-specific ban and exclusion (Fachsperre).

No resit exams are offered for elective or core elective courses.

• In core elective modules (i.e. module group "Subjects Communication Science"), you may retake the same module in a later semester if you fail.
• Elective courses (e.g. module groups "Further Topics", "Research Areas Communication Science") are usually offered only once. If you fail, you must choose a different module to earn the required credits.

Access to Examination Papers

Once grades are released, you may request to review your exam. Information will be provided in the lectures.
For recurring compulsory modules, review opportunities may be limited. Not all questions and answers will be made available in order to prevent the dissemination of exam materials.
If you disagree with your grade, you may submit a reconsideration request directly to the lecturer. If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you may file a formal appeal with the Dean of Studies. Procedures are outlined on the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website.

Portfolio assessments consist of multiple components completed throughout the semester. Common elements include presentations and written papers, but formats may vary. Details are provided in the course catalogue for each module.
Portfolios are graded as a whole. All components must be completed. Missing any part will result in the entire portfolio being considered incomplete and failed. In case of failure, the module must be retaken in a later semester.

Cancellation of Portfolio

If you are unable to complete a portfolio due to long-term illness, you may request cancellation of the module. Submit your request via the "My Requests and Invoices" app in the student portal.

Deadlines and Submission Dates

All deadlines for written and oral components set by instructors are binding. In exceptional cases (e.g. illness), you may request an extension or rescheduling directly from your lecturer.

Guidelines for Academic Writing

A guideline document (PDF, 610 KB) is available to support you in the formal design of academic papers at IKMZ. It outlines key principles while allowing flexibility. Use it as a checklist to avoid plagiarism, ensure proper citations, and maintain transparent methodology.
If your lecturer gives specific instructions that differ from the guideline, those take precedence. When in doubt, contact them directly.

Declaration of Independent Work

Each written paper must include a signed Declaration of Authenticity of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, confirming that the work was completed independently and in compliance with academic standards.

Deadline Extensions for Written Papers

Submission deadlines set by lecturers are binding. Late submissions will not be accepted and will receive a grade of 1.0 (fail).
You may request an extension in advance for each affected module by contacting the lecturer and submitting supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate). Extensions are granted only for the period covered by the documentation.

Extensions for Bachelor’s and Master’s Theses

If you are unable to submit your thesis on time due to illness or another valid reason, you may request an extension of up to one month, based on the documented duration of your condition.
For further extensions, submit a cancellation request and rebook the thesis module with a new topic in a future semester.
Please send your request to both your supervisor and the program coordination.
More details on the Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis are available on the Graduation page.