Course: Freely combinable Minor Subject B.A.
- Human Sciences
- Informatics and Data Science
- Catholic Theology
- Philosophy, Art History, History, and Humanities
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Degree programs in the humanities leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) often involve a combination of several subjects in which various academic skills are acquired.
The following combinations are possible:
- Bachelor's subject with a second major subject or
- Bachelor's subject with two Minor Subjects.
The "Freely Combinable Minor Subject" (FKN) is a unique minor subject in Germany, as it replaces one of the two minor subjects on the Bachelor's degree programme with two so-called study units.
The study units offered do not usually involve studying "traditional" subjects, but rather a range of topics. As the thematic orientation and the number of study units are not laid down in the Examination Regulations, but are set up by the Faculty Council as required, it is possible to react very quickly and flexibly to developments in science and to the needs of the labour market.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
What makes this program special?
When choosing the FKN, students are required to show a great deal of initiative.
Due to the fact that this is not a regular subject, but rather a strongly interdisciplinary combination of subject areas, there is no responsible chair. However, each study unit has its own person responsible for questions relating to recognition. However, the Credit Points Coordination Centre (external link, opens in a new window) is of course available to answer general questions about the degree programme.
The study units of the FKN are interdisciplinary. This means that in most modules, the respective courses can come from different subjects. There are therefore (almost) no courses that are offered exclusively for the FKN. FKN students are mostly "guests" in courses offered by regular subjects.
Therefore, you often have to enquire at different institutes each semester about rooms and times as well as examination requirements for the courses.
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
On the combined Bachelor's degree programme in Humanities (B.A.), you will study two or three subjects at the same time. The degree program can be combined from a wide range of subjects. You can either choose a second major subject (60 ECTS) or two Minor Subjects (30 ECTS each) in addition to the Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS).
The FKN consists of two study units, which are modular in structure and replace a regular Minor Subject.
This results in a study combination with
- a Bachelor's subject,
- a "normal" Minor Subject and the
- Freely combinable Minor Subject (including 2 study units).
The programme also includes a final thesis (10 ECTS) and a free elective courses in (20 ECTS). The total workload corresponds to that of a single-subject degree program.
FKN study programme (German version) (external link, opens in a new window)
The subjects involved in the combined Bachelor's programme can be found in the list of BA combined subjects (German version).
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) information brochure (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) provides an in-depth insight into the Bachelor's degree programme in the humanities .
Voluntary internships often complement the degree programme in order to explore different professional fields as well as to acquire practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.
Study Plan
The courses that belong to the various modules of the FKN are updated and published each semester by means of a notice board. However, only a list of permitted courses can be found here. Registration modalities, admission requirements and examination requirements must be obtained from the respective subject offering the course.
The list of permitted courses can be found under the following link:
FKN study programme (German version)
Due to the structure of two (mostly) freely selectable study units, it is also not guaranteed that you will have completed all the required work after completing the compulsory courses. It can happen that you have completed the compulsory courses, but not yet the required total of credit points. In such a case, at least one more course from the range of selected study units must be completed before the total of 30 credit points is reached.
Student Life & Services
Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | no |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | no |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | no |
For binding information and the latest updates, please refer to the summary (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) provided by the Registrar's Office or the applicable examination regulations.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject requirements and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study and admission to the course of study and successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.