Formal Equivalence
With regard to formal equivalence, courses abroad must:
1. Have the appropriate level. As a rule, this means from the 3rd year of study in the Bachelor's program.
2. The workload must correspond to the course to be replaced in Pforzheim.
The scope is measured on the basis of ECTS credits. Credits are a measure of the total workload associated with the course, i.e. not only for the time spent in the lectures themselves, but also for preparation and follow-up work, homework, exam preparation and so on.
1 ECTS credit corresponds to a total workload of 25-30 hours. The European standard is 30 ECTS credits per semester.
The English titles and the number of ECTS credits for the Bachelor's programs can be found in the study and examination regulations. The correct allocation of module numbers is important.
You must have at least
24 ECTS/semester abroad in Europe
22 ECTS/semester in a non-European country
abroad.
In Pforzheim, fewer ECTS can also be credited (but it should be at least approx. 16 ECTS).
In principle, one examination in Pforzheim is recognized for one course at the partner university. However, in consultation with the university representative, two courses at the partner university can also be combined for the purpose of recognition. The grade will then be weighted.
Conversely, in exceptional cases and after consultation with the university representative, it is also possible to have two examinations in Pforzheim recognized for one course abroad if the number of credits is sufficient and all other requirements are met. However, you must then provide proof of the grades for two partial achievements in order to receive a grade for each Pforzheim examination achievement.
The awarding of credits has long been common practice at foreign universities; the number of credits is indicated in each course description. Please note that the official ECTS standard (ECTS = “European Credit Transfer System”) applies in Pforzheim, while some countries have national standards. In this case, the national credits must be converted to ECTS in consultation with the university representative.
Content Equivalence
The equivalence of content depends on the course in question. In principle, the equivalence of the content of cross-degree program courses should be agreed with the university supervisor and that of degree program-specific courses with the head of degree program.
As a rule, the following courses are completed during the semester abroad:
Cross-degree program subjects:
GMT3310 / Special Business Administration - compulsory elective subject 6th semester, 6 ECTS
Abroad, any business administration subject is suitable here, preferably with a specific industry reference.
GMT3013 / Strategic Management, 6th semester, 3 ECTS
Choose a course abroad that includes strategic management (title e.g. “Corporate Strategy”, “Strategic Management” ...).
GMT4100 / Management seminar, for many degree programs in the 7th semester, 5 ECTS
Abroad, you can choose any business subject in addition to this subject. The examination must usually include a term paper and a presentation.
ESR 3100 / Ethics and Social Responsibility, 6th semester, 5 ECTS
Choose a course abroad that covers topics relating to sustainable development or economic and business ethics (CSR, Business Ethics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Economics, International Migration...).
Program-specific subjects:
For most degree programs, the compulsory elective subject of the 6th semester with 6 ECTS is an option here. For International Business, it is the international specialization with 12 ECTS.
In addition, further courses are possible in consultation with the course director. Particularly in Business Law, the courses must be individually coordinated, as there is hardly any cross-course content.
Please note: Subsequent recognition of coursework and examinations completed abroad for subjects and examinations that were retaken and failed after returning to Pforzheim University is not possible!
