Intermediate examination (university studies)
The intermediate examination is an examination as part of a university degree . While the Vordiplom or Physikum are also referred to as intermediate exams , the term usually refers to the Magister , teacher training or legal intermediate examination. This usually concludes the master’s degree, teaching degree or basic law degree after four semesters . The exam can also be taken earlier if the course work has been completed faster than the study regulations provide.
The examination dates are usually in the (mostly first) weeks of the semester break or at the beginning of the first main semester (if passed).
Depending on the course, intermediate examinations can take different forms: Oral examinations and final exams, and occasionally term papers , can also be added to the intermediate examination exams that accompany the course . The intermediate examination is taken in the Magister major and, depending on the examination regulations, also in none, one or both minor subjects; When studying two main subjects, both main subject exams must be passed. In the intermediate legal examination, written exams are usually taken in the three core subjects, civil law, criminal law and public law (the so-called "small certificates") as well as a basic subject (e.g. legal philosophy, legal sociology, legal history). The number of exams to be completed can differ depending on the faculty or the examination regulations of the respective federal state, although in view of the modularization, i.e. the combination of mostly individual lectures with their final exam, some law faculties in other courses of study have also switched to modularizing the intermediate exam and to move away from the traditional system of "small bills". Normally, the grading of the intermediate examination is not included in the final ( exam ) grade , but it can, in accordance with the examination regulations of the faculty, have an effect on the advanced and specialization studies insofar as certain focus areas may be restricted in admission. The intermediate examination grade can also be significant in terms of eligibility for a scholarship .
As part of the Bologna Process , Magister courses are being replaced by tiered and modularized Bachelor / Master courses. Due to the short standard period of study up to the first professional qualification, the intermediate examination is not required in these courses.