Study and research in Germany

Institut

Large faculties are generally divided into departments that may be called Institut or Seminar or Fachbereich. An "Institut" often covers a single area of teaching (e.g. English Studies, Sociology, Computer Science) and has several professorships (chairs). The "Institut" is headed by a Director chosen from among the university teachers at that department.

Semester

The academic year in Germany is generally divided into two semesters rather than three terms, such as is generally the case in the UK and other countries. German universities generally have a winter semester that runs from October to March and a summer semester that runs from April to September. A semester includes both the period when courses and lectures are held (Vorlesungszeit) and the time without lectures (recess) in which students can revise and prepare (Vorlesungsfreiezeit).

sine tempore

The term "sine tempore", or s.t. in short, is another Latin expression and indicates that a class or lecture will begin punctually at the given time. It is often used after the time given for a course, such as 10:00 s.t. This means that the course will begin at 10 am on the dot.

Universität

"Universität" means university and is used for research universities (wissenschaftliche Hochschulen) that offer a broad range of subjects (like arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics and business administration, law, medicine). These institutions confer doctorates. The strong research focus benefits students in their training. Please note, however, that English texts often use the term "university" generically, i.e. to cover all kinds of higher education institutions, for example, universities of the arts, universities of applied sciences, universities of education, etc.