NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

II.1.2. Structure and duration of studies
Diplom degree courses are divided into two phases: a period of basic studies (Grundstudium) followed by advanced studies
(Hauptstudium). Basic studies are generally concluded with an intermediate examination (Zwischenprüfung or Diplom-
Vorprüfung), and advanced studies with the Diplom examination. The duration of the various study phases depends on the
course and type of higher education institution in question and is laid down in the examination regulations. In accordance with
the general provisions on Diplom examination regulations, the intermediate examination is, as a rule, conducted in one block
once classes held for the first stage of the degree programme (basic studies) have been completed; and the examinations
which together constitute the Diplom examination are conducted in one block once classes and courses in stage two of the
degree programme (advanced studies) have been completed. The regional examination regulations may, according to the
framework regulations, provide for division of the intermediate examination and the Diplom examination into separate
examination sections. Examinations in one particular subject can be taken parallel to study, i.e. brought forward (vorgezogene
Fachprüfungen) before the examination periods stipulated for each subject in the framework regulations, if the curriculum
relating to the basic or advanced studies for that examination subject has already been covered. However, only a minority of
candidates should be allowed to take such degree examinations early.
The regional examination regulations may, in accordance with the framework regulations, allow examinations to be
substituted by coursework, insofar as the two are judged equivalent in terms of examination requirements and procedure
(prüfungsrelevante Studienleistungen). However, the examinations which together constitute the Diplom examination cannot
be entirely replaced by coursework.
Studies to acquire a Diplom degree at universities and equivalent institutions of higher education last according to the study
course, 8 to 10 semesters as a rule, including the periods of the examinations. Practical training (Fachpraktika) of up to 26
weeks’ duration is required for some degree programmes. These practicals must be completed during the breaks between
semesters, and in some cases also before starting the degree programmes.
The standard period of studies at Fachhochschulen lasts eight semesters, including the theoretical and one or two practical
semesters as well as the Diplom thesis and the examination periods.
II.1.3. Examination procedures, certificates and Diplom document
When the courses defined by the degree examination regulations have been attended and the programme requirements
fulfilled, and requisite preliminary and/or intermediate examinations passed, students can register for the final examination,
i.e. the Diplom examination.
The Diplom examination consists as a rule of a large, independently written thesis (Diplom thesis), and written and oral
examinations in several subjects.
The Diplom thesis, concluding a period of university training, is intended to show that the student is able to analyse a problem
in his field
within a given period of time independently and in accordance with
scientific or scholarly methods. The Diplom thesis at the end of a course of study at a Fachhochschule is primarily
application-oriented and
usually takes three to six months to complete.
When the examination has been passed a certificate is issued giving the subject of the Diplom thesis, the grade received on it,
and the grades received on the examination in the individual subjects. At the same time, a diploma is presented on the basis of
which the Diplom degree is awarded. The holder of the degree is granted the right to use the title in
connection with the subject studied (Diplom-Ingenieur, Diplom-
Mathematiker, Diplom-Kaufmann, Diplom-Betriebswirt). The designation (FH) is added in the case of Diplom degrees from
Fachhochschulen.