NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Grade scale
The following grade scale is used for intermediate and final examinations in Diplom degree programmes:
1 = very good
2 = good
3 = satisfactory
4 = sufficient
5 = insufficient.
For more subtle assessments of individual achievements in examinations half grades can be used.
An overall grade is calculated on the basis of grades in individual subjects:
up to 1.5 = very good
between 1.5 and 2.5 = good
between 2.5 and 3.5 = satisfactory
between 3.5 and 4.0 = sufficient.
II.1.4. Curriculum
Within the framework of regulations for Diplom examinations the institutions of higher education are free to vary course
contents and subject focuses. Thus, curricula for Diplom degree programmes in the same subject may differ, but no
differences in academic standard would result from this.
The Diplom degree courses described in the following are intended to serve as examples of the way such degree programmes
may be organised. The examples have been taken from two key fields of activity, i.e. engineering and economics.
Engineering sciences
Example: mechanical engineering (university)
The Diplom degree course in mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Aachen involves seven subjects (see
degree examination regulations of 30 November 1989):
1. Production engineering
2. Design engineering
3. Process engineering, chemical engineering and bio-process
technology
4. Plastics and textiles engineering
5. Energy engineering
6. Transport engineering
7. Fundamentals of machine systems.
By way of example, a programme of studies and examinations leading to the Diplom-Ingenieur degree in production
engineering would involve the following requirements.
The degree programme includes compulsory, optional-compulsory and optional subjects, involving a total of 208 to 211
semester hours plus a total of 26 weeks of practical training (basic practical and subjectrelated
practical, 13 weeks each).