1. How do I formally apply to have a course recognized? First check the recognition table (see question 2). If your course appears there, it suffices to send an informal email to maja.groemmer@fu-berlin.de from the Examination Office with your transcript showing the grade and ECTS.If your course is not in the table, send an email to mastermath@math.fu-berlin.de and include the completed recognition form (please fill out both halves of the form): https://www.imp.fu-berlin.de/fbv/pruefungsbuero/Formulare/PDFs/Anerkennungsformular-Mathe-Master_EN_ab-2024.pdf. Please also submit a transcript or Leistungsnachweis showing the grade and credit and the module description or syllabus of the external course.
2. Which courses from TU Berlin and HU Berlin can I have recognized, and as what? See the recognition table [Link zum angehängten PDF]. It lists the standard recognitions for courses from the mathematics programs at TU and HU Berlin, as well as frequently occurring courses from other FU programs. The table is for guidance and the examination board makes the final decision on each individual application.
3. What if my course is not listed in the recognition table? That does not mean it cannot be recognized, see question 1. General rules: Courses from the Master of Mathematics at HU or TU Berlin that do not correspond to a Bachelor-level module at FU can be recognized as supplementary modules (Ergänzungsmodule), even if they are not listed. Courses from disciplines other than mathematics require a case-by-case decision. Please contact the chair of the examination board at mastermath@math.fu-berlin.de before taking the course, so that you know in advance whether and how it can be recognized. Language courses, including programming language courses, are not recognized.
4. Can courses from abroad (Erasmus, exchange semester) be recognized? Yes. After your return, submit your Transcript of Records together with a recognition application as described in question 1. If you want certainty in advance about which courses will be recognized and as what, you can contact the chair of the examination board (mastermath@math.fu-berlin.de) before you leave.
5. What counts as a supplementary module (Ergänzungsmodul), and what are the different types? A supplementary module is an additional mathematics module beyond the core modules of the programme. Five types exist: Ausgewählte Themen A–C — 10 ECTS, 4+2 hours (lecture + tutorial)Spezielle Aspekte A–C — 5 ECTS, 2+2 hours (lecture + tutorial)Aktuelle Forschungsthemen A–C — 5 ECTS, 2 hours (seminar)Spezielle Forschungsaspekte — 5 ECTS, 2 hours (lecture)Forschungsprojekt — 10 ECTS, 4 hours (project seminar)
6. Are there rules about how Basis-, Aufbau-, and Vertiefungsmodule must be combined? Yes. If you take an Aufbaumodul in a given subject area, you must also take the Vertiefungsmodul in that same subject area, and you must have at least one Basismodul in that subject area. There is no required order, though it naturally makes sense to study the material in sequence.
7. Can I take courses from outside mathematics? Courses from outside mathematics can be recognized as supplementary modules only if they have substantial mathematical content, or if your thesis supervisor confirms in writing that the course is required for your Master's thesis. Please contact the chair of the examination board before enrolling to clarify this.
8. I cannot arrive in Berlin at the start of the semester due to visa delays — what can I do? You can request a late arrival letter from the chair of the Examination Board. This letter confirms that your delayed arrival will not affect your enrolment and can be shown to your lecturers. To request one, email mastermath@math.fu-berlin.de, CC hoemke@math.fu-berlin.de, with your name, matriculation number, and your expected date of arrival.Please note that the Examination Board cannot intervene with the Ausländerbehörde or influence visa processing times.
10. Who should I contact for what? Examination Board — mastermath@math.fu-berlin.de: course recognition, module approvals, leave of absence in the first semester, late arrival letters, and other academic decisions.Examination Office — maja.groemmer@fu-berlin.de: standard recognition applications (courses listed in the recognition table), grade entries, transcripts, and thesis administration.Admission Office — zulassung@fu-berlin.de: all questions about the formal application and admission process, and new enrolment for international students, regardless of nationality.Student Records and Registration Office — studierendenverwaltung@fu-berlin.de: leave of absence applications, de-enrolment, and other enrolment matters for already-enrolled students; also new enrolment for German (national) applicants.Not sure? Email info-service@fu-berlin.de — the Student Service Centre will answer or forward your message to the right office.