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УДК 378 (430)
Harald Sternberg
HafenCity University, Hamburg
GEOMATICS BACHELOR AND MASTER EDUCATION AT THE HAFENCITY UNIVERSITY, HAMBURG
1. Information on the German Higher Education System1
1.1 Types of Institutions and Institutional Status
Higher education (HE) studies in Germany are offered at three types of
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Higher Education Institutions (HEI) .
- Universitäten (Universities) including various specialized institutions, offer the whole range of academic disciplines. In the German tradition, universities focus in particular on basic research so that advanced stages of study have mainly theoretical orientation and research-oriented components.
- Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) concentrate their study programs in engineering and other technical disciplines, business-related studies, social work, and design areas. The common mission of applied research and development implies a distinct application-oriented focus and professional character of studies, which include integrated and supervised work assignments in industry, enterprises or other relevant institutions.
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen (Universities of Art/Music) offer studies for artistic careers in fine arts, performing arts and music; in such fields as directing, production, writing in theatre, film, and other media; and in a variety of design areas, architecture, media and communication.
Higher Education Institutions are either state or state-recognized institutions. In their operations, including the organization of studies and the designation and award of degrees, they are both subject to higher education legislation.
1.2 Types of Programs and Degrees Awarded
Studies in all three types of institutions have traditionally been offered in integrated "long" (one-tier) programs leading to Diploma or Magister Artium degrees or completed by a Staatsprüfung (State Examination).
1 The information covers only aspects directly relevant to purposes of the Diploma Supplement. All information as of 1 July 2005.
Berufsakademien are not considered as Higher Education Institutions, they only exist in some of the Länder. They offer educational programs in close cooperation with private companies. Students receive a formal degree and carry out an apprenticeship at the company. Some Berufsakademien offer Bachelor courses which are recognized as an academic degree if they are accredited by a German accreditation agency.
Within the framework of the Bologna-Process one-tier study programs are successively being replaced by a two-tier study system. Since 1998, a scheme of first- and second
level degree programs (Bachelor and Master) was introduced to be offered parallel to or instead of integrated "long" programs. These programs are designed to provide enlarged variety and flexibility to students in planning and pursuing educational objectives, they also enhance international compatibility of studies.
For details cf. Sec. 1.4.1, 1.4.2, and 1.4.3 respectively. Table 1 provides a synoptic summary.
Table 1: Institutions, Programs and Degrees in German Higher Education
UNIVERSITIES
(Universitäten) & SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS
of university standing (Theologische und Pädagogische Hochschulen)
. [Doctorate] ,
UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIIENCES (UAS)
(Fachhochschulen) (FH)
Bachelor (BA/B.Sc./B.Eng./LLB) [3-4 years]
Transfer Procedures
[1-2 years]
Master (MA/M.Sc./M.Eng./LLM)
Diplom & Magister Artium (M.A.) Degrees [4-5 yrears]
Staatsprüfung (State Examination) [3-6.5 years]
Transfer Procedures
Bachelor (BA/B.Sc./B.Eng./LLB) [3-4 years]
[1-2 years]
Master (MA/M.Sc./M.Eng./LLM)
Diplom (FH) degree [4 years]
Transfer Procedures
1
Doctorate (Dr.)
(Thesis research; may include formal course work)
UNIVERSITIES OF ARTS/MUSIC (Kunst-/ Musikhochschulen)
[Some Doctorate]
Transfer Procedures
Bachelor (B.A./B.F.A./B.Mus.) [3-4 years]
[1-2 years]
Master (M.A./M.F.A./M.Mus.)
Diplom & M.A. degrees, Certificates, certified examinations [4.5 years]
Doctorate (Dr.)
Programmes/ Degrees
Integrated/Long (One-Tier) Programmes
Transfer Procedures
First degree
Second degree
Doctorate
1.3 Approval/Accreditation of Programs and Degrees
To ensure quality and comparability of qualifications, the organization of studies and general degree requirements have to conform to principles and regulations established by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education
and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK).iii In 1999, a system of accreditation for programs of study has become operational under the control of an Accreditation Council at national level. All new programs have to be accredited under this scheme; after a successful accreditation they
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receive the quality-label of the Accreditation Council .
1.4 Organization and Structure of Studies
The following programs apply to all three types of institutions. Bachelor's and Master's study courses may be studied consecutively, at various higher education institutions, at different types of higher education institutions and with phases of professional work between the first and the second qualification. The organization of the study programs makes use of modular components and of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) with 30 credits corresponding to one semester.
1.4.1 Bachelor
Bachelor degree study programs lay the academic foundations, provide methodological skills and lead to qualifications related to the professional field. The Bachelor degree is awarded after 3 to 4 years.
The Bachelor degree program includes a thesis requirement. Study courses leading to the Bachelor degree must be accredited according to the Law establishing a Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programs in Germany4.
First degree programs (Bachelor) lead to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.).
1.4.2 Master
Master is the second degree after another 1 to 2 years. Master study programs must be differentiated by the profile types "more practice-oriented" and "more research-oriented". Higher Education Institutions define the profile of each Master study program.
The Master degree study program includes a thesis requirement. Study programs
leading to the Master degree must be accredited according to the Law establishing a
3 "Law establishing a Foundation 'Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programs in Germany'",
entered into force as from 26.2.2005, GV. NRW. 2005, nr. 5, p. 45 in connection with the Declaration of the Länder to the Foundation "Foundation: Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programs in Germany" (Resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany of 16.12.2004.
Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programs in Germany5.
Second degree programs (Master) lead to Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Laws (L.L.M), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) or Master of Music (M.Mus.). Master study programs, which are designed for continuing education or which do not build on the preceding Bachelor study programs in terms of their content, may carry other designations (e.g. MBA).
1.4.3. Integrated "Long" Programs (One-Tier):
Diploma degrees, Magister Artium, Staatsprüfung
An integrated study program is either mono-disciplinary (Diplom degrees, most programs completed by a Staatsprüfung) or comprises a combination of either two major or one major and two minor fields (Magister Artium). The first stage (1.5 to 2 years) focuses on broad orientations and foundations of the field(s) of study. An Intermediate Examination (Diplom-Vorprüfung for Diplom degrees; Zwischenprüfung or credit requirements for the Magister Artium) is prerequisite to enter the second stage of advanced studies and specializations. Degree requirements include submission of a thesis (up to 6 months duration) and comprehensive final written and oral examinations.
Similar regulations apply to studies leading to a Staatsprüfung. The level of qualification is equivalent to the Master level.
- Integrated studies at Universitäten (U) last 4 to 5 years (Diploma degree, Magister Artium) or 3 to 6.5 years (Staatsprüfung). The Diplom degree is awarded in engineering disciplines, the natural sciences as well as economics and business. In the humanities, the corresponding degree is usually the Magister Artium (M.A.). In the social sciences, the practice varies as a matter of institutional traditions. Studies preparing for the legal, medical, pharmaceutical and teaching professions are completed by a Staatsprüfung.
The three qualifications (Diploma, Magister Artium and Staatsprüfung) are academically equivalent. They qualify to apply for admission to doctoral studies. Further prerequisites for admission may be defined by the Higher Education Institution, cf. Sec. 8.5.
- Integrated studies at Fachhochschulen (FH)/Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) last 4 years and lead to a Diploma (FH) degree. While the FH/UAS are non-doctorate granting institutions, qualified graduates may apply for admission to doctoral studies at doctorate-granting institutions, cf. Sec. 8.5.
- Studies at Kunst- and Musikhochschulen (Universities of Art/Music etc.) are more diverse in their organization, depending on the field and individual objectives. In addition to Diploma/Magister degrees, the integrated study program awards include Certificates and certified examinations for specialized areas and professional purposes.
1.5 Doctorate
Universities as well as specialized institutions of university standing and some Universities of Art/Music are doctorate-granting institutions. Formal prerequisite for admission to doctoral work is a qualified Master (UAS and U), a Magister degree, a Diploma, a Staatsprüfung, or a foreign equivalent. Particularly qualified holders of a Bachelor or a Diploma (FH) degree may also be admitted to doctoral studies without acquisition of a further degree by means of a procedure to determine their aptitude. The universities respectively the doctorate-granting institutions regulate entry to a doctorate as well as the structure of the procedure to determine aptitude. Admission further requires the acceptance of the Dissertation research project by a professor as a supervisor.
1.6 Grading Scheme
The grading scheme in Germany usually comprises five levels (with numerical equivalents; intermediate grades may be given): "Sehr Gut" (1) = Very Good; "Gut" (2) = Good; "Befriedigend" (3) = Satisfactory; "Ausreichend" (4) = Sufficient; "Nicht ausreichend" (5) = Non-Sufficient/Fail. The minimum passing grade is "Ausreichend" (4). Verbal designations of grades may vary in some cases and for doctoral degrees.
In addition, institutions may already use the ECTS grading scheme, which operates with the levels A (best 10 %), B (next 25 %), C (next 30 %), D (next 25 %), and E (next 10 %).
1.7 Access to Higher Education
The General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife, Abitur) after 12 to 13 years of schooling allows for admission to all higher educational studies. Specialized variants (Fachgebundende Hochschulreife) allow for admission to particular disciplines. Access to Fachhochschulen (UAS) is also possible with a Fachhochschulreife, which can usually be acquired after 12 years of schooling. Admission to Universities of Art/Music may be based on other or require additional evidence demonstrating individual aptitude.
Higher Education Institutions may in certain cases apply additional admission procedures.
1.8 National Sources of Information
- Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) [Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany
- Central Office for Foreign Education (ZaB) as German NARIC; www.kmk.org;
- "Documentation and Educational Information Service" as German EURYDICE-Unit, providing the national dossier on the education system www.kmk.org/doku/bildungswesen.htm;
- Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) [German Rectors' Conference]; www.hrk.de;
- "Higher Education Compass" of the German Rectors' Conference features comprehensive information on institutions, programs of study, etc. (www.higher-education-compass.de)
2. The HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU)
The HCU Hamburg is a specialist university founded by Hamburg in January 2006 in order to achieve excellence in teaching and research in the development of our built environment.
The HafenCity University in Hamburg is the only university in Europe dedicated solely to teaching and research in the built environment that also has the full range of disciplines necessary to understand and improve the physical world around us from measuring it to designing buildings and spaces, from its physical to its social and political infrastructure. For the HCU encompasses architecture, civil engineering, geomatics and urban planning, and thereby methods and interests that are artistic, technical and social science based, approaches that range from conceptual to applied. Because of this comprehensive range of disciplines the HafenCity University has a unique opportunity to find new approaches and solutions to the important and vexing problems facing our built world.
The HafenCity University starts with the advantage of its already existing departments coming from three different types of higher education establishments. During the next two years the HCU will systematically probe our own subject areas, asking fundamental questions about teaching and research; and, how the full spread of disciplines that the HCU has it can lead to new approaches or solutions between and across them. The HCU will be looking at what makes an excellent learning environment, what society needs and expects from leading professionals in our areas, what the most pressing and innovative areas of research are, where the HCU can hope to lead and, as importantly, where not. The HCU will decide how to structure so that the HCU are efficient, entrepreneurial, and foster working together.
This process will involve looking both inward and outward. It will be conducted with the help of international guests through public lectures, workshops, symposia and publications. At the same time the HCU will continue offering a high quality education to existing students-from bachelors to doctoral, and will finish implementing a bachelors and masters system and building a comprehensive research school. The HCU will steer itself towards a yearly intake of approximately 375 bachelors and 200 masters students.
Table 2: Bachelor Studies at undergraduate level
Soft Skills (presentation techniques,...)
Common courses (Studium Generale)
Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional
Contents Architecture Contents Civil Engineering Contents Geomatics Contents Urban Planning
Choice module
To organize the multidisciplinary studies in the four department new working levels will be established. The bachelor program is realized at an undergraduate level, where soft skills and common courses are offered to all students. The professional contents are separated in the department specific courses. Choice modules are offered for all students as it is shown in Tab. 2.
The graduate level for the master education comprised also courses for soft skills and common courses are offered to all students. In addition to the department specific master courses new master programs will be implemented.
Table 3: Master Studies at graduate level
Soft Skills (presentation techniques,...)
Common courses , projects and research activities
Professional Professional Professional Professional New Master
Contents Contents Contents Contents Programs
Architecture Civil Geomatics Urban
Engineering Planning
Choice module
At the research level the post graduate studies und doctorate education are realised.
3. Geomatics at the HCU
In this new university our geodesists must find themselves between the other disciplines. They learn and work together with architects, civil engineers and urban planners.
The present study plans as it is shown in Tab. 5, 6 and 7 do not give this yet.
They
Table 4: Doctorate thesis at research level
Soft Skills (presentation techniques,.)
Common courses , seminars, projects and research activities
Field of Field of Field of Field of Field of
research research research research research for
Architecture Civil Geomatics Urban New Master
Engineering Planning Programs
Choice and additional modules
show still the old structures which are necessary for the training of Geomatics engineers. They are the basis for new courses of studies, these courses of studies which must be designed again achieved.
Whereto this way leads is still uncertain. The HCU is still in the process of formation. But starting points from the Geodesy for that are surely GIS, laser technology, visualization, and other scopes we can offer to the other disciplines.
Bachelor of Science Geomatics
Project GIS Land Management Engineering Geodesy II Baubetrieb Marine Topography Engineering Photo-grammetry
Applied Mathematics II Remote Sensing Photogramm. Topography Land Management Engineering Geodesy I Practical Geodesy V
Photo-grammetry GIS II Urban Planning Satellite Geodesy Practical Geodesy IV Hydrography I
Applied Mathematics I Adjustment Computations III Cartography GIS I Cadastre Restructuring of Rural Areas Practical Geodesy III
Mathematics II Adjustment Computaions II Physics II Program Development Data Processing Geodetic Data Reduction II Practical Geodesy II
Mathematics I Adjustment Computations I Physics I Program Development CAD Legal Aspects Geodetic Data Reduction I Practical Geodesy I
Master of Science Geomatics
Master Thesis
Final Examination
Project Management
Project Management Quality Management Basisment Administration/ Management
Modelling
Data Miodelling Technical Inform. Systems
Viziualisi ng
Projects
Software Technology
Object-Oriented Programming
Proj.: Digital Cartography
Integr. Navigation
Projects
Nahb ereich sph otogr.
Projects
Location Based Serv.
Basics of Local Systems Projects
Stat. Schätzverfahren
Geo-Statistic Filtering Techniques
Data Processing
Interface Technology Data Acquisition Supplement to CAD
Industrial Measurement
Projects
Terrestr. Laserscanning
Projects
Higher Geodesy
Mathematical Geodesy Physical Geodesy
Master of Science Hydrography
Marine Geol./Geoph. Fundamental Oceanogr. Marine Navigation Softwa re Technology
Geology/Geom orphol. Basics Subbotom Profil. Seismics Mag netics Physical Oceanography Tides Ocea nography Marine Weather Legal Aspects Object-Oriented Programming Proj.: Digital Cartography
GIS-Hydrography Hydrography III Navigation Practice
Desktop Mapping Sonar Syst. with Area Cover. Nautical Science Supplementary Field Practice
Projects: e.g. Coastal Hybrid Hydr. Measurements Traffic Control Syst. (3 Weeks)
Zone Management Digital Terrain Model (DTM) Electr. Chart Display Qualitiy Management
Integrated Navigation
Data Processing Higher Geodesy Basics Hydrography Hydrography II
Interface Technology Mathematical Geodesy Remote Sensing Basics Underw. Acoustics
Data Acquisition Physical Geodesy Applied Mathematics II Acoustics/Param. Systems
Basics on CARIS Gravimetry Hydrography I Determin. Pos./Depth
© Harald Sternberg, 2007
