Information for first-semester social science students, B.A. and M.A.
4 steps for starting your studies
- Your key to the uni: Use your computer centre user ID to set up your university email address and stay up to date.
- Orientation: Take part in university orientation events and those related to your degree programme to get important information and meet new people.
- Getting down to business: Attend your degree programme’s lectures and seminars and take a look around Digicampus.
- Immerse yourself in everyday student life: Get to know your fellow students, and don’t be shy about participating in on campus student initiatives and working groups.
Important information about starting your degree
At an introductory event, you will receive important information about your degree programme. For example, you will receive information about modules, and which courses you should attend in the first semester.
Introductory events for the Social Sciences B.A. and the Social Sciences: Conflicts in Politics and Society M.A. will take place on the following dates:
Social Sciences, B.A.: Thursday 02.10.2025, 10:00-11:30 am, Theatre IV, Building C.
For information on this event, see here: Introduction: Social Sciences, B.A.
Social Sciences: Conflicts in Politics and Society, M.A.: Thursday, 02.10.2025, 11:45 am -13:15 pm, Theatre IV, Building C.
For information on this event, see here: Introduction: Social Sciences, M.A.
Registration is not necessary.
At the end of the event, the student council SoWiSo will provide support on organising a timetable (see below for some instructions on how to organise a timetable).
Theatre IV is in building C, first floor, above Theatre I.
The university-wide introductory event for all new first year students across all degree programmes will take place on Wednesday, 8 October and Thursday, 9 October 2025 at 13:30 pm – 15:30 pm. The location is yet to be announced.
The two events are identical, and you can choose which one to attend.
Following a welcome to the university, the various facilities and student services will introduce what they do at the university. You will receive an overarching introduction to your studies (e.g., not discipline or degree specific) with information on internships, studying abroad, student representation, and more.
Programme: coming soon
Planning a timetable to can be a real challenge at the beginning of your studies. The student council therefore offers support in planning a timetable.
Date: Directly after the Introduction to the BA-Programme (October 2nd)
If you don’t have time to attend the planning a timetable session, don’t be shy. Contact your student council for support. Contact details are below.
If you want to plan your timetable yourself in advance, you can use your degree programme’s study plan as a guide (see below). There you can see which modules, in the rule, need to be completed in which semesters. However, you can also decide to do things in a different order.
You can register for courses assigned to the respective modules in Digicampus. The best way to do this is to use the digital module catalogue in which you will find each course assigned to the relevant module. However, please take note that the courses on offer are not entered until the beginning of the registration period. In other words, it is normal that not all courses belonging to a module are assigned before the registration period and that some are still missing.
To access the following links, it is necessary to register for Digicampus beforehand (in some circumstances, you may therefore have to click twice on the link!). Alternatively, you can find the digital module catalogue in Digicampus by searching:
Veranstaltungsverzeichnis > Modulverzeichnis > Studiengänge > Bachelor/Master > Sozialwissenschaften
Digital Module Catalogue: Social Sciences, B.A.
Digital Module Catalogue: Social Sciences, M.A.
Please note that you may need to select the correct semester first!
Background: Digicampus
- Course registration for nearly all subjects takes place through Digicampus. There you can find information about the course registration period for each semester.
Once enabled by the relevant lecturer, first-semester students can register early in the “general registration period” or in the “late registration period.” As this often depends on teaching staff, even for those teaching within the same subject, first-semester students need clear guidance on when they can register for their courses.
Digicampus is an interactive portal for organising studies. Students register for courses, seminars, lectures, as well as for language courses or first-semester events at the beginning of their studies through Digicampus. They also receive relevant course information. It also offers a digital discussion platform for students and lecturers. A computer centre user ID is used to log in.
Study plan: Social Sciences, B.A. Applies to study starts from the winter semester 2024/25 (Examination Regulations 2024)
You can find a detailed study plan for the Social Sciences, B.A. here.
Study plan: Social Sciences, M.A. Applies to study starts from the winter semester 2024/25 (Examination Regulations 2024)
You can find a detailed study plan for the Social Sciences, M.A. here
Important learning opportunities (e.g., courses and videos) on academic research and work are offered by the university library on this webpage.
Organising your studies
A new study routine includes many new dates, module catalogues, and examination regulations that by the end of the first semester are very relevant. Find out at the start of the semester which modules you can expect and when your first examinations will take place.
With your computer centre user ID and password, you can use all digital services at the University of Augsburg. You receive your computer centre user ID and password with your enrolment documents.
With your computer centre user ID, you have access to:
- Digicampus: the portal for organising your timetable and registering for courses.
- VIBS: the administration and information portal for applications and studies. Here you can change your contact details, e.g., address, check that you have paid your semester fees and print out of confirmation thereof, as well as print out a confirmation of enrolment /BAföG and a confirmation of academic progress.
- STUDIS: the student administration portal. Here you can register for and de-register from examinations.
- Your student email address is very important. The university will communicate with you through your student email address. It ends with “@uni-a.de.”
Please read your student emails regularly or arrange for them to be forwarded to your private email address. To log in to your student email, use your computer centre user ID.
You can find further information and guidance on the “ Starting your studies” webpage.
If you require technical support during your studies or have questions related to your computer, internet, hardware or software, you can visit ZEBRA (the Computer Centre) in person.
Communication between you and your lecturers, with the examination office, with student representatives, and any other offices at the University of Augsburg occurs via your student email address. Therefore, it is very important that you regularly check your student email. Your student email address ends with “@uni-a.de” and the login is with your computer centre ID (RZ-Kennung) via the webmail service.
Alternatively, you can redirect your student emails to your private email address. You can learn how to do this here.
You should also register for the social sciences mailing list. You will receive current information about the Institute of Social Sciences, as well as about events, relevant internships, and job offers.
The examination regulations set out the legally binding conditions required for successful completion of a degree programme. They specify the structure of the degree programme, how and under what conditions examinations are held, what is examined and when, what previous achievements can be recognised, and how a bachelor’s thesis is to be submitted. Gaining an overview of the examination regulations at the beginning of a degree is highly recommended!
The applicable examination regulations are those that were last published. That means the examination regulations 2024 (Prüfungsordnung 2024).
Examination Regulations for the Social Sciences, B.A. (PO 2024) (in German)
Examination Regulations for the Social Sciences, M.A. (PO 2024) (in German)
The module catalogue describes all modules (content, examination form, and ECTS points, etc.) that you must pass to complete your degree, including when and how they are to be taken. A module (e.g., SOW-5002) is composed of one or more courses (e.g., 2 lectures + 1 seminar) and is completed by passing a full module examination (e.g., 1 exam).
There is a new module catalogue for each new semester that includes the courses that are offered for the relevant semester. You must therefore check the current module catalogue for each new semester.
As soon as the current module catalogue for the B.A. and M.A. for the winter semester 2025/26 have been published, you will be able to find them via the following links.
Module Catalogue Social Sciences, B.A. (PO 2024)
Module Catalogue Social Sciences, M.A. (PO 2024)
Each module is completed with evidence of achievement, e.g., an examination. This examination can take different forms, e.g., oral, written, seminar paper, or a portfolio examination. The module catalogue describes which form of examination applies to each module. Generally, lecturers will also inform students during their courses about the form of examination to be taken at the end of the semester (e.g., written examination or seminar paper).
You have to register for each examination – whether that be a written examination or seminar paper – within a certain period of time via the STUDIS portal. This registration period applies to all degree programmes and will be communicated via email to your university email address (@uni-a.de).
You can find more information (including an explainer video) on the webpages of the Student Advice and Counselling Service.
Student life
Many people remember their student days as a particularly special time in their life, a time when they made many friends that lasted a lifetime. Use the many opportunities to get to know new people and shape the life on campus.
The student council SoWiSo organises a variety of events for bachelor and master first-semester students, including the “Ersti-Hütte” (first-semester students’ hut), which takes place before the semester starts during Orientation Week (O-Week). There you can meet future colleagues and get to know the campus and the City of Augsburg and, above all else, have fun!
For current information on events or when it is possible to register for the “Ersti-Hütte,” check also out the student council’s social media channels (see below).
For registering to the "O-Week" just go to this site
So that the student council has an overview of how many people will come, you can register for the "Ersti-Hütte" here
Through the social sciences student council SoWiSo, bachelor and master students from the social sciences can get engaged. The student council organises events such as the Semester Opening Party, O-Week, Ersti-Hütte, as well as information events, the “Dementor*innenprogramm,” and a regular round table get together “SoWis.” The student council is also an important middle-point between students and lecturers. You can contact the student council about any questions you might have during your studies, from organising a study timetable and registering for examinations to Digicampus and problems with lecturers.
The student council can be contacted via the following channels:
Email: fachschaft.sowiso@googlemail.com
Instagram: @sowiso_augsburg
WhatsApp Group for all first-semester bachelor students
WhatsApp Group for all first-semester master students
Further useful links can be found via the student council’s Linktree.
The student council welcomes all new faces. Just drop by one of our regular meetings (dates can be found on Instagram, for example).
Numerous student initiatives enrich everyday university life and offer students opportunities for engagement and activities. These range from student councils to political, social, and religious university groups to leisure and sports activities.
There are also student representatives, both university-wide (Student Council, AStA, EULe) and for each faculty. For the social sciences, this is the student representative of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences (StuRa Phil-Soz). The student representatives are elected by all students in the annual university elections.
The student representatives work to ensure good study conditions and represent the student body in dealings with the university. StuRa and AStA also organise a wide range of activities throughout the semester.
Getting involved in the student council, a university group, or student representation can greatly enrich your everyday student life. Not only will you meet new people, but you will also experience the university from a perspective that remains unknown to many. This allows you to get involved in campus life in a variety of ways and learn things that go beyond your studies. Just pick something that interests you and stop by!
Various sports are offered through our Sports Centre. They present a good opportunity to get to know other students.
Most sport courses take place during the lecture period. However, there are some courses that can be taken during the lecture free period. As there is always a high demand for courses, we recommend that you register early. The registration details and a detailed list of courses offered can be found on the
University Sport webpage.
Student advisory services
Subject-specific study advisors are available for each degree programme, who can answer any degree or subject specific questions you may have. The Student Advice and Counselling Service also offers many advisory services, with Studierendenwerk Augsburg also providing various information to support you throughout your studies.
Degree programme coordinator: Dr Jan Grasnick:
- jan.grasnick@phil.uni-augsburg.de, +49 821 598 5593. Consultation hours by appointment, Room 2067, Building D
Sociology subject advisor: Dr Anna Brake
- anna.brake@phil.uni-augsburg.de, +49 821 598 4077. Consultation hours: Wed. 17:30-18:30, Room 3050, Building D
Political Science subject advisor: Dr Jan Grasnick
- jan.grasnick@phil.uni-augsburg.de, +49 821 598 5593, Consultation hours by appointment, Room 2067, Building D
Student Council SoWiSo:
- fachschaft.sowiso@googlemail.com
Dr Jan Grasnick:
- jan.grasnick@phil.uni-augsburg.de, +49 821 598 5593, Consultation hours by appointment, Room 2067, Building D
Student Council SoWiSo:
- fachschaft.sowiso@googlemail.com
The team at the
Student Advice and Counselling Service informs prospective students about degree programmes at the University of Augsburg, supports new students with orientation, and provides students throughout all phases of their studies with advice and support. It can assist with big and small questions about study planning and organisation, provide advice about making changes to a study plan, about learning techniques, and assist students who are having doubts about their studies, or are suffering from examination anxiety or other worries.
It also offers psychological support and addiction counselling, as well as skills for studying with confidence through workshops and Zoom events. Student advice and counselling is free and confidential and can take place in-person, via Zoom, or via telephone. The Student Advice and Counselling Service is contactable each workday during its telephone operating hours.
The Dean of Studies is responsible for all matters relating to studies and teaching within the faculty. Above all else, they are responsible for ensuring that teaching and examinations are organisationally sound and legally compliant. They are also responsible for the quality of teaching (e.g., teaching evaluations). The Dean of Studies is a distinct position that is elected by the Faculty Council for a period of two years. The duties of the Dean of Studies are set out in the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (Art. 40).
The current Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences is Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Wimmer
In addition to subject-specific study advisors and the
Student Advice and Counselling Service, you will also find a number of other information and advisory services at the University of Augsburg.
These include the International Office, the Career Service, and the Family Service. You can find further information via this website:
https://www.uni-augsburg.de/de/studium/organisation-beratung/
Studierendenwerk Augsburg
Studierendenwerk Augsburg supports, promotes, and advises students about matters of social, legal, and financial importance. As the landlord of student halls of residence, it also plays an active role. Alongside this, it organises cultural and social events, offers psychological counselling and legal and social advice to students. The Mensa and the on-campus university cafeterias are operated by Studierendenwerk. Further information can be found on the webpage of Studierendenwerk Augsburg.
International Office
The International Office (Akademische Auslandsamt) is the central point of contact for international students at the University of Augsburg and for all students who plan to study a semester abroad or undertake an internship abroad.
Support and advice for students from non-academic families is offered by the initiative “ Arbeiterkind.de - Die Initiative für alle, die als Erste in der Familie studieren.”
There are many situations where good advice is needed while studying, whether it has to do with general or orientation-related problems at the start of your studies, questions about timetable planning, learning techniques, opportunities to study abroad, or discontinuing your studies. We will support you through all phases of your studies, including if you are considering postgraduate studies or a doctorate, or if you would like to prepare for entry into the job market.
Student advice and counselling service // International students // Studying abroad // Subject-related advice // Study advice for education degree students // Learning tips and self- & time management // Career orientation // Doctorial advice and counselling // Psychological counselling // Addiction counselling // Studying with a disability // Study doubts // Studying with family // Social, legal and psychological counselling // Sexual harassment
Living in Augsburg
With its rivers, canals and parks, Augsburg is a great place to live. But where can I find somewhere to live? How can I finance my studies? And what does the city have to offer in the way of leisure activities and attractions?
Optional: Checklist for international students
This checklist should serve as an orientation guide. The checklist sequence corresponds to the needs of the average international full-time student at the start of their studies.
Of course, it’s also possible to address more than one point at a time. At first glance, the list looks rather long, and there are indeed many tasks and administrative procedures to fulfil. But you will also learn and grow from these experiences. We wish you a successful start to your studies at the University of Augsburg and hope you meet many new people and enjoy your time with us.
