Frequently asked questions
International students
Addresses and contact persons
General information
Studying English Language and Literature
ECTS
Travelling and living
Addresses and contact persons
A) Central Office at the Westf. Wilhelms-University of Münster: International Office
All information and forms needed for admission and accommodation can be found on the websites of the International Office.
International Office
-Internationalisierung von Lehre und Studium-
Schlossplatz 3
D - 48149 Münster
Tel.: +49 251 83-222 15
Fax: +49 251 83-222 26
international.office@uni-muenster.de
International Students Centre "Die Brücke"
Wilmergasse 2
D-4843 Muenster
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. – 23 p.m.
Phone: +49 251 83-222 29
diebruecke@wwu.de
B) English Department
Erasmus Coordinator / Student's contact person:
Englisches Seminar
Johannisstr. 12-20
48143 Münster
Phone: +49 (0) 251 83 2 45 00
Fax: +49 (0) 251 83 2 46 45
Academic Advisor
Ms Silja Fehn
silja.fehn@wwu.de
Administration / Study Abroad and International Student Advisor:
The English Department is in building #14 on the university campus map:
Mirjam Manoutchehri
mmanoutchehri@wwu.de
http://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/wwu/rektorat/lageplan.pdf
General information
Application deadline for ERASMUS Students
Applications for admission have to be sent to the ERASMUS Office before:
1 December for the following summer term
1 June for the following winter term
Information and application form:
The application form and all further information can be found at the website:Checklist for International Students:
http://www.uni-muenster.de/ERASMUS/studieren_in_ms.html - German
http://www.uni-muenster.de/ERASMUS/en/studieren_in_ms.html - English
nonEU: http://www.uni-muenster.de/en/international_students/undergraduate/admissions/Checklist_for_applicants_no_eu.html
EU: http://www.uni-muenster.de/en/international_students/undergraduate/admissions/Checklist_for_applicants.html
Academic calendar
The academic year is divided in two terms. The winter term starts in October, exams usually take place in February. The summer term starts in April, exams take place in July. Exact term dates change from year to year.
The current academic calendar can be found at http://www.uni-muenster.de/studium/orga/termine.html
Language of instruction is German – only very few lectures are offered in English and other languages.
Fees
All students, incl. ERASMUS students, have to pay a "social contribution" for student facilities and the "Semester ticket" (public transport) of approx. 210 € per semester.
Student housing
International students can apply for a room in a student hall of residence operated by the Studentenwerk Münster, a public student welfare organisation. The number of rooms is limited. Early application and flexible preferences will increase the students’ chances.
You can find information about the halls of residence at the Studentenwerk website http://studentenwerk-muenster.de. The online application form can also be found at the Studentenwerk website - follow the link “Housing” –“Applications” – “Online Application”. Please indicate in the last box of the form - “Hints” – wheter you are an ERASMUS student.
If a room is available, the Studentenwerk Münster will send a room offer directly to the student - via mail to the home address or via email - in January for the summer term or in August for the winter term and send a room. As soon as the lease contract has been signed, both the deposit and the first monthly instalment of the rent for rooms in halls of residence have to be paid immediately.
Information on housing can also be found on the official city homepage:
The contact person for student housing at the Studentenwerk Münster is:
Ms Christiane Herding
Studentenwerk Münster - Wohnraumverwaltung
Bismarckallee 5 – Room 0.07
D-48151 Münster
Phone +49 25 18 37 96 46
Fax +49 25 18 37 95 97
christiane.herding@studentenwerk-muenster.de
You can rent an apartment or share a flat with roommates (called WG) or rent the place of a student who is going abroad. Most landlords want to meet the tenants personally, though, so it may not be easy to rent a flat when you are still abroad.
If you know enough German to check local newspapers - please check the information of the ERASMUS-Office http://erasmus-muenster.de/lang/en/. There are links to local newspapers (the "na dann" is a free events kalender and student's paper, mostly ads) and an accomodation forum and blackboard with ads of students who want to sublet their rooms: http://erasmus-muenster.de/lang/en/wohnenacommodation/The International Students Centre "Die Bruecke" offers help and support, you can meet other students from your country who already live in Muenster
Of course you can stay in one of the numerous hotels of the city or the Youth Hostel in the beginning:
http://www.muenster.de/uebernachten.html
http://www.muenster.de/stadt/tourismus/en/hotels.html
Language courses
The Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster offers Intensive German Language Courses for exchange students at the beginning of the term and a large variety of German courses during the term.
Information and application forms for the intensive German Language Courses will be send to all incoming ERASMUS students either with the letter of acceptance or via e-mail.
For general information:
Website of the University Language Centre http://spzwww.uni-muenster.de/
Where can I find the course catalogue?
The course catalogue – „Vorlesungsverzeichnis”: https://uvlsf.uni-muenster.de/qisserver/servlet/de.his.servlet.RequestDispatcherServlet?state=wtree&search=1&trex=step&root120121=63933|69507|67654&P.vx=kurz
The course catalogue for the winter term is usually published in August, the course catalogue for the summer term is usually published in February.
Contact your departmental ERASMUS coordinator for further information on lectures and credits.
When does the winter term - "Wintersemester" - start and end?
Start of term: 1st of October / End of term: 31st of March
Start of lectures: approx. 2 nd week of October
End of lectures: approx. 1st week of February
Are there special introductory events for ERASMUS students?
Yes. The ERASMUS Office organises a Welcome Week for exchange students at the beginning of each term. Detailed information will be sent to all incoming exchange students.
Are there courses taught in English for ERASMUS students?
Most courses at the English Department are taught in English. There are no extra courses for ERASMUS students. Please make sure to acquire some German skills before you come to Münster or concentrate on language courses at our university.
Are there special activities for ERASMUS students?
Yes. The ERASMUS team organises several ERASMUS activities during the whole academic year, for example excursions, parties, an ERASMUS cinema and a European Dinner. Further information is available at http://erasmus-muenster.de
Are there free language courses for Erasmus students?
Yes. The University Language Centre offers an Intensive German Language Course for exchange students at the beginning of the term and a large variety of German courses during the term. Further Information and an application form will be sent to all incoming ERASMUS students.
Are you able to receive students from other subject areas instead of the ones agreed in the ERASMUS Exchange Agreement?
As a general rule, this may be possible, except for the Faculties of Medicine, Psychology, Business Administration and Law. Please contact the ERASMUS Office beforehand.
Are ERASMUS students required to have determined language skills in German?
We recommend students to acquire some German language skills before coming to Münster.
However, it is possible for students coming to Muenster for one year to concentrate on language courses during the first semester and to start attending regular classes in the second semester.
Is the choice of courses restricted for ERASMUS students? Please indicate whichever restriction there may be.
There are no particular restrictions for ERASMUS students.
As the number of students in some seminars and lectures is limited, there is no specific right to take a certain course neither for Münster students nor for ERASMUS students.
Contact your departmental ERASMUS coordinator in Münster to arrange for your study plan and learning agreement beforehand.
Studying English Language and Literature
Period of exchange
One or two semesters: Winter Term: October 1 to March 31; Summer Term: April 1 to September 30
http://www.uni-muenster.de/studium/orga/termine.html
Exception: Language courses start approx. 2 weeks before the term. German language courses are offered at the "Language Centre / Sprachenzentrum". Admission to courses is handled by the Exchange Student Service.
For exact dates check the Academic Calendar of the Language Centre: http://spzwww.uni-muenster.de/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungen.php?sprache=Deutsch
Orientation week
The ERASMUS-office offers an International Welcome Week.
Language of Instruction at the English Department
English
Level of study
BA
Master of Education
Master British, American and Postcolonial-Studies
Master National and Transnational Studies: Literature – Culture - Language
Fulltime workload
60 ECTS credits
Choices of classes / Areas of concentration
You may define your own study targets and follow your personal interests; second subjects are to be coordinated with students' advisors. Admission is up to the teachers – please make sure you see your student advisor, Ms Manoutchehri before you join any classes.
Grading
The assessment methods vary and may include written exams, oral exams, essays, reports, term projects, group work. Exams are normally scheduled for the last week of teaching, mid-term papers are due before Christmas or Pentecost breaks, term papers are due within 4 weeks of the subsequent vacation.
The German Grading system is based on a scale from 1 to 6: 1 = excellent, 2 = good, 3 = satisfactory, 4 = pass, 5+6 = fail grades
Lectures are generally ungraded!
ECTS
You receive 5 ECTS for every class of 90 minutes. It is possible to achieve extra credit for extra assignments (i.e. presentation in class, paper) – please ask the respective professor or teacher!
Travelling and living
Cost of living
Approx. € 700-900 per month (incl. accommodation)
Visa requirements
For EU student visa is not necessary.
Non EU-students please contact the respective consulate.
The following link also provides information: http://www.uni-muenster. de/en/international_students/undergraduate/practical/index.html.
Residence permit
Residence permits must be applied for at the Foreigners' Affairs Department of the City Administration within the first 10 days of arrival.
The necessary form for registration – "Meldung" - can be obtained at the Information-Desk of the City Administration – "Bürgeramt", Stadthaus I, Klemensstraße.
When you have completed the form, your landlord (e.g. the student hostel administration of the Studentenwerk) must confirm the details on the last page.
This completed form and the following additional documents:
are to be presented at the Foreigners' Affairs Department. At the entrance you must draw a ticket with a number. The number and the counter to which you must proceed will then appear on a digital display.
- Valid travel document
- Two passport photos
- University Admission document
- Rent contract or proof of residence
- Proof of health insurance
- Certificate of financial support (amount and duration of financing)
Stadtverwaltung - Amt für Ausländerangelegenheiten
(Office of international Affairs - City Administration)
Stadthaus II
postal: PF - 48127 Münster
Visiting address: Ludgeriplatz 4 (Entrance: Südstrasse) - D-48151 Münster
Phone: +49 (0) 251 / 492 - 36 36
Fax: +49 (0) 251 / 492 - 77 41
auslaenderamt@stadt-muenster.de
Mon.-Fri.: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Thur: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Help
The Exchange Student Service, Schlossplatz 3, Mail: admin.ess@uni-muenster.de will help you with all the formalities.
Help is found at the International Centre of the University "Die Brücke", Wilmergasse 2
Phone: +49 – (0)251 – 832 22 28
Fax +49 – (0)251 – 832 22 19
diebruecke@wwu.de
More information for prospective students to different aspects (working, bank accounts etc.) can be found on the Homepages of the International Office: Auslandsamt - ERASMUS – Studying in Münster - Welcome
Libraries
Important Link - English Department
- Administrative office
- Academic advisory service
- Current course overview (HISLSF)
- Administration of exams (QISPOS)
- Student representatives
- SAC (Self Access Center)
