Key competencies
Key competencies are skills which, alongside specialist knowledge, are intended to prepare students for their future careers. These include, for example, courses on academic writing, communicating scientific content or foreign languages, as well as the ability to learn course material independently or to complete assignments. Key competences can be acquired integratively, i.e. as part of another course (e.g. working safely in the laboratory during a chemistry practical), or additively in dedicated courses that focus solely on a specific topic (e.g. language courses or training in presentation techniques).
Key competences: What are they and how can I find relevant courses?
What can I choose?
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Key competency offerings within the subject
You can find key competence modules specifically for your degree programme in your degree programme’s module handbook
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Central and cross-faculty key competencies
Choose modules from other faculties and central institutions
Overview of central and cross-faculty key competence offerings
Gain practical experience
Practical experience is always a good thing – both for your own career orientation and for your CV. Here are a few opportunities both at home and abroad, along with how they can count towards your degree.
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Professional internship
Gaining career orientation and insights into a particular professional field
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Research internship
Gain a deeper understanding of research and scientific methods
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FoLL - Forschungsorientiertes Lehren und Lernen
Getting your own research project off the ground whilst still on your Bachelor’s degree
Language courses
Languages open doors – in higher education, in research and in your career. Learn a new language or improve your existing language skills. Please note: You can usually only sign up for advanced language courses after taking a placement test.
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(Scientific) English
A compulsory module for most students, but also essential for academia in general
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German courses
Learning German – specifically for international students
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Other languages
Language skills for university studies, time spent abroad and your career
ZESS (Central Institution for Languages and Key Competencies)
Certificate programmes
As part of the certificate programmes, students can take several modules within a particular area of expertise, and the skills acquired are documented with a certificate upon completion. For example, students can obtain certificates in Practical Journalism and Communication or Museum Management.
Certificate programmes at the University of Göttingen