Introduction of Study Programmes

Under statutory regulations, the introduction of new degree programmes must be found to be compatible with the Federal State’s Higher Education Plan by the Ministry of Science and Culture and thereby become part of a study programme target agreement between the University and the Federal State. Once a new degree programme has been included in such a target agreement, the University may actually begin to offer it (or another new study programme) and/ or to start the accreditation process.

Under the Lower Saxony Education Act, at university level the Presidential Board decides on the introduction of degree programmes. It bases its decisions on the opinions of the relevant Faculty Councils and the Senate, which for their part are supported by the assigned study committees.

This is always preceded by a decision-making process within the University, whereby a faculty (or faculties) which wishes to offer a new study programme, and the Presidential Board decide whether the concept of a new study programme should be passed to the Federal State.