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Eine Person mit roten Turnschuhen geht eine Treppe hoch.
RUB, Marquard

Steps towards the Study Decision

Civil engineering or social sciences? The degree course you choose will have a significant impact on your professional life and should be chosen with careful consideration. The information on this page will help you make the right decision.

Step 1: Know the deadlines

Regardless of which subject you choose, there are deadlines that must be met: In addition to application and enrollment, there are deadlines that end several months before the actual start of studies - for sports science courses, for example, the sports aptitude test.

So find out early on and draw up a timetable that you can work out further with your research.

Step 2: Research online

Your choice of subject should be based on your interests, abilities and inclinations. Because only those who are enthusiastic about a subject area are 100 percent committed to it - and have a better chance of success in their studies and career.

Online tools suggest suitable subjects and fields of study on this basis. They do not replace your own decision-making or further research, but provide a free insight into the courses on offer and compare them with your individual skills and professional self-image.

Examples of online tests (german)

Step 3: Inform & reflect

Do some research on courses or fields of study that interest you. Where are these courses offered? What are the course contents and career opportunities? What are the admission restrictions or requirements such as foreign language skills?

Online assessments: check the requirements

Courses offered by the universities and RUB

Study programs nationwide

Study programs at the RUB

Studienangebot der RUB

Career opportunities

Databases of the Federal Employment Agency

Study orientation is not necessarily career orientation.

  • In contrast to traditional vocational training, not every degree course provides a specific career path. However, this flexibility can be advantageous in the still unknown job market with new professions in which you will later have to gain a foothold.

Step 4: Gain insights and take advantage of orientation offers

Part of orientation is also correcting misconceptions about your chosen subject: Very few archaeologists experience the adventures of Indiana Jones, and anyone taking an economics subject has to be prepared for a lot of math. Do a reality check and attend events where subjects are presented.

What exactly can I expect in everyday study life?
  • In the RUB study information portal you will find the most important information on the degree courses as well as further links and contact persons for the subject (such as subject advisors and student representatives)

Orientation events

  • At the RUB's events and offers for study orientation, you can get to know subjects and their contents directly, exchange ideas with students and ask questions.

To the calendar of events

Stay realistic: Studying only works if you do it yourself

Studying is a full-time job that students have to organize themselves:

This includes putting together your own courses, working at your desk, in the library and in working groups - it takes a lot of motivation and discipline to be so self-directed.

Which university is right for me?

Prospective students should also get an idea of the university at which they would like to study for several years. Take a look at the websites and social media, for example.

RUB social media channels

Step 5: Clarify admission requirements

Are there any admission restrictions for your desired degree program at your desired university? Try to assess whether you have a realistic chance of gaining a place.

Clarify these questions for your desired degree programs

How has the Numerus Clausus (NC) developed in recent semesters?

Are there subject-specific requirements or language requirements?

  • Subject-specific requirements for the subjects at RUB
  • Language requirements at RUB
  • Sports aptitude test

Are there any study requirements that apply to your applicant group ?

Step 6: Clarify questions and make a decision

Whether you are having difficulties making a suitable and well-founded study decision or just have some final questions about your studies: study advisors are available at the universities to help you, and students can also give you insights into their everyday lives.

Advice and contact points

If you have any questions about studying, you can get all the answers you need from the Central Student Advisory Service.

The respective RUB student councils and RUB guides offer a student perspective on all questions about studying and the subject.

If you are the first in your family to want to study or if you have doubts as to whether studying is the right thing for you: the RUB talentscouts and the local groups of the Arbeiterkind initiative are the right people to contact.

Have you made your decision?

Have you chosen a degree program at RUB? We look forward to hearing from you!

Find out more about application and admission (for degree programs with admission restrictions) and enrolment.

Once you have successfully enrolled, you can start preparing for a successful start to your studies.

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