Is a degree programme right for me?

Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/decision Parent: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en

What does it mean to study at a university?

Studying at university is very different from going to school. We have summarised exactly what is important for you here. Do you recognise yourself in it?

Scientificity

You acquire knowledge independently. Study subjects are organised according to scientific disciplines in which you receive a broad education in the scientific principles and methods of a subject area. The focus is not initially on application - a scientific degree programme should also enable you to deduce new application possibilities from new findings. Studying at a university can prepare you for a doctorate and a career in science, but also for many other areas of work.

Trained in scientific thinking and working methods, you can familiarise yourself independently with new areas and adapt your knowledge to the requirements of future working environments. So if you are eager to learn and enjoy thinking, reading, analysing, discussing, researching and generally working "with your head", a university degree is a good choice for you.

Independence

Studying requires a high degree of independence and organisational talent. There are usually no ready-made timetables; you plan your studies yourself and keep an eye on deadlines independently. However, you will receive support from the student counselling services. There are no "class teachers" who monitor your every step.

Customised design

You can partially customise your studies to your interests and set thematic priorities by selecting seminars and lectures. Find out about the course content in the module descriptions of the study and examination regulations and in the annotated course catalogue.

No fixed class group

At a large university like the HU, your studies may seem somewhat anonymous at first, depending on the department. You are therefore welcome to make contacts, for example via the student representatives, at introductory events, university sports or in mentoring programmes.

Diverse professional fields

With a degree course, you rarely commit yourself to just one profession; you develop your career prospects yourself and are very flexible on the labour market with the many soft skills you acquire during your studies.

Our tip

Attend a teaching or orientation event, preferably during the Study Orientation Week, and talk to students.

Course catalogue

Reflect on your motivation

Before you decide on a degree programme, ask yourself: Why do I want to study? Your motivation is crucial for a successful degree programme.

Intrinsically motivated?

Your incentive lies in the job itself. You have a genuine interest in a particular course of study and a desire to delve deeply and specialise in a subject area. This makes learning easier and increases your chances of success.

Ask yourself, for example: What can I spend hours on and always want to learn more about? What would I choose if I couldn 't tell anyone about my decision ?

Extrinsically motivated?

The incentives here lie in external factors, such as pressure from outside expectations, prestige or a salary.

Statistically speaking, academics have a good chance of a higher income and protection against unemployment. However, please note that the labour market is constantly changing and your income depends on many factors. If your main motivation is career security or a specific salary target, studies show that this does not contribute to your well-being and statistically increases the risk of dropping out of university. Studying requires a lot of self-motivation and perseverance, so it is important that your choice is based on your own ideas.

Alternatives to studying

[### School education

Full-time vocational training at specialised academies or vocational schools.](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/ausbildung/ausbildungswege-im-ueberblick)

[### Company-based ("dual") training

The "classic" in many vocational areas, in which vocational school lessons alternate with practical work in the company. You work in a practical environment and quickly enter professional life](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/ausbildung/ausbildungswege#Die-duale-betriebliche-Ausbildung)

[### Dual study programme

A combination of in-company training and university study leading to two degrees.](https://www.hochschulkompass.de/studium/rund-ums-studieren/studienformen/duales-studium.html)

[### Art, film and music studies

If you are aiming for a career in the arts, these universities could be the right place for you. An aptitude test is often required.](https://studienwahl.de/studieninfos/die-hochschultypen-im-ueberblick)

[### Study at universities of applied sciences

These are generally more practice-orientated than universities.](https://studienwahl.de/studieninfos/die-hochschultypen-im-ueberblick)

[### Utilise orientation offers

Still without a plan? An internship, voluntary service or a stay abroad can give you time to find your bearings and help you recognise your strengths and goals.](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/bildung/zwischenzeit)

Did you already know?

You can still study after completing an apprenticeship. This often even has advantages for you personally, possibly also in terms of the NC.

How does a degree programme work?

The specific structure of a degree programme depends on the respective degree programme and also the form in which you study this degree programme, e.g. mono or combined bachelor's degree, teaching degree or not.

Link: "How does a degree programme work?"

Can I study at HU without a high school diploma?

No A-levels, but an apprenticeship or further education? Then you may be able to study at the HU on the basis of a "professional qualification".

Link: "Studying without Abitur"

Can I study at the HU with a health impairment?

The HU has set itself the goal of offering support for barrier-free and inclusive studies at all levels of study, e.g. with counselling for students with disabilities. Under certain conditions, an application for compensation for disadvantages or a hardship application can also be made when applying for a degree programme.

Link: "Studying with a disability"

Can I also apply if I do not fulfil the Numerus Clausus (NC) of my desired degree programme?

NC values are only determined after a selection procedure has been completed, i.e. they are not predictions, but only serve as a rough guide and show the NC of previous years. After all, you never know how many others are applying at the same time as you and what their A-level average, waiting semesters and professional experience look like. So be sure to apply if you are interested in the degree programme! Even if you don't get a place immediately, you may still have a chance in the succession procedure, and in some cases there is also a lottery procedure in which the remaining unallocated study places are drawn.

But remain realistic and open-minded and also look at other universities. You can find an overview in the University Compass.

events

[17.03.2026

9:15 o'clock

Series

Sitzung des Akademischen Senats der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Hauptgebäude, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/events/details/sitzung-des-akademischen-senats-der-humboldt-universitaet-zu-berlin-7)

[17.03.2026

12 – 13 o'clock

Lecture series , WebTalk

Bewerben im Öffentlichen Dienst: Tipps und Tricks

Live-Stream](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/events/details/bewerben-im-oeffentlichen-dienst-tipps-und-tricks)

[18.03.2026

17 – 19:30 o'clock

Panel discussion

Perspectives on Innovation in the Heart of Europe: How do we strengthen innovation in Central and Eastern Europe

Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/events/details/perspectives-on-innovation-in-the-heart-of-europe-how-do-we-strengthen-innovation-in-central-and-eastern-europe)

[18.03.2026

18 – 20 o'clock

Lecture series , Lecture

Ringvorlesung „Beziehungsweise Familie“ mit Dr. Lotte Warnsholdt

Schlossplatz, Berlin](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/events/details/ringvorlesung-beziehungsweise-familie-mit-dr-lotte-warnsholdt)

Have you decided to study? Here's what happens next:

[### Application information

The application procedure for a study place can vary depending on which degree you are aiming for and which university entrance qualification you have. You can find an overview here.](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/overview)

[### Study programme

What is HU offering? Find your degree programme!](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/study/study-programme)

We are happy to advise you

[### General student counselling

Do you need advice when choosing your degree programme? The General Student Advisory Service will be happy to help you.](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/study/service#c6300)

[### Student counselling

If you have any questions about the specific content and organisation of your studies, please contact the student advisory service of the relevant department.](https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/study/service#c3080)