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Bielefeld School of Public Health

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individual subsidiary subjects

Bachelor Public Health

The individual subsidiary subjects offer you, as a student, the opportunity to tailor your degree programme in your subject to your specific interests. In principle, you can choose from the university’s entire range of Bachelor’s programmes, as well as specially modularised or structured courses. The options available within the individual subsidiary subjects for the Bachelor’s in Public Health are outlined below. In all cases, please note the provisions in Section 13 of the Bachelor’s Examination Regulations, the subject-specific regulations for the Bachelor’s programme in Public Health, and any prerequisites that may apply to the modules and courses. The School of Public Health has provided a guide to assist you below.

In total, you must earn 30 credit points (CP) in the individual subsidiary subjects throughout your Bachelor’s program:

Chart showing the credit points to be earned in the BHC

In principle, within the individual subsidiary subjects section, you can choose from the university’s entire range of Bachelor’s programmes, as well as specially modularised or structured courses. The individual subsidiary subjects section comprises 30 credit points (CP) on the Bachelor’s in Public Health. You must put together the 30 CP yourself within the individual subsidiary subjects, subject to certain rules. It is important to bear in mind that, of the total 30 CP, 10 CP are accounted for by the pre-structured Individual Complementary component comprising the placement (40-BPH 40_Practical Placement). The remaining 20 CP can be studied in the form of modules and modularised courses. However, you may also study 10 CP of the 20 CP in the free choice area. This means you study courses and modules independently of any specific module structure. The resulting options available at the School of Public Health are outlined below.

Important: Regardless of which option you choose, when applying for your certificate, at least 20 credit points out of the 30 must have been earned through modules. Of these, 10 credit points are already covered by the placement module.

The various options available at the School of Public Health are set out below:

Internship option and modularised component

Diagram illustrating the work placement and modularised component options

Option: work placement, modular component and free-choice component

Diagram showing the options for the work placement, the modular section and the open section

The internship option and the structured IndiErg programs of the university

Infographic on the internship option and the structured IndiErg programs of the university

The aim of this module is to provide students with an initial introduction to the field of public health. To this end, students apply the skills and competences acquired in module 40-BPH_4, as well as the knowledge and skills they have acquired to date, to a limited practical field, and reflect on and deepen their understanding of these. At the same time, they acquire additional career-oriented qualifications and skills relevant to their chosen practical field. Students choose their practical field based on their individual interests – we recommend doing so with a view to their potential choice of specialisation.

Important: 10 LP of the 30 LP required as a pre-structured individual supplement must be completed through the placement (40-BPH_40). Here, students have the option of having relevant professional experience gained prior to enrolment recognised as part of their degree. Nevertheless, we recommend an additional, subject-relevant practical placement during the course.

In principle, within the individual subsidiary subjects, you can choose from the full range of Bachelor’s programmes offered by Bielefeld University (e.g. Bachelor’s modules from the Bachelor’s in Public Health that are not part of your degree program, IndiErg modules in Health Sciences, SPSS, language courses, (IndiErg) modules from other faculties, and courses offered by the SKILLS team), as well as specially modularised or structured programs (e.g. ‘Europe Intensive’, ‘students and commerce and industry’). It is important to note that 10 LP of the 30 LP must be covered by the pre-structured Individual Supplement in the form of the placement (40-BPH_40).

The regulations set out in the module handbooks and subject-specific regulations (FsB) of the faculties offering the modules apply to the selected modules. The examination formats are also regulated there. In principle, an ungraded examination performance is sufficient for examination formats in the individual subsidiary subjects. If the subject-specific regulations (FsB) of the respective faculties stipulate a marked examination, you must complete this. In the case of a marked module examination, the mark appears on your transcript but is not subsequently included in the calculation of your final degree mark. Modules may be subject to admission restrictions. Priority is given to students who are required to complete the modules as part of their degree. As a Bachelor’s student, you cannot select modules from the Master’s programme. Examination results and academic achievements for a module are recorded via the electronic examination management system. Here you can find the range of modules offered by other faculties for the individual subsidiary subjects.

You are also welcome to study modules from the Bachelor’s programme in Public Health, provided you do not require them to complete your degree. Here, for example, you can take compulsory-elective modules from the other profiles or study module 40-BPH_41 ‘Interdisciplinary Additional Qualifications’ (see below). However, you must not take the same courses or modules twice (Examination Regulations, Section 3(7)).

10 LP of the total 30 credit points may be earned through individual courses without a module assessment, or as part of modules. If, as part of these 10 LP courses, you choose courses to which no academic credit or module (or part) examination is assigned, there will be no course-specific mention on your transcript; the individual subsidiary subjects will then be marked as completed on your degree certificate application. Here you will find the range of courses offered by other faculties for the individual subsidiary subjects.

The ‘Interdisciplinary Additional Qualifications’ module is aimed at students on the Bachelor’s degree program in Public Health and is worth 10 LP. The module is designed to help students clarify, strengthen and reflect on their own skills profile. Students may select individual courses that help refine their own competence profile. 8 LP must be completed specifically for module 40-BPH_41. In the appendix to the module report, please include a list of all courses, specifying the semester and eKVV reference number, which you wish to count towards this module. Please ensure that you do not count any course twice, as these may also form part of your compulsory and selected compulsory-elective courses. In the module report (2 LP, approx. 2,500 words, no group work), you should reflect on your choice in the context of your individual study programme or, where applicable, a planned career goal. The courses attended must be listed in the appendix to the module report. Ungraded coursework is sufficient for this purpose. Further information can be found here.

Bachelor Health Communication

The options for Individual subsidiary subjects in the Bachelor Health Communication are described below. In any case, please observe the information in the Bachelor Examination Regulations § 13 and the subject-specific regulations of the Bachelor Health Communication and the existing prerequisites for the Modules and courses, if applicable. The Faculty of Health Sciences provides you with guidance below.
You will earn a total of 30 credit points (LP) in the Individual subsidiary subjects in your entire bachelor course:

In principle, you can choose from the entire Bachelor's programme of the university in the Individual subsidiary subjects as well as specially modularised or structured programmes. The Individual subsidiary subjects in the Bachelor Health Communication comprise 30 Credit points (LP). The 30 LP must be compiled in the Individual subsidiary subjects themselves, taking into account a few rules. It must always be taken into account that of the total 30 LP, 10 LP must be earned as a pre-structured individual supplement through the internship(40-M24). The remaining 20 LP can be studied in the form of Modules and modularised courses. However, you can also study 10 LP of the 20 LP in the free area. This means that you study courses and offers independently of modules. In the following, the resulting variants are presented, which are possible at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Important: Regardless of which variant you choose, at least 20 credit points of the 30 credit points must have been earned in the form of Modules when you apply for your certificate. Of these, 10 Credit points are already covered by the internship module.

In the following, you will be presented with the resulting different variants that are possible at the Faculty of Health Sciences:

Variant internship and modularised area

Credit points to be acquired via Modules and Internships

Variant internship, free area and modularised area

Credit points to be acquired via internships, Modules and free area

Variant Internship, Mike and Free Area

Credit points to be acquired via internships, Mike and free area

Variant Internship, Mike and modularised area

Credit points to be acquired via internships, Mike and Modules

Variant internship and structured IndiErg programmes of the university

Credit points to be earned via internships and structured programmes

In the Individual subsidiary subjects you can choose from the entire Bachelor's programme of Bielefeld University(e.g. Bachelor's modules Health Communication, IndiErg modules of the Health Sciences, SPSS, language courses, (IndiErg) modules of other faculties) as well as specially modularised or structured offers(e.g. Europe intensive, Students and Industry). We also offer you a wide range of modules that have been explicitly designed by us for your Individual subsidiary subjects and strengthen your competences in health science studies and also support you in your professional orientation. You can find this every semester in the electronic course catalogue (ekVV). It is important to note that 10 LP of the 30 LP must be completed as a pre-structured Individual Supplement through the internship(40-M24).
The regulations of the module guides and subject-specific regulations (FsB) of the Faculties from which the modules are offered apply to the selected modules. The forms of examination are also regulated there. In principle, one ungraded examination is sufficient for examinations in the Individual subsidiary subjects. If the FsBs of the respective Faculties provide for a graded examination, you must take it. In the case of a graded module examination, the grade is written in the transcript, but is not later included in the calculation of the overall grade. Modules may be subject to limited admission. In this case, students who have to complete the module for their degree have priority. Modules from the Master's programme cannot be selected for you as a Bachelor's student. Examination requirements / credits of a module are booked via the electronic examination management.
You are also welcome to study modules from the Bachelor Public Health, provided you do not need them for your degree. However, you may not study any modules twice(examination regulations §3 Para. 7).
 

Of the 20 LP, 10 LP can be completed in the form of individual courses without module completion, but also as Modules. If you choose courses within the scope of these 10 LPs to which no study requirements or module (partial) examination is assigned, no course-specific mention is made in the transcript; the individual subsidiary subjects are then marked as completed in the certificate application.

Master Public Health

The Individual subsidiary subjects in the Master Public Health is a compulsory area of your Master's programme, which comprises 6 Credit points. In any case, please observe the information in the Master's examination regulations and the subject-specific regulations of the Master Public Health. Please also note any existing prerequisites for the modules and courses. The Faculty of Public Health provides you with guidance below.

Diagram of the Credit points to be acquired in the MPH

In the Individual subsidiary subjects you can choose from your own Master's programme, the entire Bachelor's programme of Bielefeld University(e.g. Bachelor's modules in Health Communication, IndiErg modules in Health Sciences, SPSS, language courses, (IndiErg) modules of other Faculties) as well as specially modularised or structured programmes(e.g. Europe intensive, Students and Commerce and Industry). The Faculty also offers you a wide range of courses(e.g. for career orientation and profile building), which are specially designed for the Individual subsidiary subjects. You can find this every semester in the electronic course catalogue (ekVV). You are free to design the area as you wish. This means you can decide for yourself which modules and courses you choose. You are also welcome to study modules from the entire Master Public Health programme, as long as you do not need them for the degree. However, you may not study any modules twice (examination regulations §3, Para. 7).

We strongly recommend the possibility to study the IndiErg module "40-MPH-Prak Supplementary Internship". In order to strengthen an international profile, either an internship abroad with public health references or an internship in Germany with a strong international reference (e.g. in an NGO based in Germany) must be completed.
In principle, however, the same regulations apply to the "International Perspectives of Public Health" profile as to the "In-depth interdisciplinary content and approaches to public health" profile.

The "Health Science Supplementary Module" comprises 6 LP and can only be studied in the Master's programme. The aim of the Modules is to expand your knowledge in sub-disciplines of health communication. You study courses with a total of 6 LP. You will complete the corresponding study requirements / credits and the corresponding module examination.

In the Individual subsidiary subjects you can choose from your own Master's programme, the entire Bachelor's programme of Bielefeld University (e.g. Bachelor's modules in Health Communication, IndiErg modules in Health Sciences, SPSS, language courses, (IndiErg) modules of other Faculties) as well as specially modularised or structured programmes (e.g. Europe intensive, Students and Commerce and Industry). The Faculty also offers a wide range of courses (e.g. for career orientation and profile building), which are specially designed for the Individual subsidiary subjects. You can find this every semester in the electronic course catalogue (ekVV). You are free to design the area as you wish. This means you can decide for yourself which modules and courses you choose. You are also welcome to study modules from the entire Master Public Health programme, as long as you do not need them for the degree. However, you are not allowed to study any modules twice (examination regulations §3 Abs. 7).

This entry is based on the subject-specific regulations (FsB) for the subject Public Health of 02.11.2018 with correction of 02.05.2019.
These FsB apply to all students who have enrolled for a Master's programme with the subject Public Health at Bielefeld University from the Winter semester 2018/2019 and up to and including the Summer semester 2023 and who complete this subject by the end of the Summer semester 2025.

Specific Modules and Courses of the Individual subsidiary subjects for Bachelor and Master students of Health Sciences

At the Faculty of Public Health, there are several courses that deal with the topic of career orientation during studies. The main topics are, among others, the reflection of (inter)disciplinary competences and individual profile formation. The courses offered are closely related to the Bielefeld Competence Logbook, which was developed at the Faculty and supports students in documenting and reflecting on the skills and competences acquired during their studies - and beyond. The following courses are offered for career orientation and can be found in the electronic course catalogue (eKVV):

  • 400004 ICP - Individual Career Portfolio - Career Path Planning with Portfolio Work (S).
  • 400006 Career Orientation in the Health Sciences (BS)
  • 400007 Knowing what I can and want - shaping studies and careers individually with the Bielefeld Competence Logbook (S)

All courses can be taken and credited in the supplementary modules (Health Communication, Health Sciences).

The "Mike Module" has a scope of 10 LP. The Modules is intended to clarify, strengthen and reflect on one's own competence profile. Individual courses can be selected that sharpen one's own competence profile. 8 LP must be studied specifically for Module 40-M26. In the appendix of the module report, please attach a list of all courses with the semester and eKVV document number that you would like to claim as part of MiKE. Make sure that you do not study any event twice, as it is also part of your Obligation and chosen Elective courses. In the module report (2 LP, 2,500 words, no group work), you reflect on your choice in the context of your individual course of study or, if applicable, a planned career goal. The courses attended are listed in the appendix of the module report. Ungraded academic achievements are sufficient. Further information can be found here.

The module "Health Communication 1" comprises 10 LP. The aim of the Modules is to expand your knowledge in sub-disciplines of health communication. You study courses with a total of 10 LP. You will complete the corresponding study requirements / credits and the corresponding module examination.

The module "Health Communication 2" comprises 5 LP. The aim of the Modules is to expand your knowledge in sub-disciplines of health communication. You study courses with a total of 5 LP. You will complete the corresponding study requirements / credits and the corresponding module examination.

This Modules is about teaching the basics of using SPSS in empirical research. The acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities to record research data in SPSS and to process it for statistical analyses is the aim of the module. The importance of statistical software for the adequate examination of statistical data material as well as the knowledge of descriptive and simple analytical procedures with the support of SPSS is taught.

Every semester, the Faculty offers you a wide range of courses specially designed for Individual subsidiary subjects, e.g. on career orientation, career planning and communication. You can use these both as part of Modules or for the free Individual subsidiary subjects. Just take a look at the current semester under "Individual subsidiary subjects".

Structured IndiErg programmes of the university

In principle, the entire Bachelor's programme of all Faculties is available to you in the Individual subsidiary subjects in the Bachelor's and Master's degree, within the scope of available resources and in compliance with the module requirements. Some Faculties also offer specific IndiErg Modules for students from other disciplines. Please refer to the corresponding information pages of the subjects. A complete overview can be found here.
In addition, Bielefeld University offers various structured programmes for Individual subsidiary subjects, which are presented below.

The Students and Commerce and Industry program is aimed at students of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences who want to look beyond their own degree programme. The programme starts on the Summer semester of each year. The application period always runs until around mid-December. You acquire 20 LP with successful degree of the programme.

The qualification program "Europa Intensiv" offers the possibility of an interdisciplinary examination of the European Union and the process of European integration as well as orientation with regard to a professional activity. During the two-semester programme, participants learn about Europe from the perspective of

  • Law (e.g. European law, comparative law, constitutional systems),
  • Economics (e.g. foreign trade policy, EU internal market),
  • Humanities (e.g. history of European integration) and
  • Sociology (e.g. organs and institutions of the EU)

in various forms of teaching by representatives of the respective disciplines. The application deadline is usually mid-January. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will acquire 20 LP.

FAQs

You decide! There is no recommendation as to when you should study the Individual subsidiary subjects. The entire Individual subsidiary subjects must be completed by the end of the programme.

There is no area in the examination management in which the Individual subsidiary subjects are explicitly marked as such. You must therefore check yourself which academic achievements you have made in your transcript for the Individual subsidiary subjects. You only assign the academic achievements to the Individual subsidiary subjects when you apply for your certificate.

Yes, you must study the internship in Modules 40-M24 in the Bachelor.

Information for non-specialist students

You are a non-specialist and would like to study health science Modules? We offer various modules for the Individual subsidiary subjects for students from other disciplines. Please note the subject-specific regulations of your degree programme and our modules.

This Modules is about teaching the basics of using SPSS in empirical research. The acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities to record research data in SPSS and to process it for statistical analyses is the aim of the module. The importance of statistical software for the adequate examination of statistical data material as well as the knowledge of descriptive and simple analytical procedures with the support of SPSS is taught.

The module is aimed at students of all subjects who want to gain an overview of topics, theories and methods of health communication. On the one hand, students are introduced to the fundamentals of communication science and health science, which are the core components of the degree programme in health communication. On the other hand, the demographic foundations of social security, which are central to the subject area of health communication, are studied in depth. The students thus receive a broad overview of the subject area of health communication.

The module is aimed at students who want to get to know the structure and interface of Tableau Desktop and Tableau Prep. The preparation and visual analysis of data is also part of the module, as is the creation and design of cartographic and interactive illustrations. Creating dashboards and stories and calculating and filtering are also covered.

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