FAQ - Study Program Revision 2026

This FAQ provides information for students affected by the revision of the Bachelor’s and Master’s major study programs in Computational Linguistics and Language Technology introduced in Fall 2026.

For general questions about module selection, additional requirements, study planning, or changing study programs, please see the FAQ – Managing Your Study Path.

Switching to the new BSc and MSc major programs

Can I switch to one of the new BSc or MSc major programs?

Yes. If you are currently enrolled in one of the previous CL major programs, you can switch to the revised BSc or MSc major program by changing your study program through the Student Service Portal.

The change follows the regular procedure and deadlines for study program changes. For details, please see the FAQ – Managing Your Study Path.

What happens to my additional requirements if I switch to the new MSc program?

Switching to the new MSc program does not normally change additional requirements that have already been assigned to you.

Modules you have already completed in the BSc program in Computational Linguistics and Language Technology remain valid for fulfilling these requirements. This applies regardless of whether you complete your MSc under the old or the new study program.

For information about choosing and assigning modules to your additional requirements, please see the FAQ – Managing Your Study Path.

Elective compulsory modules in module group “Introduction to CL”

What happens to Introduction to Computational Linguistics 2 (ICL 2, in German ECL 2) (06SM521-002) when I switch to the new BSc program?

From Fall 2026 onward, the former compulsory module Introduction to Computational Linguistics 2 is replaced by a choice between three elective compulsory modules (WP), each worth 3 ECTS credits:

• Introduction to Experimental Research (06SM523-101)
• Introduction to Speech and Voice Processing (06SM523-102)
• Introduction to Visual Language Processing (06SM523-103)

If you have already passed ICL 2, its 3 ECTS credits fulfill this new WP requirement. You do not need to take one of the new modules in addition.

If you have not passed ICL 2, you must complete at least one of the three new WP modules. You can choose based on availability and interest.

ECTS credits when switching to the new program

Will I lose ECTS credits from modules that have fewer ECTS credits in the new program?

No. Previously completed study achievements remain valid. If you completed an earlier version of a module with a higher number of ECTS credits, the ECTS credits you earned are retained when you switch to the new program.

For example, if you have already completed an earlier version of Programming Techniques in Computational Linguistics 1 (06SM521-004, 9 ECTS) or Introduction to Computational Linguistics 1 (06SM521-001, 6 ECTS), with a higher number of ECTS credits, you do not lose credits because the corresponding module has fewer ECTS credits in the revised program.

2025 cohort: Machine Learning module

If I switch to the new BSc for HS26, can I still take the Machine Learning module as planned in the old curriculum?

Yes. The Machine Learning module is offered additionally in HS26 as a transition measure, in particular for students who started their studies in Fall 2025. You can therefore switch to the new curriculum and still take Machine Learning in HS26 as originally planned.

After HS26, the module will be offered regularly in the Spring semester.

Please have a look at the slides presented on 17 February 2026 at the Infoveranstaltung: Neuerungen im Bachelor-Studienprogramm Computerlinguistik & Sprachtechnologie ab HS26 (PDF, 1 MB)