Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The IMES program brings together students from diverse academic backgrounds. Because it is highly interdisciplinary, it is possible that you have already acquired specific competencies in a previous degree program that are also taught within IMES.
In such cases, you may apply for formal recognition of academic achievements—provided that the coursework or examination is equivalent in terms of level, workload, and learning outcomes.
This process is grounded in the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, an international agreement that promotes academic mobility and lifelong learning by ensuring fair and transparent recognition of prior learning across borders.
This page explains the procedure, requirements, and conditions for submitting a request.
Please read all the information carefully before deciding whether to apply. Recognition is not granted automatically. Each request is assessed individually and must be clearly justified.
This page addresses the recognition of prior learning from previous studies. For information on recognizing studies completed during the IMES mobility phase, please refer to Academic Recognition. Please read all the information carefully before deciding whether to submit an application. You might want to consider the information by HRK Modus.
What kind of institution must my prior studies come from?
To be eligible for recognition, your prior academic achievement must have been completed in a formally recognised degree program at a state-recognised higher education institution.
This is typically the case if:
- The achievement was completed in an accredited degree program at a German university, or in a program whose internal quality assurance system is accredited in Germany.
- The achievement was obtained in a degree program at a foreign university with a formal cooperation agreement with the University of Cologne for student exchange in the same subject area.
- The program was part of a joint degree offered in cooperation with a foreign university.
- The degree program is listed as accredited by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) in Germany. You can check your university and program in the official anabin database.
To be recognised, your prior course must be at a level that matches the academic depth and complexity of the IMES module you are applying to replace.
IMES modules are part of a Master’s program. This means:
- The previous achievement must come from a higher education course, typically at Bachelor’s or Master’s level.
- It must demonstrate equivalent learning outcomes, such as independent academic thinking, problem-solving skills, and subject-specific knowledge.
Bachelor-level courses can be recognised — but only if their level and learning outcomes match those of the IMES module.
Courses from non-university contexts or from lower levels (e.g. school, vocational training) cannot be recognised.
How is workload assessed?
Workload refers to the estimated time needed to complete a course, including preparation, attendance, assignments, and exams. It is usually measured in ECTS credit points or an equivalent system.
In the IMES program:
- Modules typically carry 6 ECTS credits (equivalent to about 180 hours of total work).
- For recognition, your prior course should have a comparable scope.
A slightly lower workload does not automatically exclude recognition — especially if the learning outcomes are still achieved.
However, if the prior course covers significantly less material or includes much less independent work, this may indicate a substantial difference and lead to rejection.
If your transcript does not use ECTS, please provide an explanation of how the workload is measured at your university (e.g. contact hours, total hours, credits).
Does the profile of my previous degree program matter?
Yes — for recognition, your prior academic achievement must come from a degree program whose academic profile aligns with the IMES curriculum.
This means:
- The program should provide an education that is comparable in academic goals and orientation.
- For example, if the IMES module is research-oriented and interdisciplinary, then your prior program should have supported analytical, theoretical, and/or interdisciplinary thinking.
If your previous program was primarily practice-based or vocational (e.g. technical training with minimal academic theory), this may not meet the expectations of the IMES curriculum.
However, a different profile is only relevant if it leads to a substantial difference in the competencies acquired. Profile alone does not automatically exclude recognition.
Do the learning outcomes need to match exactly?
No — recognition is not based on identical course content or titles.
Instead, the decision is made by comparing the intended learning outcomes — that is, what students are expected to know and be able to do after completing the course.
This includes:
- Subject knowledge and understanding
- Methodological or analytical skills
- Independent academic thinking
- Application of knowledge in scientific or professional contexts
For recognition to be granted:
- The learning outcomes of your previous course must be equivalent to those of the IMES module you wish to replace.
- A perfect match is not required — but the core outcomes must be comparable in depth and scope.
You should provide official module descriptions from your previous university that clearly describe the course’s learning outcomes. Additional documents (e.g. sample assignments, syllabi) may help support your application.
Before applying
We strongly recommend that you:
- Review the IMES module descriptions carefully
- Compare your previous academic work in terms of level, workload, and learning outcomes
- Contact the IMES Office if you are unsure whether your request is appropriate
Applications without sufficient documentation or academic justification will not be considered.
How to apply
- Download and complete the recognition application form in Adobe Reader and sign digitally (see Downloads & Documents). Please do not send scanned versions, as they disrupt our digital workflow.
- Prepare and attach the following supporting documents (in PDF format):
- Transcript of Records
- Module description (incl. content, learning outcomes, workload, exam format)
- Optional: relevant coursework (e.g. papers, presentations, exams)
- Submit your application by email to:
imes-info@uni-koeln.de
Subject: Recognition Application – [Your Full Name]
When to apply
You may submit an application for recognition at any time.
Under § 63a of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (HG NRW), there is no legal deadline for recognition requests.
We recommend submitting your application well before registering for the respective IMES module, especially if the recognition affects your individual study planning.
Processing time
Applications are reviewed by the IMES Examination Committee.
You will typically receive a written response within three months after submission of a complete application.
If your application is denied, you will receive a written explanation.
Questions?
If you are unsure whether your previous achievements are suitable for recognition, please contact us before applying at imes-info@uni-koeln.de.