Free Specialization Module

The Free Specialization Module (FSM) in the MIBS allows students to take electives of their choice within their aea studies. All courses taught at FAU can be considered as FSM, if accepted by the area coordinator.

Attention: Students who started the MIBS in 2020 or later: A maximum of 10 ECTS is allowed as FSM in the area studies. Students who started the MIBS in 2019 or earlier: A maximum of 20 ECTS is allowed as FSM in the area studies.

Courses that are listed in the module handbook in the respective area are regular area study courses. You can register for the examinations of these courses directly with the examinations office via Campo and do not need an FSM learning agreement (please visit the MIBS StudOn group for the respective form to register the exam with the examinations office). Courses that cannot be found in the MHB under an area heading are not area study courses. If these courses suit your area specialization, you may apply for acceptance of the course as an FSM. Please note that the FSM is not intended to file for acceptance of courses that belong to other areas. For example, students studying Asia should not integrate a course categorized in the European area as an FSM.

There are two types of FSM courses, i.e., courses that have been accepted previously and courses that have not been accepted as FSM. In case you have found a course that was already accepted, please inform yourself at the respective department if the course is still offered and is still open for MIBS students, under which terms the course is offered, and whether there are any restrictions on admission. If the course was recognized as an FSM before, it is necessary to visit the examination office (Mrs. Baumann) during the examination registration period and file the FSM form, which includes the course name and examination number. The examination office will register you for the respective examinations. The FSM form is available in the MIBS StudOn group.

In case you would like to take a course that has not been accepted as an FSM yet, you will need to file for acceptance for your respective area.

For areas “English-speaking countries” and “Romance countries”:

If you want to take a course not included in the FSM list yet, you will have to send a written statement to your area program coordinator (English-speaking countries: Prof. C. Moser; Romance countries: Prof. Gardini). This written statement needs to state why the respective course is suitable to your area and which objective you pursue by taking that course. The letter of two pages needs to contain the following information:

  • First and last name of student
  • Matriculation number of student
  • Course name and chair / professor
  • Course number / course unique ID (4 digits)
  • Examination number(s) (5 digits)

If the course is accepted, you will receive a learning agreement. This learning agreement must be presented to the examination office during the examination registration period in order to register for the examination along with the FSM form mentioned above.

For areas “Europe” and “Asia”:

Please use the application form in the MIBS StudOn group to apply for a learning agreement. The form will be made available at the beginning of the semester. MIBS students receive an e-mail once the registration process starts.