The core lectures in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes usually include a written exam of 60 minutes, which takes place after the lecture period. There is usually the option to retake an exam in the term after for any students who failed their first attempt. As with any examinations, students must register for written exams.

Inspection of written exams

Students may inspect their written exams at the department by prior appointment during certain periods in order to get an understanding of how they received their mark.

Students must book an appointment. An online form is available on this webpage during the registration period. After the end of that period, no requests for inspection are accepted. Requests for inspecting exams from earlier semesters are not accepted. The registration period and the expected date for the inspection is communicated each semester. The date usually lies in the first months of the following semester and is announced about 6 weeks in advance in accordance with the guidelines of the examination office. The inspection of rewrite and repeat exams takes place on the same date. Registered students will receive details on the date of the inspection shortly after the end of the registration period.

The identity of the respective student must be verified before the examination documents are handed out. For this purpose, a photo ID must be presented in conjunction with the student ID or a certificate of enrolment (digital or in paper form). If the inspection is to be carried out by an authorised representative, he or she must present their own photo ID and a corresponding power of attorney or the student ID or a certificate of enrolment (digital or paper) of the student who has taken the examination.

The exam inspection takes place in person. There is no online inspection. Students that cannot attend in person can send an authorised representative.

The deadline of registration for the review of exams written in the summer term 2025 has passed.
The inspection will take place November 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm in the IBW-building, except for the Public Policy Exam (Prof. Bechtel) which will be on December 15 (registrations via e-mail).

Students may request a re-marking of their written exam by sending a brief statement that clearly explains any issues to the department (polisci.pdwiso.uni-koeln.de) within two weeks after the inspection. The chair will give a formal response within two weeks or schedule a meeting with the student.

Also note the policy on exam inspections and revision of marks.