If the essay reveals gaps in the material or in the student's knowledge, these are discussed and the essay must be repeated. At the end of the course an overall assessment of all the essays is made, and this provides the course grade. This is done with the consent of the professor involved and while taking the wishes of the student into account. The main supervisor is always a professor from the Department of Horticulture of the University of Hanover. Professors from other universities or recognised scientists from outside the universities can be nominated as supervisors.
Students have the right to ask their supervisors for academic advice at all times.
Three times during the academic year the student is obliged to give the supervisory committee an account of his or her course of study so far and of the progress of the research project. This interim report forms the basis for the discussion during the internal colloquium, at which the minutes are taken by the main supervisor. A copy of the interim report and the minutes must be sent to the board of examiners for the examination records. The dates of the internal colloquia are laid down by the main supervisor after consultation with the members of the committee. After reading it, the main supervisor can require the student to make corrections with regard to the substance and the form.