Prevention against extremism: New study program launched in Heidelberg!

Prevention against extremism: New study program launched in Heidelberg!

On July 3, 2025, the challenge of recognizing and countering extremist trends will become increasingly present. These movements have gained visibility in recent years not only in the real world but also in the digital space. The question of whether individuals provoke or actually develop extremist attitudes presents professionals with new challenges. In order to counteract these developments, the Heidelberg University of Education has been offering comprehensive contact studies on the prevention of extremism and radicalization since 2021, which is aimed specifically at specialists who work with young people. Loud PH Heidelberg The next course starts in November 2025, and those interested can register now.

The contact course is subject to a fee and is divided into three thematic blocks, each consisting of 1.5 online seminar days and self-study phases of two to six weeks. The topics covered include religiously motivated extremism, the radicalization process and current developments in Germany and Europe. The blocks combine research-based input with case studies and application tasks.

Pedagogical approaches and further training opportunities

The entire course is led by an experienced team led by Professor Dr. Havva Engin stands. They receive support from Dženeta Isaković and Günther Bubenitschek. As part of the further training, participants also have the opportunity to exchange ideas in a group with experts from various fields of practice. Further information about registration is available until October 15, 2025 www.ph-heidelberg.de/professional-school available.

In addition to the programs at PH Heidelberg, the continuing education landscape will include a comprehensive range of offerings to support prevention work. The Federal Agency for Civic Education ( bpb.de ), for example, lists several events in 2023, such as the online training “Confronting group-related misanthropy online”, which will take place from October 9th to December 18th, 2023.

Many of the training courses deal with innovative approaches to political education and universal prevention work. Other topics range from radicalization to specific challenges arising from terrorism in Israel. The diverse offerings aim to support and continually qualify specialists in prevention work.

E-learning and research

Another important aspect of further training to prevent extremism is e-learning. This is supported by the project “Activation of healthcare professionals for the topic of extremism prevention through qualification and networking”, which is led by Dr. Thea Rau at Ulm University Hospital. Close collaboration with the research group for violence, developmental psychopathology and forensics illustrates the interdisciplinary approach.

The project team, which includes experts from various fields, includes both psychologists and social workers who have specific expertise in dealing with radicalization processes and extremism. This diversity of expertise is intended to help develop new perspectives and effective interventions in prevention work.

By combining face-to-face events, online training and practice-oriented approaches, the educational landscape aims to equip specialists for the challenges of preventing extremism. The focus is on training and raising awareness among employees in order to offer young people a safe environment and strengthen their resilience to extremist ideologies.