University of Erfurt starts new field of study for sustainable development!

University of Erfurt starts new field of study for sustainable development!

The University of Erfurt is setting new accents in education for sustainable development (ESD) and is introducing a new study profile with a focus on “sustainability” from the winter semester of 2025/26. This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the KLIMA-N project and aims to enable students to engage more deeply with sustainable issues. Loud uni-erfurt.de The existing compulsory, compulsory and elective courses offer a solid basis for future in-depth study in this area.

Prof. Dr. Julia Knop, Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasizes that there is an increased demand from students for an official recognition of their participation in sustainability events. In order to receive the new study profile, students must demonstrate a total of 24 credit points (LP/ECTS) in relevant coursework. The relevance of the courses is determined by the teachers, and proof is provided via the transcript of records.

Positive response and feasibility

Bettina Hollstein, the presidential representative for sustainability, interviewed curriculum designers in advance about the existing modules and events. The response to this survey was consistently positive and shows the feasibility of the desired study profile. A comprehensive information event for teachers and students will take place in the coming summer semester to explain the details of the new study profile.

The topic of sustainability is also becoming increasingly relevant in vocational training. Since August 2021, “sustainability” has been a mandatory part of the standard professional profile positions in training regulations, such as bne-portal.de reports. However, this also brings challenges. Uncertainties remain about the practical implementation of the principle of sustainability in vocational training, which underlines the need for solutions. An anthology on the topic highlights the difficulties and potential and provides impulses for transformation in vocational training.

Vocational training as the key to sustainable transformation

In this context, the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) emphasizes that vocational training is a key factor for the sustainable transformation of our society. The BIBB initiatives focus on supporting companies that want to develop as sustainable learning places. bibb.de reports on various programs for actively shaping change.

Every profession offers opportunities to actively participate in sustainable transformation, with the aim of anchoring sustainability in the practice of training and further education. Dealing with these topics will be of crucial importance not only for the students at the University of Erfurt, but also for future specialists in companies.

Overall, the developments at the University of Erfurt and in vocational training show the growing awareness of the need for sustainable thinking and action, which is crucial for a sustainable society.