The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg will firmly anchor the topic of sustainability in its teaching with the introduction of a new interdisciplinary study programme. Starting in the winter semester of 2021/22, students from all disciplines at the university will be able to acquire a so-called Sustainability Certificate. This additional university teaching offer is unique in Saxony-Anhalt.
The certificate is acquired by attending both courses already offered and newly designed courses tailored to the topic of sustainability and is handed out separately from the final certificate. In terms of content, the focus is on the three subject areas of the fundamentals of sustainability, business and technology, as well as society and politics. The courses are interdisciplinary and are offered by different faculties.
Prof. Dr. Michael Böcher from the University's Department of Political Science with a Focus on Sustainable Development initiated the Sustainability Certificate. (Photo: Jana Dünnhaupt/ University of Magdeburg)
Threats such as climate change, scarcity of resources or social injustice are the central and global challenges of our time, says initiator Prof. Michael Böcher from the university's Department of Political Science with a focus on sustainable development. "We want to prepare our students to take on social responsibility and make their own contribution to more sustainability, we want to enable them to tackle and actively shape their future," the political scientist continues. Questions of sustainable development are now the focus of politics, business and research. The certificate is therefore aimed at students of all disciplines in order to set an additional subject focus in their education and to acquire competences in questions of sustainable development.
The certificate is part of the University of Magdeburg's sustainability strategy. Among other things, the university commits itself to anchoring topics of sustainable development in its teaching.
The new study offer is open to all students who are enrolled at the University of Magdeburg. There are no additional fees.
