Holistic education and research more necessary than ever

It was almost a miracle 40 years ago, on 30 April 1983, when the first 27 students entered Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), enabling Germany's first private university to begin campus operations against all previous odds. The UW/H has remained true to its promise ever since: The model university has revolutionised education and research with new learning and examination formats, rebuilt medical studies and consistently focused on practice and the well-being of patients. With a unique study model and new degree programmes geared towards planetary challenges, it is now driving forward the socially just, ecological transformation of the health care system, economy and society.

"As revolutionary as our approach was 40 years ago, it is existentially necessary today. As a university, we offer an inspiring place that stimulates personal growth in an extraordinary way. Our history is characterised by people who take responsibility, get involved and contribute to positive change in society," explains UW/H President Prof. Dr Martin Butzlaff and promises: "We will continue to realise visionary ideas in order to provide impetus as a pioneer in the areas of health, business and society."

The "Bachelor of Choice" reinvents the business degree programme

The Bachelor of Choice, which the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society will introduce in the winter semester 2023/24, sets new standards: This study model, which is unique in Germany, allows students to spend a year getting to know different departments before finally deciding on a degree programme. The degree programme also includes the new Bachelor's degree programme "Global Sustainability: Climate, Justice, Transformation", which enables students to initiate and implement urgently needed social change in times of climate crisis.

The International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation [tra:ce], which was founded in October 2022, develops concrete, academically sound recommendations for action for socio-ecological transformation. "Our research aims to help enable and strengthen responsible, sustainable and democratic decision-making in times of multiple crises," emphasises Prof. Dr Petra Thürmann, Vice President for Research and member of the [tra:ce] Board of Directors.

The Income Share Agreement (ISA) developed by Witten students has enabled UW/H students to finance their studies in a socially responsible way since 1995. At the heart of all 16 degree programmes at Witten is the Studium fundamentale: here, students are encouraged to temporarily leave the tunnel vision of their own subject studies and engage in interdisciplinary exchange.

University invites you to an information day on 3 June 2023

In order to accommodate the growing number of students and employees, the university opened one of the most sustainable university buildings in Germany in October 2021. Since then, the timber hybrid building has become a magnet for politicians, public figures, university officials and citizens and can be visited on regular campus tours.

If you would like to find out more about studying at the university, you can exchange ideas with students at the information day and experience Witten's unique teaching concept live in lectures and seminars.