Coburg University is a public university financed by the Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science, and the Arts. As its English translation "University of Applied Sciences and Arts" suggests, a Hochschule is characterized by practice-related teaching and research and a strong practical bias. Its educational philosophy is designed to enable its students to apply their theoretical knowledge and methodological know-how to solving concrete problems in their professional careers. During their studies, the students at Coburg University are systematically trained to develop those skills. To make sure that students never lose sight of the practical relevance of what they are learning, both full-time and part-time faculty must have gained ample experience in leading positions of business and administration.
Except for art-related programs, the standard length of bachelor's degree programs in seven semesters is an internship rule.
As recent studies on university graduates' career show, only those who have combined theory with practice while studying are prepared for a positive start in their career.
At Coburg University, all undergraduate programs include a required internship. Project work – often across disciplinary boundaries – is part of student life. And seminars and projects with companies and social institutions are standard components of our programs of study.
Coburg University is in intensive contact with professionals. All professors must have worked for several years in their field before being appointed to the university. The professors' practical experience benefits the students, especially in their projects and theses, in which they must solve problems with a high degree of practical relevance.
At the very core of science and education are curiosity and the joy of exploration. The wider the field of vision, the more there is to discover: The Coburg University is doing its part to ensure that students can develop to their full potential. The Academic Center for Sciences and Humanities offers a wide range of lectures and seminars in various academic fields, such as philosophy, history, natural and human sciences, and languages. Experts and periodically report on their fields. Learning about culture – and learning through culture itself – is something our students do in various initiatives. These include the cultural offering "Caution Feeling," the university choir, the cabaret group, and the debating society.
The demands of studying are increasing: Young people are expected to begin studying earlier, to acquire a great deal of knowledge in a short time, and to develop their social skills. In our opinion, this is only possible in an integrated model. Groups of students from various programs cooperate to complete interdisciplinary projects that are integrated into the programs of study, thereby honing their soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. They learn to recognize what is essential in solving problems and to use their knowledge effectively.
At the same time, the individual support of students is becoming more and more critical. This is because access to higher education is now very diverse. Students come to the university with different strengths and weaknesses: one has completed a vocational education program without academic preparation in secondary school. Another has a foundation of theoretical knowledge but little practical experience. To compensate for this, we offer our students comprehensive individual counseling services. With the individual attention it provides to students, this interdisciplinary program is the cornerstone of "The Coburg Way. " This project has been fully funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research over several years.
"As humans, we need family-friendliness." This aspect of our mission statement is reflected in the certificate "Family-Friendly University". As one of the first universities in Germany, in 2007, Coburg University received the necessary certificate from berufundfamilie gGmbH, the Hertie Foundation initiative. A re-audit took place in 2014.
Students, teachers, and employees are equally involved in the auditing process. The topic "Compatibility of family and studies or work" is a central concern of Coburg University. By improving the conditions, students and university staff who take on family responsibilities are equally supported. Family friendliness is not only aimed at families with children. Preferably it also includes the increasing proportion of families who assume responsibility for the care of relatives. Students and staff receive support in the Family Office of the university.
The University's Mission Statement states: "As people, we need to be both cosmopolitan and rooted. We see ourselves as an active crosslinking agent. Our university offers a platform allowing the region and the world to meet academically, economically, and culturally. Internationality is promoted in many programs."
Our University Development Plan 2020 enshrines internationalization as one of our five strategic development objectives through 2020. It states: "We see international mobility and intercultural experience as a stimulus for a cosmopolitan mindset. Coburg University uses the globalized world as an opportunity for worldwide participation in the scientific community. It is anchored regionally and networked internationally as a cooperation partner in research and teaching. "
VIDEOS
