Guiding principles for learning and teaching
What values and principles does the University of Freiburg stand for in the areas of learning, teaching and studying? How can its teaching and learning culture be described? What are its aspirations – also for the future – by which it wants to be measured?
In a multi-stage process and with the involvement of all relevant stakeholder groups, a mission statement for learning and teaching was created in 2018, which will significantly shape teaching and studying in the coming years and provide guidance for students and teaching staff alike. In 2024, the Academic Affairs Division revised the mission statement with the involvement of the faculties and committees and updated it in 2025.
We teach and conduct research in freedom and with responsibility, and we place great importance on the integration of research and teaching as the foundation of our students’ learning. We educate our students to become independent and reflective thinkers, as we prepare together to take on societal challenges. We see the diversity of our learners and teachers as a valuable asset. With its many disciplines, our full university offers students and teachers the opportunity to collaborate across departments and engage in interdisciplinary perspectives. As lifelong learning is central to our educational philosophy, the university aspires to provide the best possible learning and working environment for both university studies and continuing education.
In our teaching and learning, we are guided by social responsibility. Shaped by our location in the tri-national Upper Rhine metropolitan region, we embody internationalism in the heart of Europe and forge connections across borders. Our rich natural environment obliges us to use resources responsibly and sustainably. To this end, the university builds relationships with society and the business sector. Regional engagement and strong partnerships are an integral part of the academic culture at the University of Freiburg.
Students enrich the university with their perspectives and drive. They learn the principles of good academic practice and are empowered to think and act critically and independently, informed by academic reasoning. They develop their competencies in core academic fields as well as in interdisciplinary contexts. Students are actively involved in shaping their degree programmes and learning processes. They participate in the quality assurance of their studies and the university supports their engagement.
Teachers inspire curiosity and a passion for academic inquiry through research-based topics. Supported by didactic development opportunities, they pursue professional growth and can experiment with innovative teaching and learning concepts. They offer targeted guidance and support for all stages of study, including doctoral research. In the spirit of promoting excellence in both research and teaching, teachers actively encourage and support the autonomy of students and doctoral candidates and foster their ability to engage in research-oriented thinking and practice through continuous dialogue. At the University of Freiburg, classroom teaching is supplemented by digitally supported instruction that reflects the subject matter and specific needs. Our competence-based learning and teaching methods undergo continual evaluation and development, guided by a commitment to ensuring high quality teaching and learning.
The University of Freiburg thus promotes academic reasoning, critical reflection and independent creativity in learning and teaching. It supports all of its members in acquiring the knowledge, competencies and key qualifications they need to act thoughtfully, responsibly and successfully.