Teaching profile

Teaching for tomorrow

At the University of Freiburg, students learn to think critically, solve problems and take on social responsibility – skills that are essential for meeting the complex demands of the present and the future. This is underpinned by the development of subject-specific expertise, methodological competence and academic rigour. Building on this, the University of Freiburg supports students in pursuing their interests with curiosity and across disciplinary boundaries. They are encouraged to apply the interdisciplinary knowledge they have acquired to complex problems and societal challenges. Courses on self-management, career-oriented skills and key competencies also help students prepare for working life. This comprehensive education prepares students at the University of Freiburg for successful careers both within and outside academia.

At the University of Freiburg, teaching and learning take place not only across disciplines but also across national borders. Through international networks such as EPICUR and EUCOR, digital formats with partner universities, English-language programmes and binational degree programmes, students at the University of Freiburg have access to a European higher education area that also enables joint degrees. Partnerships with universities outside Europe enable study abroad placements from the USA to New Zealand.

The University of Freiburg supports teaching staff in continuously developing their teaching skills and implementing innovative approaches. In particular, it promotes the integration of Artificial Intelligence into teaching, digital teaching, learning and assessment formats, and the development of interdisciplinary programmes. Guidance on the development of teaching concepts is provided by the University of Freiburg’s Mission Statement for Learning and Teaching, which was last revised in 2025.

Mission statement for learning and teaching

We teach and conduct research in a spirit of freedom and responsibility, and we place great importance on our students learning through the integration of research and teaching. We nurture students to become independent and reflective individuals, and together we prepare ourselves for the challenging tasks facing society. We view the diversity of our students and staff as an asset. With its wide range of disciplines, our comprehensive university offers students and staff the opportunity to understand interdisciplinary connections through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Lifelong learning is central to our educational philosophy, and so the university aims to provide the best possible learning and working conditions for both academic study and continuing professional development.

Social responsibility guides us in our teaching and learning. Shaped by our location in the tri-national Upper Rhine metropolitan region, we embody internationalism at the heart of Europe and forge connections across borders. Our rich natural environment compels us to act responsibly and sustainably in our use of resources. To this end, the University forges links with society and the business community; 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 motivation. They learn the principles of good academic practice and are empowered to think and act independently, scientifically and critically. They develop their skills in core disciplines and within interdisciplinary contexts. Students play an active role in shaping their studies and learning processes, participate in quality assurance, and are supported by the University in their engagement.

Through research-oriented topics, teaching staff stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm for academia; they continue to develop, supported by university teaching support services, and are able to test learning and teaching concepts. They offer a range of tailored support and advisory services for all stages of undergraduate and doctoral studies. In the spirit of mutually reinforcing excellent research and excellent teaching, lecturers challenge and encourage the independence of students and doctoral candidates, as well as their ability to think and act in a research-oriented manner through constant dialogue. Face-to-face teaching at the University of Freiburg is supplemented by digital teaching tailored to specific subjects and needs. Our competence-oriented learning and teaching methods are continuously evaluated and further developed. The guiding principle here is to ensure high quality in teaching and learning.

The University of Freiburg thus promotes science-based thinking, critical reflection and independent creativity in learning and teaching, and supports all its members in acquiring the knowledge, skills and key competences needed to act in a reflective, responsible and successful manner.

For more information

The Mission Statement for Learning and Teaching was drawn up in 2018 with the involvement of students, teaching staff and administrative staff. From 2024 onwards, the Academic Affairs Division undertook a review of the mission statement in consultation with the faculties and relevant bodies, and updated it in 2025. The mission statement has a significant influence on teaching and learning at the University of Freiburg and provides guidance to students and teaching staff alike.

Teaching that builds resilience for the future

At the University of Freiburg, students acquire interdisciplinary skills that prepare them for the complex challenges of the present and the future.

They learn to think critically, solve problems and take responsibility for society. In addition to specialist knowledge, they require fundamental key skills, career-oriented competencies and the ability to manage themselves, which they can develop through courses on personal development.

In career-oriented modules, experts from the professional world teach practical skills relevant to the workplace. Students can put these skills into practice, for example by combining social engagement with their studies.

Developing skills during your studies

Gathering practical experience during your studies

University College Freiburg

Interdisciplinary teaching

An increasingly complex and interconnected world requires the ability to solve problems across disciplines. Interdisciplinarity is therefore a central principle of teaching at the University of Freiburg: students learn to combine academic insights and methods from different disciplines in order to address complex issues.

The University encourages students to pursue their interests beyond the boundaries of their own degree programmes. They are supported in tailoring their educational pathways to their individual needs and in developing personal professional profiles that will enable them to tackle the challenges of the present and the future.

Interdisciplinary degree programmes

International teaching

At the University of Freiburg, teaching and learning take place across national borders. Throughout their studies, students can gain international experience in Freiburg and abroad, whilst enhancing their linguistic and cultural skills.

Through international partnerships with other universities, cross-border courses, binational degree programmes and English-language courses, a European higher education area with joint degrees is emerging. Partnerships with universities across Europe and worldwide enable study abroad opportunities from Strasbourg to Sydney.

European associations

International teaching and learning