Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Darmstadt, h_da) puts science into action. With a student body of approx. 15,000, it is one of the largest and most distinguished universities of applied sciences in Germany. Its excellent reputation is the result of a scientifically grounded, real-world approach to higher education and the professional success of its graduates. The 2006 “trendence” study, for example, ranked h_da graduates in the top five among German Universities of Applied Sciences. And according to a survey conducted by the business magazine Wirtschaftswoche, h_da graduates have long been among the favorite picks of German companies.

---

In addition, since its founding in the 1970s, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences has considerably expanded its services and expertise in applied research and development. Thus, it is in a development of the Hessian HAWs, which resulted in 2016 in the renaming of universities of applied sciences in universities of applied sciences and its own doctoral right for research-intensive fields.

Accompanying studies Social and Cultural Studies (SuK)

A special feature of the University of Darmstadt is the Accompanying Studies Social and Cultural Studies (SuK). Since the founding of the university, it has been an integral part of student education and in its tradition and form as an interdisciplinary organizational unit unique in the German higher education landscape. It teaches competences at scientifically and practically important interfaces of society, economy, politics, law, technology, science and culture and takes up current developments and problems of technical and economic as well as social and cultural change and its consequences from different perspectives. One focus is on offers related to sustainable development. The transfer strategy is also designed to initiate learning processes that make up h_da’s contributions to sustainable development in the region.

“Outstanding Learning Location” for Sustainable Development

For the first time in 2017, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German UNESCO Commission awarded h_da the title of “Outstanding Learning Location for Sustainable Development”. The independent jury praised the consistent orientation at h_da towards sustainable development – not only in teaching and research, but also in the management of buildings. The “Sustainable Development Initiative” (I: NE) has a special share in this award, as the nucleus for numerous joint projects of h_da and partners in the region. The university and its partners are implementing numerous sustainability projects as part of the federal-state funding project “Innovative University”. The “Excellence Initiative for HAWs (formerly FHs)” will give them around ten million euros.

Excellent family friendliness

As the first Hessian University of Applied Sciences, h_da has been awarded the “Family-friendly Hesse State University” seal of approval by the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sports. In addition, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences has signed the “Family in the University” charter, which also aims to improve the compatibility of studies, work and science with family life.