Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and the Arts
An early-bird discount will be applied to applications received before 1 March 2025. In this case, the programme fee will be reduced to 2,100 EUR.
The International Summer University (ISU) Darmstadt is a blended programme. The on-site seminar is complemented and preceded by virtual group work.
Part one – online: May 2025
Part two – on-site in Darmstadt: June/July 2025
Undergraduate and graduate students with a background in business administration, energy management, economics, political sciences, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental management or other related study programmes.
Students with different academic backgrounds should get in touch with the programme coordinator to check if participation is possible.
The course offers a comprehensive exploration of fostering climate-friendly transitions within societies. It commences with an in-depth analysis of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework and subsequently explores the pivotal role of energy (SDG 7) in driving sustainable societal transformations. This exploration extends across global contexts, addressing transformation strategies for both the global south and the global north, and explores matters of justice and fairness in north-south relationships.
The course intricately examines the interconnections between energy, water (SDG 6), food (SDG 2), and climate change (SDG 13), establishing a comprehensive understanding of their interdependent relationship within the transformation process. Emphasising the importance of technical solutions, the course aims to equip students with essential knowledge relevant to power and energy systems, with a particular focus on electrical energy systems. This includes an in-depth exploration of topics such as power generation, electric grids, system operation and control, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
Moreover, it sheds light on the governance structures prevalent at various political levels, starting from international entities like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and global climate partnerships, progressing through state alliances such as the European Union, and extending down to the national and local levels. Students gain insights into the multifaceted dimensions of governance necessary for orchestrating societal transformations, fostering a nuanced understanding of change mechanisms across different scales, from the global policy landscape to transformational endeavours within local cities.
A detailed course description can be found on our website: https://isu.h-da.de/index.php?id=19471
A three-day academic excursion to Berlin and regional company visits are part of the programme.
German language courses:
In addition to the academic seminar, all students attend intensive German language courses. These courses are offered at three different levels (ranging from beginner to intermediate).