Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Societies: Energy Policy – Management – Engineering (Hessen:ISU – International Summer University) Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Academic course: 

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, students can attend intensive German language courses. These courses are offered at three different levels (ranging from beginner [A1] to intermediate [B1]).

Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and the Arts

An early-bird discount will be applied to applications received before 1 March 2027. In this case, the programme fee will be reduced to 2,200 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 2027
• Part two – on-site in Darmstadt: June/July 2027

Undergraduate and graduate students with a background in public management, business administration, energy management, economics, political sciences, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental management, sustainable 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.

There is a shared kitchen on each floor of the hotel that students can use to make breakfast. They can also have breakfast at the hotel restaurant at their own expense. Lunch is offered at the campus cafeteria at a very low price. Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements for dinner.

The ISU Darmstadt offers an exciting cultural and social programme:

• Intercultural training
• Excursions to Heidelberg and the Rhine River Valley (Rüdesheim)
• Climbing park
• International picnic & trivia night
• Coffee & cake event