Complementary Studies

The Complementary Studies is divided into six subject areas that deal with the most important questions of our time:

• Digitality & Technology: How is the digital transformation affecting our lives? What opportunities and risks does artificial intelligence harbour?
• The Individual and Society: How can we strengthen diversity and equality? What does democratic resilience mean in a changing world?
• Art & Communication: What role do creativity and media play in times of fake news and global networking?
• Nature & Environment: How can we drive sustainability transformation and combat climate change?
• Values & Identity: Which values are important for a global, just society? How do we develop a strong sense of togetherness?
• Economy & Innovation: How do we shape a sustainable economy? What role does entrepreneurship play in finding new solutions to global challenges?

Each of these topics is highly topical and combines different scientific perspectives. This means that you will not only learn about a single way of thinking, but also look at problems from different angles.

In the Complementary Studies, you will learn how science works and how you can use it to bring about real change:

• Interdisciplinary thinking: you will combine knowledge from different disciplines to understand complex challenges.
• Critical analysis: you will learn to question scientific theories and recognise the strengths and limitations of different disciplines.
• Theory & practice: you will engage with current scientific debates and develop your own solutions for a sustainable and digital future.

Why is this important?

Our world is changing rapidly: digitalisation is advancing, the climate crisis requires new solutions, globalisation is influencing our daily lives and social inequalities need to be reduced. In order to master these challenges, we need people who think outside the box, think laterally and courageously break new ground.

The Complementary Studies prepares you to help shape the future - be it through your own research projects, entrepreneurial ideas or by developing innovative solutions for a sustainable society.