Cities around the world are facing enormous challenges: they need to become more climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive—all while dealing with limited resources and growing populations. "The new degree program addresses the specific problems of urban areas in both the Global North and South. The next steps were finalized at the most recent consortium meeting in Strasbourg.
Establishment of a North-South teaching network
The partners – the University of Strasbourg, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Addis Ababa University, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, University of Ghana, and TH OWL – are pooling their diverse expertise in a modular four-semester study concept.
Students can choose individual study tracks that draw on various disciplines from the partner universities. The plan is to offer double or triple degrees that are internationally recognized.
Strengthened profile in the field of urban green
TH OWL contributes its expertise in the fields of landscape architecture and environmental planning. "Urban ecosystems and green infrastructure are key levers for making cities more resilient and socially and ecologically livable, and for preserving biodiversity. We want to use our expertise to strengthen the range of courses offered in this area," explains Professor Dr. Werner Rolf from the Department of Landscape Planning, Landscape Ecology, and Nature Conservation, who is involved in setting up the consortium.
International integration of existing master's programs
The new degree program will be closely linked to the established master's program in Sustainable Landscape Design and Development (SLDD) at TH OWL. This will give students the opportunity to obtain an additional international degree through mobility and specialization.
“This would not only be a unique selling point, but could also make a significant contribution to the internationalization of the university,” explains Professor Rolf.
An intensive exchange of students and teachers between the partner universities is set to begin as early as 2026. The next consortium meeting will take place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to push ahead with the final design of the degree program, which is scheduled to start in 2027.