BRENA - the joint sustainability certificate of the Bremen and Bremerhaven universities
Let's go towards the future
From the winter semester 25/26, the University of Bremen, the Bremen University of Applied Sciences, the University of the Arts Bremen, and the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences will offer the interdisciplinary certificate of sustainability "BRENA" as a study program for students of all faculties. The program is coordinated by the Virtual Academy of Sustainability.
Enrolled students of all Bremen universities can participate in this study program. Through this program, the students' understanding of sustainability will be expanded through the diversity of courses offered. By combining disciplinary expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives, a deeper understanding of sustainability issues will be achieved. Additionally, the practical module will provide a space for concrete action.
The certificate of sustainability "BRENA" is an additional qualification that certifies the acquisition of fundamental knowledge, interdisciplinary key competences, and practical knowledge for sustainable development through a certificate.
The certificate of sustainability "BRENA" consists of three modules and can be earned in two certificate levels. The three modules can be combined in different ways.
BRENA_basic
- at least 6 ECTS
- Basic knowledge of sustainability
- Interdisciplinary deepening or sustainability in practice
- Compulsory area: one course from Module 1 - Sustainability Basics (3 ECTS)
- Elective area: one course from Module 2 (at least 3 ECTS) or one course from Module 3 (6 ECTS) Sustainability
BRENA_plus
- at least 12 ECTS
- Basic knowledge of sustainability
- Various combinations of modules according to your interest and study plan
- Compulsory area: one course from Module 1 - Sustainability Basics (3 ECTS)
- Elective area: Course sequence I: one course from Module 2 (at least 3 ECTS) and one course from Module 3 (6 ECTS) Sustainability
- Elective area: Course sequence II: courses from Module 2 with a total of at least 9 ECTS and one course from a different faculty
- Elective area: Course sequence III: in addition to the compulsory area, one course from Module 1 (3 ECTS) and one course from Module 3 (6 ECTS)
Module 1 – Sustainability Basics
- Introduction to sustainability
- Online and at your own pace
- Final exam by e-exam
- Compulsory module for both BRENA_basic and BRENA_plus
Module 2 – Deepening sustainability: Interdisciplinary and reflexive
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Wide range of topics per semester
- Free course selection according to your interest
- Elective module for both BRENA_basic and BRENA_plus
Module 3 - Sustainable development
- Cooperation and self-efficacy
- Real projects
- Active sustainability
- Elective module for both BRENA_basic and BRENA_plus
Problems, problems...
Global challenges like climate change and species extinction exacerbate conflicts over resources, lead to displacement and flight, and result in the loss of livelihoods for people, and are central challenges for sustainable development. Socio-economic problem areas like poverty, educational inequality, exclusion, and gender-specific injustice in their various global and local manifestations pose the question of how a societal transformation can be achieved.
As self-evident "workshops for the future of society", universities are through their research and teaching central drivers of a sustainable societal transformation: The ideas for tomorrow are created here and become reality, future decision-makers and leaders are trained here.
A understanding of the complex sustainability issues is essential for a transformation to a sustainable society that is ecologically sustainable and socially just and takes into account the needs of both current and future generations. The Bremen universities have already integrated this understanding into their guiding principles: Sustainability issues are researched and taught in a variety of ways. Through the certificate of sustainability "BRENA", these contents and results are now being integrated into the interdisciplinary teaching of the universities in a bundled form.
Your contact person
Fabio Nicoletti
Project coordination certificate of sustainability "BRENA"
“I will accompany you through the BRENA certificate, answer your questions, and help you get started. I look forward to the exchange!”
Contact:
+49 421 / 218-66786