Switching Up the Lingo: CDU Pushes for More English-Taught Programs at Uni Hamburg
CDU calls for an increase in degree programs taught in English - CDU advocates for an expansion of English language education offerings.
Yo!
The CDU (Christian Democrat Union) is barkin' up the wrong tree, according to 'em, about the lack of international vibes at the University of Hamburg. They've sent a letter slappin' the Senate with some tough questions, and they ain't happy about the 11% of lectures in English for the exam year 2025. Anna von Treuenfels-Frowein, the CDU's science pooh-bah, told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that this number's "downright frightful." She went on to say, "Hamburg's way past its prime when it comes to modern science and location policy."
Now, the Technical University (TUHH) isn't losin' any sleep over this, 'cause they've got a heftier English-language lecture quota with 763 classes and a whopping 40% of all the lectures. The University of Applied Sciences (HAW) is clizzin' in with up to 36%, the HafenCity University (HCU) is hoverin' around 20%, and the University of Fine Arts (HfBK) is finishin' in last with 15%.
"English-language degree programs are vital for snaggin' international lens caps," said von Treuenfels-Frowein. She added, "And it's crucial our students get a taste of what they'll face when they hit the books abroad in English."
The University of Hamburg has its sights on "expandin' international study experience and boostin' the allure of its programs for international students." So far, they've focused on master's programs, but they're workin' on introducin' pure English-language bachelor's programs in various faculties.
The CDU's desire? Half of all the programs should be in English. "Thosefuture agreements with our universities should include a hard target for English-taught programs in bachelor's and master's programs," said the CDU rep. "The aim should be for about half of all the programs to be taught in English, eventually."
The cash to fund this mission will come from the red-green Senate. But, von Treuenfels-Frowein warned, "Unfortunately, the necessary investments for the future are missing in the red-green coalition agreement." She urged, "Science and research should take priority as a location factor."
[Here's a hint of why they're pushing so hard: Enhancing international competitiveness, attracting foreign talent, and strengthening the German innovation system and economy are all factors the CDU (Christian Democratic Union) has been focusing on, as per their coalition agreement with the CSU and SPD. Although specific details on their stance regarding the University of Hamburg are not extensive in the current data, it's evident that this push aligns with broader German educational and political initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness in the global higher education market.]
- The Christian Democrat Union (CDU) has sent an interpellation to the Senate, expressing concerns over the low number of English-taught programs at the University of Hamburg, with only 11% of lectures in English for the exam year 2025.
- Anna von Treuenfels-Frowein, the CDU's science chief, believes that Hamburg lags behind in modern science and location policy and has emphasized the importance of English-language degree programs for attracting international students.
- Universities such as the Technical University (TUHH) with 763 English-language classes and 40% of all lectures, the University of Applied Sciences (HAW) with up to 36%, the HafenCity University (HCU) around 20%, and the University of Fine Arts (HfBK) with 15%, are already offering more English-taught programs compared to the University of Hamburg.
- The University of Hamburg aims to expand international study experience and increase the attraction of its programs for international students by introducing more English-language bachelor's programs in various faculties and ultimately striving for about half of all programs to be taught in English, following the CDU's desire for more internationalization in education and self-development, including online education and vocational training.
