Universities bear the responsibility to equip students with transformation competencies, thereby strengthening their agency in the face of multiple crises. Through this project, we are embedding Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HBNE) at KIT within a whole-institution approach. This encompasses not only degree programs but also interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching and learning settings.

The modular certificate program “Future and Sustainability Studies” (FUTUS) will enable students to acquire resource‑oriented key competencies for sustainable development. A 360° approach is pursued: Complementing the core curriculum of the degree programs, FUTUS combines knowledge, skills, and attitudes into a holistic competency profile that enables students to responsibly shape society, the economy, and science.

The FUTUS certificate program comprises a basic module, a perspectives module, and an advanced module. The perspectives and advanced modules are designed and implemented by the House of Competence (HoC).

The basic module is developed, piloted, and evaluated by ITAS. The focus here is on imparting basic knowledge and competencies in the field of sustainability and transformation. The module covers theories and aspects of sustainable development, as well as the fields of action and methods of sustainability studies. This content is based on years of transformative sustainability research conducted at KAT in the District Future real-world laboratory. From an educational perspective, the module employs a flipped classroom approach that combines digital content delivery with dynamic in-person interaction. The modular structure provides students with temporal flexibility while allowing them to reflect on previously experienced sustainability activities from a new perspective. The exchange within interdisciplinary groups convened in the modules encourages perspective-taking skills and community building. This creates a low-threshold, target-group-oriented engagement with competencies for a sustainable future.

A framework of sustainability competencies developed for KIT forms the basis for FUTUS. Using this framework, sustainability-related courses across disciplines can be easily found in the KIT course catalog. This increases the visibility of HESD activities within KIT, encourages interdisciplinary exchange, and contributes to the appreciation of sustainability-oriented teaching across faculties.

The findings will be shared on the project website.

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