Research-based learning, flexible studying, and interdisciplinary exchange are central elements of the Northwest Alliance. Both universities test and develop innovative teaching and studying formats and offer their students various opportunities to gain individual qualifications across subject boundaries.
The alliance benefits from the strengths of both partners: Since its foundation, the University of Oldenburg has provided impetus as an open university and pioneer in lifelong learning. The University of Bremen strengthens the alliance through its internationally oriented degree programs, a student-centered, diversity-sensitive attitude, and great innovative strength. The large proportion of students training to become teachers (Oldenburg 37 percent, Bremen 16 percent) as well as transdisciplinary teaching projects ensure that the universities have a significant impact on society.
Cooperative Degree Programs
Studying Dutch Linguistics and Literary Studies in Oldenburg as a Bremen student or Geography to become a teacher in Bremen as an Oldenburg student – this is possible thanks to the cooperation in the teacher education courses between the universities. Both universities are expanding the range of subjects for students studying to become teachers: In Oldenburg, the subjects Dutch Linguistics and Literary Studies, Slavic Studies, and Material Culture: Textiles can be chosen. In addition to Geography, the University of Bremen offers French and Spanish for Oldenburg teacher training students. Due to the close proximity and established cooperation between the researchers, students can easily take modules at the partner university and have them recognized for their degree course.
Research- Based Learning
The Northwest Alliance universities are characterized by learning environments in which students come into contact with academic work at an early stage and conduct their own independent research: Research-based learning is thus fundamentally anchored in excellent university teaching. The University of Oldenburg bundles and supports corresponding activities in the forschen@studium program. At the University of Bremen, research-based learning is integrated into the curricula as a didactic principle and implemented in various formats.
University Openness and Lifelong Learning
Higher education for all is an integral part of the Northwest Alliance’s identity. Since its founding, the University of Oldenburg has considered itself an open university, institutionally anchoring further academic training and accessibility. The C3L — the Center for Lifelong Learning — is one of the leading German institutions in the field of further academic training. It has played a key role in opening universities to non-traditional students. The University of Bremen offers various pathways into higher education for those with a vocational background and has a high first-time graduate rate. These flexible study pathways particularly support non-traditional student groups and offer microcredentials in further education courses. Through these and other initiatives, the alliance has established itself as a pioneer in lifelong learning.
International Programs
The universities of Bremen and Oldenburg support internationalization at home and student mobility simultaneously. The University of Bremen offers 27 international degree programs, including 10 double-degree programs, and the University of Oldenburg offers 15 international degree programs, including 4 double-degree programs. These programs cover topics of high social relevance and reflect the academic profiles of the universities. Profile-building international degree programs include the master’s degree in Marine Geosciences at the University of Bremen and the European master’s degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations at the University of Oldenburg. These programs also attract talented individuals from abroad to the region, helping to recruit and retain early-career researchers.
University Didactics and Quality Development
The key development opportunities for teaching at both universities are innovative teaching and learning formats that address societal issues as well as interdisciplinary, science-based solutions to problems that are combined with current digitalization trends. These opportunities are characterized by closely interlinked central quality assurance instruments and subject-related accountability for developing and achieving quality goals. System accreditation certifies the high performance of both universities’ quality management systems. Academics can qualify in higher education didactics through an established joint certificate program, among other things. Popular future topics include AI, sustainability in teaching, OER, and teaching and learning with digital media.