CLASSIC BVU course: Fundamentals of Education for Sustainable Development

Sustainability issues are pressing topics of our time—including for teachers

Both nationally and in Bavaria, the importance of ESD for shaping a sustainable future has been recognized, and the educational concept is currently being increasingly integrated into the curricula and structures of many schools. As part of the planned degree program “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as an Elective,” a digital course featuring online lectures and interactive elements is being developed. This additional degree program is intended for teacher candidates in all subjects and at all school levels, as well as for teachers already working in the field, and will culminate in the first state examination. The Classic Course offered by the Virtual University of Bavaria is designed to impart the theoretical foundations of ESD and to develop subject-specific and social competencies, as well as professional and (media) pedagogical competencies for ESD. Topics covered include, among others, sustainability models and strategies, as well as how to address emotions in the context of the climate crisis and how to handle scientific and societal controversies. Since the course is designed as an online self-study program, it is easily accessible to practicing teachers and compatible with their professional lives. The course is offered in German and English. 

Project objective:  Development of a digital course on the fundamentals of education for sustainable development, intended for teacher training

Project duration: March 2026 – March 2027

Project partners: University of Bayreuth, University of Augsburg, Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

Project leaders: Prof. Dr. Mandy Singer-Brodowski, Sara Hassunah, Sissy Kreid.