University of Klagenfurt

A very good faculty-student ratio supporting the intense dialogue between teaching staff and students, characterised by mutual appreciation, a high quality aspiration in teaching and an internationally attractive range of studies distinguish the experience of studying at the University of Klagenfurt.

The University of Klagenfurt is aware that the legal mandate regarding education through science is associated with a high level of responsibility. Ideally, our students will acquire profound scientific competencies, a critical attitude, a scientifically sharpened capacity for judgement as well as a strong sense of responsibility.

The University of Klagenfurt expects teaching staff to see themselves as companions of students in the teaching and learning process, but also as learners who seek to develop their own teaching at a high level of quality as a matter of course. The opportunity to enter into an intense and personal exchange with the students is highly appreciated and the feedback on student performance is deemed to be a cornerstone of successful progress in the acquisition of knowledge. For the teaching staff of the university, the diversity of the students is a precious resource and they are also receptive towards new formats of teaching and learning.

The teaching staff can expect students to perceive education as a chance which should be handled responsibly and in a resource-saving manner, to approach study offers with curiosity and active interest, to see themselves as the designers of their own degree programmes and to assume responsibility for the high-quality development of their studies.

The University of Klagenfurt strives to fullfill the legal mandate to educate through science in teaching (Section 3 (2) Universities Act) in the optimal way. The efforts aim at graduates acquiring profound scientific competencies, a critical attitude, a scientifically based sharpened reflectivity and judgement as well as a strong sense of responsibility. A high level of self-responsibility of students is expected. The guiding principle of all actions is the realisation of the Humboldtian ideal – the link between research and teaching.

In order to accomplish this goal, the members of the university align their actions to achieve a high quality in teaching and to further develop their teaching in terms of qualitative didactics and methodology. Quality and dedication in teaching is to be taken into account adequately with all personnel-related decisions. The guiding principle for the design of the scientific range of studies is a “future viability” – quite literally. This means above all the ability to be able to deal with conditions changing very quickly and with insecurities.

Starting with a broad education in the basics and methods, the range of studies is consistently adjusted to meet current and future challenges. All members of the university – teaching staff, learners and administrative personnel – are obligated equally and based on partnership to the goal of providing optimal education for our students. The common effort is shaped by fairness and mutual appreciation and respect.

Universities are appointed to serve scientific research and teaching. Research and teaching are closely linked with each other. Researchguided teaching is an essential feature of university teaching and is considered as a consistent principle. Research and teaching are equally important in the task fulfillment of universities. There is no reciprocal trade-off.