HafenCity University Hamburg

The HCU Hamburg - University of the Built Environment and Metropolitan Development was founded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg in January 2006. With its approx. 2,200 students, HCU is a small university with a focus on addressing current and future issues facing our towns and cities. Our professional excellence is based on the four disciplines which cover the spectrum from house to city: architecture, civil engineering, geomatics, and urban planning. Our reality is changing more rapidly than ever.

New solutions for metropolitan problems therefore demand disciplinary excellence as well as openness to neighbouring disciplines such as social sciences, humanities and metropolitan culture. Our goal at HCU is to foster lifelong learning and the continual search for new solutions. The Studium Fundamentale and the study projects at HCU encourage students to diverge from the usual ways of thinking, develop their ability to reflect as well as to use their powers of judgement in the complex and changing challenges of the future.

The HafenCity University Hamburg was founded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg on January 1, 2006 as a university for architecture and spatial development through the merger of four departments from three Hamburg universities. 

We started a public debate on the pressing questions, which relate to development, design and the future of our built world so that the opportunities offered by the foundation of such a specialised university can really be benefited from. We want to get to the bottom of the education and research topics of our specialist fields, develop our own strengths within these specific fields, define innovative topics and methods for our future interdisciplinary orientation as well as develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education and research fields. Together we want to develop new approaches to the problems of our cities in the 21st century.

HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU) is accredited and recognized by the appropriate German authorities and accreditation agencies. The university holds a state recognition from the Hamburg Ministry of Science, Research and Equality, which authorizes it to award academic degrees in accordance with German higher education laws. Additionally, HCU's study programs undergo regular accreditation processes by recognized accreditation bodies such as ACQUIN (Akkreditierungsagentur im Akkreditierungsrat). These accreditations ensure that the university maintains high standards in teaching, research, and administration, and that its degree programs are comparable and recognized nationally and internationally. The university's commitment to quality assurance is reflected in its continuous improvement cycles, regular evaluations, and adherence to the standards set by the German Council of Science and Humanities. HCU also participates in national and European quality assurance frameworks, such as the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), to promote transparency, accountability, and compatibility of its academic offerings. The accreditation agencies assess program curricula, faculty qualifications, research output, infrastructure, and student services, and provide accreditation or certification for specific programs that meet rigorous criteria. As a result, graduates from HCU hold degrees that are officially recognized and valued across Germany and Europe, facilitating their professional careers and further academic pursuits. The university's official website and the German accreditation portal provide detailed information about its accreditation status, including current accreditation certificates and renewal dates. Overall, HafenCity University Hamburg maintains a strong accreditation record, demonstrating its compliance with national standards and its dedication to academic excellence.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, one of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany, with its 1.8 million inhabitants is the second largest city in Germany. Economically and culturally, Hamburg is also the centre of all Northern Germany. 3.5 million people live in the metropolitan region of Hamburg - for them, Hamburg is a shopping and cultural metropolis. With 755 square kilometres, the city area is seven times larger than Paris and two and a half times larger than London. Up to 14% of the city area is made up of green spaces and recreational areas.

Hamburg boasts 31 theatres, six music halls, 10 cabarets and 50 state and private museums. They range from the Kunsthalle Art Museum and the State Opera to music clubs on the Reeperbahn. The Reeperbahn, known not only to sailors world-wide as the "Sin Mile", has numerous bars, cafés and discos as well as many other interesting sites not to be seen elsewhere. The "Kiez", as the natives call it, even gave the Beatles their start in the early 1960s.

The programme coordinators as well as the International Office can provide information needed for obtaining a visa, etc. Additionally, student "Welcome Buddies" will be of assistance in all practical matters upon arrival.

HafenCity University Hamburg offers a unique approach to higher education by integrating practical experience with academic theory, preparing students effectively for their professional careers. Located in the innovative HafenCity district, the university benefits from a vibrant urban environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry partners. Its interdisciplinary programs focus on architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, and digital technologies, emphasizing sustainable development and smart city concepts. The university's close ties with industry leaders and real-world projects provide students with valuable internship opportunities and networking prospects, ensuring they gain relevant practical skills. Additionally, HafenCity University Hamburg promotes an international atmosphere, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and offering exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide. The modern campus facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, design studios, and research centers that support innovative teaching and research. The university's commitment to sustainable development and urban resilience aligns with global challenges, inspiring students to contribute positively to society. Furthermore, HCU emphasizes a hands-on learning approach, encouraging students to participate in live projects, workshops, and collaborative design processes. Its location in Hamburg – one of Europe's leading urban centers – grants access to a dynamic city scene rich in cultural, technical, and economic opportunities. The university's focus on digital transformation and future-oriented education makes it particularly appealing for students interested in shaping the cities and environments of tomorrow. All these factors combine to make HafenCity University Hamburg a distinctive choice for students aiming for an education that combines academic excellence, practical experience, and societal impact.