University of Hamburg

About the University of Hamburg

Universität Hamburg is the largest institution for research and education in the north of Germany. As one of the country's largest universities, we offer a diverse course spectrum and excellent research opportunities.

The University boasts numerous interdisciplinary projects in a broad range of subjects and an extensive partner network with leading institutions on a regional, national and international scale.

Sustainable science and scholarship

Universität Hamburg is committed to sustainability and all of our faculties have taken great strides towards sustainability in research and teaching.

Excellent research

In 2007 Universität Hamburg received funding approval for a cluster of excellence in climate research as part of Germany's Excellence Initiative. The cluster "Integrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction" (CliSAP) is home to a center providing skills and training in climate research and earth system sciences.

In 2012 Universität Hamburg received funding for an additional cluster of excellence, the Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging (CUI): Structure, Dynamics and Control of Matter at the Atomic Scale, which observes the movement of atoms in real time. 

Key research areas

Besides Climate, Earth, Environment, further successful key research areas include: Photon and Nanosciences, Manuscript Cultures, Neurosciences, Infection Research / Structural Systems Biology, Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Mathematical Physics, and Health Economics.

Outstanding variety: over 170 academic programs

Universität Hamburg offers approximately 170 degree programs in the following eight faculties: Faculty of Law; Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Humanities; Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences; Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement; Faculty of Business Administration (Hamburg Business School).

Universität Hamburg also maintains several museums and collections, such as the Zoological Museum, the Herbarium Hamburgense, the Geological-Paleontological Musuem, the Botanical Gardens, and the Hamburg Sternwarte.

History of the University of Hamburg

Founding of the university

At the beginning of the 20th Century, wealthy individuals made several petitions to the Hamburg Senate and Parliament requesting the establishment of a university, however those were made to no avail. Although for a time, senator Werner von Melle supported the merger of existing institutions into one university, this plan failed because of the parliaments composition due to the effects of class voting. Much of the establishment wanted to see Hamburg limited to its dominant role as a trading center and shunned both the costs of a university and the social demands of the professors that would have to be employed.

Progress was made however, since proponents of a university founded the Hamburg Science Foundation (Hamburgische Wissenschaftliche Stiftung) in 1907 and the Hamburg Colonial Institute in 1908. The former institution supported the recruitment of scholars for the chairs of the General lecture system and funding of research cruises, and the latter was responsible for all education and research questions concerning overseas territories. In the same year, the citizenry approved a construction site on the Moorweide for the establishment of a lecture building, which opened in 1911 and later became the Main Building of the university. However, the plans for the foundation of the university itself had to be shelved, following the outbreak of the First World War.

After the war, the first freely elected senate choose von Melle as mayor. He and Rudolf Ross made a push for education reform in Hamburg, and their law establishing the university and a Adult high school finally went through. On March 28, 1919 the University of Hamburg opened its gates. The number of full professorships in Hamburg was increased from 19 to 39. Both the Colonial Institute and the General Lecture system were absorbed into the university. The first faculties created by the university were Law and Political Science, Medicine, Philosophy and Natural Sciences.

Weimar Republic and National Socialist era

During the Weimar Republic, the university quickly grew into importance. Several thousand students were continuously enrolled, and it drew scholars like Albrecht Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Aby Warburg and Ernst Cassirer to Hamburg. The number of full professors had by 1931 grown to 75. Because many students were suffering due to the bad economic situation that prevailed in the early republic, the Hamburg Association of Student Aid was founded in 1922. Ernst Cassirer became principal of the university in 1929, one of the first Jewish scholars with that role in Germany.

The academic situation shifted quickly after the general election in March 1933. Already on May 1 of that year – the university held a ceremony to honor Adolf Hitler as its leader. Massive political influence by the Nazis followed, including the removal of books from the libraries and harassment against alleged enemies of the people. About fifty scientists, including Ernst Cassirer and William Stern, had to leave the university.

At least ten students working with the White Rose in Hamburg were suspected and arrested; four of them died in custody or were executed. In the foyer of the lecture hall a design by Fritz Fleer commemorative plate was taken in 1971 in memory of the four resistance fighters.

In the Federal Republic of Germany

After the Second World War, the university was reopened in the winter of 1945 with 17,800 employees. Out of the 2,872 students who were enrolled at the University of Hamburg in the first postwar semester of 1945/46, 601 had been admitted at the Philosophical, 952 at the Medical and 812 to the Faculty of Law and Political Science. The smallest number joined the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences with 506 students in total. The first student association during this period was elected in 1946 under British supervision, and it formed the foundation of the AStA in 1947.

During the West German era, new departments were added to the university, most notably the Faculty of Theology as well as the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences in 1954. The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a lot of construction: the Auditorium and the Philosopher's Tower where inaugurated near the Von-Melle-Park, while the Botanical Institute and Botanical Garden were relocated to Flottbeck. The university grew from 12,600 students in 1960 to 19,200 in 1970. A wave of protests during the student movements of 1968 sparked a reform of the university structure, and in 1969 the faculties were dissolved in favor of more interdisciplinary departments. Student and staff involvement in the administration was also strengthened, and the office of Rektor abolished in favor of a university president. However, parts of the reform were later rescinded in 1979. Further construction in the 1970s also built up the remaining space on the main campus of Rotherbaum quarter, with the Geomatikum building and the Wiwi-Bunker (named for its bunker-like architecture) being the distinctive addition for that decade. Since then, new properties were opened in other parts of Hamburg. Two newly constructed buildings were opened adjacent to the Main Building in 1998 and 2002, revitalizing the Moorweide area of the university.

In 2005, the Hamburg University of Economy and Politics was merged into the University of Hamburg by a political act that was opposed by both institutions. With the same act, the 17 departments were merged and restructured into six faculties. The university had also become used to regular cuts of its budget by the federal state of Hamburg. The implementation of the Bologna process was another major point of contention during that decade. Tuition fees were introduced at 500 euros in 2006, but later reduced to 375 euros and fully abolished in 2012.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Behörde für Wissenschaft und Forschung, Hamburg

Year of first Accreditation - 1919

Rankings

Student life @the University of Hamburg

University life does not only revolve around studying; students also thrive on meeting people and having fun. Our campus is the perfect place for personal growth. 

Campus life marches to the beat of its own drum. Between classes,  you will always find time to drop by your favorite dining hall or café. You can indulge your music interests in the University choir and orchestra. And theater groups and more than 100 types of athletic groups are always seeking new members. 

Social and political involvement also form an important part of student life. There are plenty of groups awaiting committed students who want to get involved in a good cause. 

Uni Hamburg's campus supports a lively community with very diverse opinions, cultural backgrounds and interests. It pays to mingle. 

University Music

University Music is far less academic than its name implies! It stands for having fun with music.

The musicians and singers in our choir and orchestra, jazz big band and the Monteverdi Choir are well-known for their regular, almost professional concerts. But, do not worry: You must not be a professional musician in order to join! Quite on the contrary, we always welcome new musicians and singers.

University Sports

Dig up your sports shoes! Fencing, soccer (German football), Argentine tango or yoga - University Sports offers a broad spectrum of sports classes, seven days a week, as often as you wish! This not only helps you stay fit, but is also a great opportunity to get in touch with other students. 

Newcomers can try out our offerings at a reduced rate during our regular Schnupperwochen at the start of each semester. 

University Players

Are you stage-struck?

Established at the Department of English and American Studies in 1980, our theater company University Players has won many enthusiastic fans. This English language theater project is famous for entertaining audiences with stage productions that interweave serious topics and wit.

Do you want to join us on stage? University Players welcome new participants. Prior stage experience is no must, but helps. Also, there is loads to do backstage! Thus, we also hope to attract people who reach top form as directors, light or sound technicians, costume and set designers.

PIASTA Intercultural Living and Learning

The acronym PIASTA (Programm International für alle Studierenden und Alumni) stands for Intercultural Living and Studying at Universität Hamburg. Our motto "Intercultural discovery, interdisciplinary learning, informed study!" is also our guideline for  International Welcome Week, language exchange partnerships, and cross-cultural PIASTA evenings.

Student volunteers organize all events for students. We provide diverse workshops, and coaching offerings that will assist you in studying efficiently, for instance courses in study and relaxation techniques.

Religious congregations at the University

Universität Hamburg is home to various religious student congregations that offer diverse programs: social events, groups, advising and much more...  You can find the following:

• Catholic University congregation (Katholische Hochschulgemeinde Hamburg) 
• Protestant Student congregation (Evangelische Studierendengemeinde)
• Sôka Gakkai Buddhists
• Islamic University congrgation e.V.
• Vishnu Hindu Community
• Baha'i University Group
• Student Mission Germany e.V., SMD group Hamburg

On mid-campus you will find our Silence Room. Inside you will find an island of peace and relaxation where you can let go of any stress caused by your University routine. If you are looking for a place to chill out, the Silence Room is the place to go!

• Degree completion grants for international students enrolled at Universität Hamburg