| Qualification | Certificate |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Credits | 10 ECTS |
| Workload | 300 hours (approx. 80h taught + 220h self-study) |
| Duration | 5 weekends in 10 months |
| Format | On campus in Passau (or Brussels) + online evening sessions |
| Fee | EUR 4,900 |
| Start | 17–19 April 2026 (spring cohort) | 23–25 October 2026 (autumn cohort) |
In a world of increasing geopolitical complexity, cultural interdependence and disruptive global challenges we need professionals and leaders who possess international expertise, intercultural sensitivity and strategic vision.
With the new certificate programme "Global Affairs and Intercultural Relations" the University of Passau empowers participants to navigate complex global challenges with strategic, intercultural and legal competence. In six interdisciplinary modules, participants explore global trade and governance, intercultural management and negotiation, international law, and geopolitical interdependencies – including a case-based focus on Brussels as a European hub. Historical and cultural perspectives provide essential context for understanding global affairs.
In addition, the programme offers the opportunity to build or expand a career-relevant international network. Experienced experts, such as high-ranking diplomats from the Federal Foreign Office, including numerous alumni of the University of Passau, are involved as guest lecturers. This ensures that theory and practice are closely interlinked.
After completing the Global Affairs and Intercultural Relations certificate programme, participants will be able to:
These skills enable participants to take on responsibilities in internationally oriented roles and to contribute confidently to strategy, stakeholder management and decision-making in complex environments.
This programme is particularly suitable for professionals and leaders in globally operating companies, at consultancies, NGOs, international organisations or in public administration.
Entry requirements:
The programme comprises six modules. There are no compulsory modules: participants choose and complete five out of the six modules to obtain the certificate (10 ECTS).
For detailed module descriptions (learning outcomes, content, teaching format and assessment), see:
Please indicate your preferred modules when registering. Modules are offered subject to sufficient enrolment; if a module cannot take place, we will contact participants to discuss alternatives.
| Content | The decline of the Liberal World Order presents new diplomatic This module encourages participants to reflect on the diplomatic |
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Bernhard Stahl (International Politics); Professor Oliver Hidalgo (Political Theory) |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours, 14.5 hours face-to-face in Passau) |
| Examination | Portfolio (including final presentation and oral exam) |
| Content | Economic globalisation and its rules-based order face growing pressure This module calls for the development of strategic responses to transformations of the world legal and economic order.
|
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Hans-Georg Dederer (Chair of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Public International Law, European and International Economic Law); |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours; 10 hours face-to-face in Passau, 4 hours online) |
| Examination | Written exam (2 hours/120 minutes): open-book exam, in person or via electronic platform |
| Content | Globalisation peaked in 2008 as global trade’s share of GDP This module highlights the need of a new strategy for Germany's export-oriented economy in light of China's aggressive subsidies and geopolitical competition, which is reshaping global trade dynamics. |
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Sebastian Krautheim (Chair of International Economics); Dr Martin Braml (German Ministry of Finance, CESifo research fellow, Partner of Munich Economics) |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours, 16 hours face-to-face in Passau) |
| Examination | Portfolio |
| Content | Corporate leaders and policymakers must strategically navigate intercultural dynamics, global value chains and geopolitical complexities This module equips participants with tools to manage cultural differences, optimise decision-making and leverage diverse stakeholder perspectives for strategic success.
|
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Christoph Barmeyer (Chair of Intercultural Communication); |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours, 12 hours face-to-face in Passau) |
| Examination | Portfolio |
| Content | This module provides insight into global power relations during a stay |
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Werner Gamerith (Regional Geography); |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours) |
| Examination | Portfolio |
| Content | This module provides cultural and historical perspectives to understand our interconnected, multipolar world. It focuses on transcultural dynamics that challenge Eurocentric views and analyses political structures such as empires, nations and alliances. Special attention is given to Europe, Germany and Bavaria's place in global contexts. Participants gain analytical tools to interpret cultural and historical phenomena beyond national boundaries, encouraging critical reflection on globalisation's continuities and ruptures. |
|---|---|
| Teaching team | Professor Karsten Fitz (American Studies); |
| Workload | 2 ECTS (60 hours, 12 hours face-to-face in Passau) |
| Examination | Portfolio |
Start and duration | The programme runs over 10 months. It starts with one of the following kick-off weekends:
|
Format and schedule | The programme combines on-site and online elements:
Download the detailed timetable for your preferred start date: |
| Workload and credits |
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| Costs | The programme fee is EUR 4,900. The fee includes the kick-off, module sessions and course materials. Travel and accommodation costs are not included. |
Please submit your application via the online form. Your documents will be reviewed as part of the admission process. Please have the following files ready for upload (PDF format):
Registration deadlines
Limited places
The cohort size is 10–20 participants. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility and the time of receipt (first come, first served among eligible applicants). We therefore recommend submitting your application early.
Application confirmation
Once we have received your application and supporting documents, we will review whether you meet the admission requirements. You will be notified of the admission decision as soon as the review is complete.
Future: Careers and Competencies (ZKK)
