Mission statement

As the University of the Federal Employment Agency (HdBA), we combine academic excellence with interdisciplinary teaching and social engagement. With our specific academic focus, we are unique within the German higher education landscape and internationally recognised. We act as a driving force for academia and practice, and promote exchange, innovation and positive collaboration. Through our range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes and part-time continuing professional development courses, we equip specialists and managers at the Federal Employment Agency – people who wish to take on responsibility in a dynamic labour market.

“We champion interdisciplinary, forward-looking and participatory learning that is grounded in practical experience.”

Our teaching is geared towards creating a fair world of work. We combine economic, legal, social and political science, and psychological perspectives to equip students to shape advisory services, labour market policy and social policy. We foster an open, inspiring learning environment in which personal potential can be fully realised. Through digital and inclusive formats, we prepare our students for a globalised and digitalised world of work.

“Our research is application-oriented, interdisciplinary and international – working towards a socially just and sustainable world of work.”

As a university, our evidence-based, interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research contributes to our understanding of a dynamic labour market and labour market-related services, which is reflected in our current research priorities: We investigate the transformation and functioning of the labour market in order to systematically identify structural developments, processes of change and their mechanisms of action. We analyse the conditions for successful placement and integration and develop empirically grounded insights to improve the quality of labour market-related services. We research skills development and professional guidance to provide effective support systems for educational, vocational and transition processes. We focus on social protection, basic income support and participation to deepen our understanding of welfare state arrangements and their effects.

For us, research is a key driver of the university’s further development and significantly shapes our contribution to academia, practice and policy.

“We act as a bridge between academia and society and play an active role in shaping social developments.”

As a university, we contribute to a free, democratic and pluralistic society. We promote critical thinking and reflection on social, economic and political developments. Our work strengthens social harmony and supports the development of responsible and sustainable structures in the world of work. We impart knowledge and conduct research on democratic institutions and processes for participation, social justice and social cohesion. We create spaces for controversial, fact- and value-based debates that encourage people to voice their opinions and strengthen political judgement.

“We embed sustainable thinking and resource-efficient practices holistically into our research, teaching and university operations.”

Together, we are shaping a sustainable society that combines ecological, social and economic responsibility. We research and teach concepts of sustainable economic activity and working practices, as well as strategies for socially just transformation processes. Through sustainable procurement, energy-efficient infrastructure and climate-friendly mobility, we are creating an environmentally friendly campus life.

“We embrace diversity and create inclusive learning and working environments.”

We are committed to equal opportunities, equality and barrier-free participation – in study, research and administration. We promote internationalisation, thereby fostering an open-minded and tolerant attitude among staff and students. Our thinking and actions are guided by the core values of the Diversity Charter and the ethical standards recognised in our fields. We view diversity and heterogeneity as a resource and take a firm stand against discrimination.

“We are a learning organisation – characterised by participation, good leadership and mutual respect.”

Our culture is based on mutual respect, open communication and collaborative partnership. Staff and students shape everyday university life together, supported by colleagues in administration and experts from the professional world. We create an environment that facilitates constructive dialogue and creative solutions. We look after the well-being of everyone and provide working conditions that support personal and professional development, as well as a healthy work-life balance. For us, good leadership means providing guidance, enabling participation and promoting equality.

With these goals and values in mind, we shape teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer, as well as the work at our university every day. Our mission statement is our compass and driving force for the further development of the HdBA