The Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) and the University of Borås in Sweden are expanding their long-standing collaboration in the field of Smart Textiles and Textile Innovation: with a newly signed double degree agreement, students will be able to obtain two Bachelor's degrees in parallel in future.
From the winter semester 2027/2028, students on the Bachelor's degree programme in Textile and Clothing Management, which is taught in English, will have the opportunity to spend an academic year at the University of Borås. There, they will attend the Textile Production and Innovation degree programme and complete their studies after seven semesters with two full degrees - one from HSNR and one from the University of Borås.
"With this double degree, we are connecting two leading locations in European textile education," says Professor Dr Anne Schwarz-Pfeiffer, Professor of Functional Textiles and Clothing. "Our students will acquire technical expertise, international experience and valuable contacts in a strong innovation network."
Focus on smart textiles and innovation
The double degree programme is part of the area of specialisation Smart Textiles, which combines technical, creative and entrepreneurial skills. Students learn to combine textile materials with electronics and IT in practical emphasis / orientation modules such as Smart Fashion, SmartPatch and SafeTex - for applications in functional clothing, medical technology and other future fields.
The programme was developed as part of the Edu4SmartTex project, which is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in the HAW.International funding programme. The aim of the programme is to develop international teaching and learning concepts in the field of smart textiles and to strengthen European networking in textile apprenticeships.
Dr Sina Seipel, Dr Niina Hernandez and Dr Anders Persson from the University of Borås were involved in the technical design of the project. Prof Dr Anne Schwarz-Pfeiffer and Prof Dr Ekaterina Nannen from the HSNR were significantly involved.
"The textile future is networked - technologically and internationally. With the double degree, we are creating optimal framework conditions to drive innovation together with our partners in Europe," explains Prof Dr Ekaterina Nannen.
Studying in Germany and Sweden
The city of Borås Borås is regarded as the Scandinavian centre of textile innovation. Students there benefit from modern laboratories, close practical relevance and international cooperation. Conversely, students from Sweden can complete the Smart Textiles modules at the HSNR in Mönchengladbach. The double degree strengthens the international orientation of the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology and opens up new perspectives for students in the global textile industry.
