Krefeld/Mönchengladbach. The Hochschule Niederrhein's (HSNR) FAUST guest student programme is starting the 2026 summer semester with more than 200 lectures, seminars and creative offerings. The educational and cultural programme is aimed at all interested parties and enables academic continuing education regardless of age or previous education. Registration is possible from 2 to 20 March 2026.
The programme includes events on philosophical, art-historical, social and age-specific topics. For example, Professor Dr Beate Küpper and Christine Manthei will present the results of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation's Mitte Study 2024/2025 and the SuRA Mönchengladbach project in their online lecture "What about democracy and democracy work in Germany and Mönchengladbach?" on 6 May (5.30 to 6.45 pm). Dr Melanie Oeben will look at changes in the transition to retirement on 9 June (4.00 to 5.15 pm, online). In her presentation "Active, self-determined, diverse: baby boomers in the transition to the post-employment phase", she will shed light on expectations, challenges and perspectives for senior work.
Dr Klaus Kretzer will be focusing on a medical specialisation on 20 and 27 April on the Mönchengladbach campus. In his events on post-operative pain treatment, he will provide information on painkillers, treatment methods, current concepts and quality standards in care. The hybrid seminar "Gaining knowledge through visual art - interpreting and interpreting art" by art historian Dr Dirk Tölke offers creative impulses. The event is offered both in Krefeld (from 20 April, 14:00 to 15:30) and in Mönchengladbach (from 22 April, 14:00 to 15:30).
In addition, guest students can attend selected courses from the regular programmes offered by the Faculties of Chemistry, Design, Engineering and Computer Science, Applied Social Sciences, Textile and Clothing Technology, Business Administration and Economics and Health Care. The courses are offered in presence, online or in hybrid form. Digital formats take place via the Zoom video conferencing software; a microphone and webcam are helpful but not essential. Introductory courses on the use of Zoom and the Moodle learning platform are offered for new students before the start of the semester.
The guest auditor fee is 125 euros per semester and entitles the guest auditor to attend all courses. Guest students also receive an ID card that allows them to use the cafeteria and libraries. The programme booklet is available digitally and in print from the university. Registration is possible online or in writing from 2 to 20 March 2026, and in person in Mönchengladbach and Krefeld from 9 March. Further information can be found at www.hs-niederrhein.de/faust. If you have any questions, please call 02161 186 5637 or email faust(at)hs-niederrhein.de.
