Humans and the environment: ‘This degree programme is something unique’

The “'Humans and the Environment”' degree programme at the Rhineland-Palatinate University of Technology Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) combines content from the subjects of psychology, economics and communication. Bachelor's student Aaron Bodendörfer is enthusiastic about the interdisciplinary programme: He can imagine working in sustainability communication later in his career - or as a project manager for adaptation strategies in the environmental sector.

Aaron Bodendörfer was already interested in aspects of climate change and issues relating to the world's resources in secondary school. After leaving school, he completed a voluntary ecological year - in a world shop in Nuremberg: ‘I learnt about fair trade and the associated social aspects.’ He was involved in public relations work and developed educational programmes for schools: ‘It was all about sustainability - also viewed from an economic perspective.’ He quickly realised that he wanted to study something along these lines. During his research, he came across the Bachelor's degree programme ‘Humans and the Environment’ at RPTU. "The interdisciplinary nature of the degree programme immediately appealed to me. You have basics in psychology, communication and economics." He then moved from Bavaria to Landau for the 2021/22 winter semester as a first-year student - a four-hour train journey from his home town. But it was worth it: "The degree programme is unique. You won't find it anywhere else in Germany."

Humans and Environment is a relatively small degree programme - as a first degree course in natural, environmental and social sciences, it is aimed at those interested in a broad-based course with a focus on the environment. You can start each winter semester. Around 30 to 40 students are enrolled each year. They have a ‘great community’, describes Aaron Bodendörfer. "We all have a similar mindset. We talk about sustainability issues or events at the university." They don't run out of things to talk about any time soon.

Interdisciplinary with the option to specialise

From the second semester onwards, or after the third semester at the latest, students specialise in one of the areas of their degree course - i.e. psychology, communication or economics. Aaron Bodendörfer: "Most students choose psychology. I opted for communication." Because: "Psychology focuses primarily on humans. But I wanted to get a broader picture." In addition to the specialisation, the other sub-areas are also still on the timetable. For Aaron Bodendörfer, these include courses in environmental management and environmental psychology.

Bachelor's thesis in the field of communication

Aaron Bodendörfer is now in his sixth semester and is already working on his Bachelor's thesis. In terms of content, it is about sustainability communication and he is carrying out a ‘qualitative content analysis’, as he explains. Put simply: ‘I am analysing videos produced by the “Climate before eight” initiative.’ Short videos that explain aspects of climate change and could be shown during prime time - before a news programme such as Tagesschau, for example. ‘I compare these videos with a similar journalistic format, namely “Weather before eight”.’ What has he already found out? "Unlike “Weather before eight”, “Climate before eight” gives recommendations for action. In other words, how could politicians or private individuals take action?" There are also fewer general formulations and repetitions in ‘Climate before eight’ than in ‘Weather before eight’.

Climate protection management or sustainability communication: the career prospects are diverse

Environmental issues go hand in hand with professional communication - he could imagine working in the field of sustainability communication later on. What would he be involved in, for example? ‘Many companies publish sustainability reports,’ he says, citing one possible area of work. He could also imagine working as a project manager "who deals with adaptation strategies in the environmental sector. Perhaps when it comes to renewing a forest and then setting up the communication." He has lots of ideas. In general, his degree programme opens many doors: "You can also go into climate protection management, be employed by a city or the state. Or even become a communicator for a non-governmental organisation."

"The first semester is tough. But you shouldn't let that put you off"

But let's go back to the beginning of his studies: what advice would he give prospective students? "Don't be put off at the beginning of your studies. The first semester is tough. Simply because you have so many courses. Once that's over, the worst is over." And you shouldn't be put off by the fact that Landau is a small town: ‘If you ever want to go to a big city, Mannheim or Karlsruhe aren't far away.’ And what's more, you don't need to be an ‘eco’ to study humanity and the environment. ‘The degree programme is also something for normal people,’ he laughs.

What should first-year students bring with them? ‘It's good if you already have some knowledge of biology and chemistry, and perhaps even took these subjects as honours courses at school.’ If this is not the case, you can also familiarise yourself with these subjects in the first two semesters - with a little effort. "I had geography in sixth form. That's also helpful. There was also some overlap here at the beginning of the degree programme." It's also good if you can speak English, adds Aaron Bodendörfer: "You read a lot of papers in English. Some subjects are also taught in English."

Campus life: It's particularly easy to meet new people in the first semester

And how else do you find your feet at university? ‘Just do everything in the first semester.’ For example, pub crawls and university sports events. "I've found that it's particularly easy to meet new people in the first semester. Later on, most people have their own group and some are no longer so open."

And what will Aaron Bodendörfer do after his bachelor's degree? "Firstly, I want to go abroad for a year. Do an internship in nature conservation management there." He is currently exploring the relevant options. "After that, I'd like to do a Master's programme. Where and what exactly, I don't know yet." Either way, many doors are open to the Bachelor's graduate.