ECIU University challenges are learning opportunities organized by ECIU member instituitions. The challenges are freely accessible to all enrolled master students from the ECIU member universities as well as learners from the countries of the ECIU member universities.

In these challenges, you can work on real-world problems presented by companies, public organizations, and societal partners throughout Europe. These challenges are approached using a challenge-based learning method, within a multidisciplinary environment, and often in an international context. Here are all of the past TUHH chalenges.

The ECIU challenges are aligned with the four main research foci of the ECIu alliance: Circular Economy; Energy and Sustainability; Resilient Communities; Transport and Mobility.

Additionally, we also focus on topics such as entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. More topics and societal challenges will be introduced soon. Here you will find an overview of the currently offered challenges.

By participating in an ECIU challenge, you can gain practical experience and acquire professional, cross-disciplinary, and personal skills. Additionally, these hands-on experiences provide opportunities to make a real contribution to societal change.

In the challenge-based learning format, you collaborate with educators, public actors, experts, companies, and societal organizations to find solutions to complex problems. Moreover, learners can choose from a wide range of Micro-Modules that will help them solve the challenges they face.

ECIU Micro-Modules are short learning offerings (majority) ranging from 1-3 ECTS), aimed at developing new skills and cross-cutting competencies. They can help close knowledge gaps and foster abilities necessary for successful participation in ECIU University Challenges. ECIU University can therefore recommend suitable Micro-Modules according to the learners’ needs. However, it is not necessary to participate in a challenge to enroll in a micromodule. You can find all micromodules here.

In this learning approach, learners, teachers, researchers, and representatives from companies and public institutions collaborate across various disciplines to solve real-world problems. It follows a specific structure consisting of three main steps: Engage, Investigate, and Act, where learners are active participants and co-creators of the process. You can learn more about CBL (Challenge-Based Learning) here on the pages of the Center for Teaching and Learning at TUHH, or in this short video in English on the ECIU homepage.

The ECIU University follows the EU Council’s recommended definition for microcredentials: “Microcredentials are evidence of the learning outcomes achieved by a learner in a smaller unit of learning. These learning outcomes are assessed based on transparent and clearly defined criteria. Learning experiences that lead to the awarding of microcredentials are designed to equip learners with specific knowledge, skills, and competencies that meet societal, personal, cultural, or labor market needs. Microcredentials are owned by the learners, can be shared, and are transferable. They can stand alone or be combined to form more extensive qualifications. They are supported by quality assurance that aligns with standards agreed upon in the respective sector or field of activity.”

More information is available from the BMBF.

The ECIU Whitepaper is available for download here: MC_Paper 3 ECIU.

The ECIU concept of Flexible Learning Pathways allows learners to customize their learning and retain control over their learning materials. Learners can adapt their learning journey to their needs, interests, and life circumstances at various stages of life. The flexible learning paths of ECIU offer different lengths and depths of learning experiences with the flexibility to choose Challenges and micromodules. More information is available on the ECIU platform.