University of Paderborn
The University of Paderborn is guided by a central principle: "University for the Information Society". The strong field of computer science, information systems and computer applications plus the interdisciplinary presence of IT in many of our subject areas create an outstanding foundation for our pursuit of this principle. But, we want to achieve more. Our University aims to play its part in driving forward the scientific and technological development of the information society, aims to accompany this development with an open and critical mind, and, at the same time, aims to create awareness for the enduring values of our culture and civilisation. And, naturally, the University also aims to use the opportunities that the information and knowledge society has to offer.
The University's Mission Statement embraces internationality and artistic presence. Because the dimensions of the information and knowledge society are international and because art - in all its forms - provides a counterpoint to a more intellectual world. So, the University Orchestra, the Big Band, the Jazz Choir, the University Drama Group plus the art exhibitions are all important institutions at the University and play a key role in Paderborn's academic life.
The teaching and research profile offered within the University's five faculties incorporates a broad and diverse range of subjects, covering the arts and humanities, economics and business administration, natural sciences and engineering. The University offers two-cycle degrees in many fields, enabling students to gain a Bachelor's degree in the first and a Master's in the second cycle. Education and teacher training play an important part in all the faculties at Paderborn.
The University has a number of special features as far as admission is concerned that extend all the way back to its roots. Most degree programmes not only admit school-leavers holding the traditional university entrance qualification, the Abitur, but also those holding a Fachoberschule qualification.
With a student population of about 14,800, our Campus University provides a clearly structured environment with excellent study and living conditions.
We are proud of the good and successful research done at Paderborn, such as in computer science and mechanical engineering, which rank among the best in Germany, while other subjects also perform excellently. This outstanding research status is underlined by the Collaborative Research Centres (SFBs), Research Training Groups, and the NRW Graduate School of Dynamic Intelligent Systems which all play their part in bringing young academics and researchers from around the world to Paderborn for their studies and their research.