Our Profile
Based on our statutes, we see ourselves as a central institution for competence-oriented teaching and learning.
Foreign Language Training in Eleven Languages
Language training at Zessko is
- accredited and UNIcert® certified, based on European quality standards (CEFR)
- university-specific: integrated, academically robust, competence-oriented, didactically innovative, geared toward mobility and employability
- needs-based: for beginners to advanced students, general academic language, subject orientation, course-independent learning, supervised independent study, language tandems, tutorials
Contact: Christoph Lehker
Certificate in "Intercultural Competence in Academic and Professional Contexts"
This certificate documents the students’ academic achievements and extracurricular commitment to acquiring intercultural skills. By gaining knowledge and practical experience, students learn to
- analyze cultural traits
- interact appropriately in situations in which cultures overlap
- and play a moderating role in conflicts
The workload encompasses at least eighteen ECTS credits.
Contact: PD Dr. Ljuba Kirjuchina
"Student Projects" Module in Studiumplus
Student projects are a new form of academic teaching and learning. Independent learning in peer situations with academic advisers enables students to:
- freely design their studies in a modular framework
- put their ideas into practice and improve their ability to work on a team
- practically apply and expand their knowledge
- acquire key competences related to specific professions
- enrich the cultural and social life of the University of Potsdam
Contact: PD Dr. Ljuba Kirjuchina
Self-Managed Learning with Consultations
Zessko supports course-independent learning through professional learning consultants and certified peer tutors:
- supervised independent study and language tandems
- writing assistance in German and English – individual, process-oriented support for assignments and final theses, writing groups, and workshops
- presentation coaching – individual consultations for scholarly presentations (seminar papers, moderation of group discussions, dissertation defenses, etc.); support of instruction by helping with seminar presentations, etc.
Contact persons:
Independent Study with Supervision: Christoph Lehker
Writing assistance (German/English): Ariane Wittkowski
Presentation coaching: Judith Tägener
Successful Start in University Studies for International Students (ESiST)
The University of Potsdam is a member of the Brandenburg university network that supports and is named after ESiST. The program includes:
- the one-year course “Preparing for Studies in Brandenburg,” which allows students to acquire the higher education entrance qualification for the state of Brandenburg (linguistic, subject-specific and intercultural preparation, with an additional focus on academic languages and methodologies)
- University entrance examination (HZP)
- German Language Exam for University Admission (DSH), including prepration
- Intensive German courses for refugees at different CEFR levels
- Course offerings in the introductory study phase
Contact: Dr. Christian Jennerich
The "Docendo Discimus" Program – Didactic Methods for Tutors
Zessko offers training and support for advanced students in the following fields:
- Self-competence for studies and professional life (mentoring)
- Academic work and writing
- Academic communication and presentation
Participants can earn a total of 12 ECTS credits and a certificate.
Contact for mentor and tutor training and support: Judith Tägener
Click here for information about Zessko (.pdf-file).