The new joint Urban Sustainability Studies programme, implemented within the YUFE alliance, won an award in the Co-Create to Educate competition. The statuette was presented during the international conference Joint and Double Programmes in Europe, organised by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System.
On 26–27 November 2025, the Foundation for the Development of the Education System organised its second conference in Łódź devoted to the implementation of international double and joint degree programmes. The event programme included panels and discussions on the design of study programmes, the recognition of diplomas and qualifications, and the role of international partnerships in the development of higher education.
The event brought together not only practitioners from across Europe (both academics and administrators), but also representatives of accreditation committees from countries including the Czech Republic, France, Spain and Poland. A special panel discussion with Aleksandar Šušnjar, Director of EQAR, was devoted to standards in the European approach to quality assurance in education.
The Nicolaus Copernicus University was represented at the event by Katarzyna Pawlonka, Aleksandra Kowalska and Marta Żuchowska from the Department of International Partnerships and Educational Mobility. On the second day of the event, the team was joined by dr habil. Czesław Adamiak, NCU Prof., Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, and member of the YUFE Bachelor Coordinating Committee, who represented the university in discussions on the future of joint programmes within university alliances. The experience gained will directly support further activities related to the development of joint study programmes and the strengthening of the internationalisation of education.
The conference was also an opportunity to recognise the best European joint education projects in the Co-Create to Educate competition. Among them was the YUFE alliance, recognised for establishing Urban Sustainability Studies at the undergraduate level. The programme was launched this year, and its graduates will receive a joint diploma from seven universities. The jury recognised the project for its innovation, effective international cooperation and significant impact on students and partner institutions.
The Urban Sustainability Studies programme offers a dynamic and flexible educational experience. Students can begin their studies at one of seven partner universities. During the first year, students will focus on basic skills and knowledge. In the second and third years, they will be able to personalise their educational path by choosing course modules (YUFE Minors) from all 10 YUFE universities. Courses can be tailored to their strengths and interests, and a qualified academic advisor will help students with their selection. Not only the subject but also the country is chosen, allowing students to study in many locations across Europe and gain international experience. The programme concludes with a diploma thesis, which gives students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of sustainable urban and rural development.