German students focused on success, shun politics

Students in Germany appear to be chiefly concerned with their careers and show little interest in political issues, according to a survey supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, or BMBF. Also, they seem happy with the outcome of the Bologna reforms.

The survey, conducted by the Higher Education Research Group at the University of Constance, found that students generally expected universities to provide them with a high level of expertise in their subjects as well as good prospects of secure, interesting jobs and high salary levels.

Around 67% of the 5,000 students interviewed throughout Germany in the winter semester of 2012-13 were satisfied with the structure of their study courses, and 65% of them with teaching, compared to 54% and 46% respectively in 2001. Also, 73% said they liked studying.

One of the chief demands raised was more practical relevance in courses.

According to the BMBF, the survey demonstrates that good progress is being made in the Bologna reform process, agreed by 29 European countries in 1999 with the aim of harmonising study programmes in Europe.

The majority of students interviewed in the survey stated that goals like monitoring teaching quality, internationalisation and modular course structures have largely been achieved.

Shunning politics, seeking counselling

However, the study also found that fewer students were interested in politics. Just 32% said they had a keen interest in political issues, compared to 45% in 2001. Even where they were directly affected, students were showing indifference.

“This finding is very regrettable,” commented Education Minister Johanna Wanka. “Especially now that it is 25 years since the Berlin Wall fell, I would like to urgently appeal to the younger generation to take advantage of the political freedom our country offers and stand up for the concerns of students in particular.”

However, it appears that students are increasingly seeking psychological counselling to sort out their concerns.

According to Isabella Albert of the student union Freier Zusammenschluss von StudentInnenschaften or FZS, counselling centres are being inundated by students coming to get advice.

“Students are under immense pressure,” said Albert. “We can hardly be satisfied with this situation.”

According to Albert, one of the reasons for pressure building up is a lack of masters degree study places, which leads to considerable rivalry in bachelor courses, with the students who lose out feeling that they have failed personally.

“In reality, of course, they are up against a scarcity of study places brought about by politics,” Albert comments. “This is a truly brilliant feat of manipulation.”

* Michael Gardner Email: michael.gardner@uw-news.com