The University of Szeged has introduced a renewed online course focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, marking a significant expansion of sustainability education in Hungary. Starting in fall 2026, the 2-credit course will be available in both Hungarian and English, giving students across all 12 faculties access to interdisciplinary expertise from 16 Hungarian universities.
What the New Sustainability Course Covers
The course, titled “17 Goals – One Shared Future: An Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals,” examines all 17 goals adopted by the UN in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals address poverty reduction, quality education, climate action, peace and justice, responsible consumption, and environmental protection, among other priorities.
Unlike single-discipline approaches, this program draws on specialists from law, geography, economics, health sciences, and engineering. Students explore how the goals interconnect — for example, how progress on clean water and sanitation (Goal 6) influences good health (Goal 3) and reduced inequalities (Goal 10). The curriculum emphasizes practical relevance, showing how sustainability concepts apply to daily decisions, institutional policies, and professional practice.
Faculty Expertise Behind the Program
Two University of Szeged scholars contribute directly to the course content. Dr. Anikó Szalai, Head of the Institute of International and Regional Studies and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, leads a module on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Her lecture examines rule of law, human rights frameworks, and institutional accountability as foundations for sustainable societies.
Dr. Gyula Nagy, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Geography and Geosciences within the Faculty of Science and Informatics, addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through the lens of spatial equality. His session analyzes disparities in educational access across regions and demographic groups, along with quality management strategies that universities can adopt to close these gaps.
Course coordination at SZTE falls to Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director for Sustainability at the Directorate-General for Strategy and Development. He also leads the Development Program for Sustainability and a Green University within the Cluster for Third Mission Development at SZTE’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK).
National Collaboration Through MEFP
The course emerged from the Hungarian Universities Sustainability Platform (MEFP), launched in 2022 by 14 universities and now comprising 16 institutions. Members include Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Semmelweis University, University of Pécs, and Széchenyi István University, among others.
This network pools faculty expertise, shares pedagogical resources, and develops joint initiatives that individual universities might struggle to produce alone. The sustainability course represents one of the platform’s first major curricular outputs. For students, this means exposure to perspectives from researchers across Hungary’s higher education landscape without leaving their home institution.
Course Format and Enrollment Details
Delivered entirely online, the course accommodates diverse schedules and learning preferences. Students enroll through the Neptun system, the standard administrative platform used across Hungarian universities. The 2-credit value makes it feasible as an elective within most degree programs.
Bilingual delivery — Hungarian and English — reflects the University of Szeged’s international orientation and ensures accessibility for both domestic and international students. The English version particularly supports SZTE’s growing population of degree-seeking students from abroad, many enrolled through programs like the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship.
Why Sustainability Education Matters Now
Employers across sectors increasingly value sustainability literacy. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, green transition funding mechanisms, and national climate strategies all create demand for professionals who understand SDG frameworks. Universities play a dual role: producing research that advances sustainability science and equipping graduates with the competencies to implement solutions.
For students at the University of Szeged, this course offers a structured entry point into a complex field. Rather than navigating fragmented information independently, they receive a coherent framework grounded in the globally recognized SDG architecture. The interdisciplinary design also models the collaborative problem-solving that sustainability challenges require.
Broader Sustainability Initiatives at SZTE
The course sits within a larger institutional commitment. The University of Szeged’s Green University program encompasses campus operations, research priorities, community engagement, and curriculum development. Recent efforts include energy efficiency upgrades to university buildings, waste reduction campaigns, biodiversity projects on campus grounds, and sustainability-themed public lectures.
SZTE’s membership in EUGLOH (European University Alliance for Global Health) further connects its sustainability work to European partners. Through this alliance, students and researchers collaborate on interdisciplinary challenges spanning health, environment, and social equity — areas that map directly onto multiple SDGs.
How to Enroll and Learn More
Students interested in the fall 2026 offering should monitor Neptun for enrollment windows, typically opening in late spring. The English course syllabus provides detailed learning outcomes, assessment methods, and weekly topics. Academic advisors at each faculty can confirm how the 2 credits apply toward specific degree requirements.
Explore the University of Szeged’s sustainability programs to see how this course fits within broader academic offerings.
Building Sustainability Competencies for Your Career
Whether you’re pursuing law, engineering, public health, education, or business, sustainability literacy enhances professional versatility. Organizations increasingly integrate SDG alignment into strategy, reporting, and stakeholder communication. Understanding the 17 goals — their targets, indicators, and interdependencies — provides a shared language for cross-sector collaboration.
This course also serves as a foundation for advanced study. Students who complete it may pursue specialized electives, thesis topics, or research projects focused on specific goals. Several SZTE doctoral schools already incorporate sustainability themes, and the university’s participation in Horizon Europe projects creates pathways for early-career researchers.
Take the Next Step Toward Sustainable Impact
The University of Szeged’s new sustainability course represents a practical, accessible way to build expertise in one of the defining frameworks of our time. With faculty drawn from across Hungary’s leading universities, bilingual delivery, and integration into standard degree pathways, it removes common barriers to sustainability education.
Learn more about enrollment options at the University of Szeged and how this course can complement your academic plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in the sustainability course?
Students from all 12 faculties at the University of Szeged can enroll through the Neptun system. The course is designed for both beginners and those with prior exposure to sustainability concepts.
Is the course taught in English?
Yes. The course is offered in both Hungarian (“17 cél – egy közös jövő: Bevezetés a Fenntartható Fejlődési Célokba”) and English (“17 Goals – One Shared Future: An Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals”).
How many credits is the course worth?
The course carries 2 ECTS credits, making it suitable as an elective within most degree programs at SZTE.
Which universities contributed to the course development?
Sixteen Hungarian universities participate in the Hungarian Universities Sustainability Platform (MEFP), including Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Semmelweis University, University of Pécs, and others. Faculty from multiple institutions deliver lectures.
When does the course start?
The course launches in fall 2026. Enrollment typically opens in late spring via the Neptun system.
Discover the University of Szeged’s full range of online education programs including this new sustainability offering.
