Prevention of Anti-Democratic Phenomena (Microcredential)

Democratic Resilience against Polarisation and Extremism

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In the 21st century, democracies are under threat. Different anti-democratic phenomena weaken democratic core principles and achievements. Under these circumstances, there is an urgent need to equip institutions and citizens with democratic resilience. This applies mainly, but not exclusively, to certain professional groups. Among them are those involved in education and support for young people, such as teachers or youth workers, but also civil servants, local actors, associations or police. Since democracy depends on the participation of its citizens, this problem affects society as a whole. 

Max no. of participants:25
Final certificate:1,2 ECTS
Location:Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (FH Salzburg), Urstein Campus
Language of instruction:English
Costs:€ 300,-
Download Brochure [PDF]

The Salzburg University of Applied Sciences offers the microcredential Prevention of Anti-Democratic Phenomena as an international training programme with a combination of online learning and offline workshops. The microcredential addresses the question of what forms of anti-democratic phenomena and extremism exist, how they develop, what consequences they have for democracy, and how they can be prevented, particularly through educational measures. The aim is to give participants an overview of the broad field of political extremism and the crisis of democracy in the 21st century and to present them with measures for dealing with and preventing these phenomena. 

The microcredential is aimed at anyone working in the fields of education, social services and security, especially teachers, youth workers and social workers, but also police officers and civil servants from various countries, particularly in Europe. The training against anti-democratic radicalisation provides them with theories and tools to understand the mechanisms of radicalisation and take preventive action against its dangerous forms.

Microcredentials are short, thematically focused and practice‑oriented courses that lead to a certificate recognised across the European Higher Education Area. In addition to its regular degree programmes, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences offers microcredentials to respond quickly to current developments in society and the world of work.

Learning sections

  • Learning section 1 consists of an introductory evening during which the microcredential is presented. The participants get to know each other and discuss their professional connections to the topic. After the presentation of the programme and the introductory session, initial theories and empirical findings are presented.
  • Learning section 2 consists mainly of online modules dealing with the various forms of anti-democratic phenomena and diverse forms of extremism. All modules consist of interactive processes and questions that must be answered. The focus is on the various forms of polarisation and extremism and the question of how individuals and various professions can deal with this. It concludes with educational methods.
  • Learning section 3 takes place in person and essentially consists of a workshop at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, which brings the participants together to discuss and explore the content of the modules in greater depth and enable them to exchange experiences and discuss with experts. At the end of the workshop, participants select a topic to work on in learning section 4.
  • Learning section 4 is the phase in which participants write a short essay on a special topic relevant to the subject area. Finally, participants meet online once again to discuss current developments and receive their certificates.

Costs and Application

Main target groups for this microcredential:

  • teachers  
  • social/youth worker
  • employees of NGOs
  • policymakers
  • local communities
  • security forces etc.

Costs:

Costs for the participation in the workshop in Salzburg must be covered by the participants.

Application 

Application via Eventjet: https://tinyurl.com/4emua3wbk 

Schedule, teaching times and venues

  • Apply until 30th April 2026
  • Online Kick-Off: 7th May 2026 17.00 - 20.00
  • Individual phase: 8th May 2026 to 15th June 2026
  • In-person workshop: 18th June 14.00 to 18.00 and 19th June 09.30 to 16.00
  • Final online meeting: 25th June 17.00 - 20.00

Contact

You have further questions about the microcredential “Prevention of Anti-Democatic Phenomena”?
If so, please contact the Office of the Department of Applied Social Sciences:
Mail: office.as@fh-salzburg.ac.at  or Phone 050-2211-6010.

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