University of Kiel Case Study

Use Case: Relaunch and expansion of the University of Kiel’s higher education platform
Sector: Higher education, research and science
Key project areas: Multisite, UX and accessibility
Technologies: TYPO3, SOLR and UnivIS integration
Timeframe: Relaunch 2018–2019, expansion since 2022, ongoing support to date
Implementation partner: +Pluswerk Dortmund raphael GmbH

Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel (CAU) is the only comprehensive university in Schleswig-Holstein. With approximately 25,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in northern Germany. Eight faculties, more than 190 degree programs, and internationally acclaimed research define the campus. Clusters of excellence and close collaborations with renowned research institutions underscore its scientific significance.

As the variety of faculties, institutes, research projects, and services grows, so do the demands on digital communication. The university was looking for a platform that would reliably guide a wide variety of target groups to the right information while also allowing each individual unit to maintain its own distinct online presence. Based on TYPO3, a central multisite platform was developed for this purpose, which continues to be expanded to this day.

The University of Kiel campus brings together research, teaching, and student life. At its heart are Christian-Albrechts-Platz, the university high-rise, the Audimax, and Mensa I.

Project Overview and Objectives

The new website was designed to clearly reflect the size and diversity of Kiel University while also meeting the varying needs of the faculties, institutes, and central departments. The goal was to create a user-friendly information architecture that provides guidance, facilitates access to content, and highlights the autonomy of the individual units.

The university’s new main website was initially created using TYPO3. The platform was then expanded into a multisite system that now unites numerous faculties, institutes, and microsites within a single system. Customizable design options, central components, and the integration of existing systems form the foundation for the ongoing expansion of the university’s digital platform.

Benefits for the University of Kiel

With the new TYPO3 platform, the University of Kiel has a central foundation for its digital presence. The main website, the faculties, the institutes, and the microsites follow a common concept but can manage their content independently and customize their design. This ensures that both brand recognition and organizational autonomy are maintained.

Navigation is also improved for students, prospective students, researchers, staff, and the general public. Clear navigation, an accessible design, and quick access to relevant information make it easier to find degree programs, research, events, and services. At the same time, the platform can be continuously expanded and adapted to new requirements.

Students are using the website of the Faculty of Law at the University of Kiel on a laptop. — The faculties' websites are based on a shared TYPO3 platform and combine a consistent user experience with customization options for each department.

Scalable

Multisite Platform

A central TYPO3 system serves as the foundation for the main website as well as numerous faculties, institutes, and microsites. Shared components ensure a consistent brand identity, while custom colors, logos, and navigation menus give each unit its own distinct character.

Accessible

To Everyone

The information architecture is tailored to the needs of various target groups. Clear navigation, a responsive design, and accessible design in accordance with BITV 2.0 (which will correspond to WCAG 2.1 in 2026) facilitate access to degree programs, research, events, and services.

Predictable

Future-proofing

By integrating existing systems such as UnivIS and preparing additional interfaces, we have created a platform that is constantly growing. New faculties, institutes, and microsites can be integrated step by step without compromising the consistency of the overall website.

To the University of Kiel's homepage

Use Cases

A platform for many performances

The University of Kiel comprises eight faculties, numerous institutes, and other academic institutions, each of which has very different requirements for its digital presence. Instead of operating many independent websites, a central multisite platform based on TYPO3 was developed. This platform provides the technical framework for the main website as well as for the websites of the faculties, institutes, and topic-specific microsites.

All websites use shared templates and components but can be customized individually. Through their own color schemes, logos, navigation menus, and search functions, each unit can maintain its identity while remaining recognizable as part of the university. The system continues to grow: Numerous sections are already live, and additional faculties and institutes are being integrated step by step.

Navigating Complexity

A university brings together an enormous variety of information: from degree programs and research projects to events and services. To enable users to quickly find what they’re looking for, the information architecture has been consistently tailored to their needs. Intuitive navigation, direct access points, and clearly structured content make it easy to find your way around.

The faculties also follow this principle. Shared structures ensure a familiar user experience, while individual color schemes and design elements highlight each faculty’s distinct identity. Combined with a responsive and accessible implementation in accordance with BITV 2.0, this has resulted in a digital platform that simplifies access to information for a wide variety of target groups—from prospective students to researchers.

Digitalization as a Process

A university is constantly evolving: new research projects emerge, academic programs change, and organizational structures grow to meet evolving demands. A digital platform must be able to keep pace with this dynamic environment. With the TYPO3 solution, Kiel University has a flexible foundation for a strong brand in higher education—one that evolves alongside the university and enables the long-term integration of new facilities and requirements.

The University of Kiel’s mobile website on a smartphone, featuring the latest news from the world of research and the university. — Whether on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, the University of Kiel’s TYPO3 platform ensures consistent access to information and lays the foundation for the long-term development of the university’s digital communications.

Complex organization. Clearly digital.

Today, digital platforms must do more than just provide information. We develop solutions that connect people, provide guidance, and can be flexibly adapted over time.

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