The Leuphana University Lüneburg in Lüneburg, Germany, was founded in the year 1946 as a college of education (Pädagogische Hochschule or PH) and, since 2007, has offered a unique, Germany-wide, study and university model. It is designated as a 'foundation under public law'. The name Leuphana is derived from an ancient settlement on the Elbe river, that was mentioned in the geographical world atlas by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The Leuphana College concentrates its bachelor degree studies into eight departments and two teacher training courses. In 2008 a graduate college was opened that integrates master degree and doctorate programmes. In addition there is a pan-departmental research centre and a professional school for advanced study courses like business cooperation. It was founded in May 1946 as one of eight pädagogische Hochschule in Lower Saxony, and was renamed in May 1989 from Pädagogische Hochschule Lower Saxony, Abteilung Lüneburg to Lüneburg University. In 2009, the campus in Suderburg was transferred to the Fachhochschule Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel.