Englisch 
Deutsch Who the Early Childhood Education Degree Programme is Suitable For
The distance learning degree programme is aimed at educational professionals who are already working in the field of early childhood education and wish to obtain an academic qualification. It is particularly intended for nursery educators as well as individuals with a comparable qualification who want to further develop their professional skills and achieve scientific qualification. The programme is ideal for working professionals as it has been designed to be integrated with professional work and is especially suitable for those who work at least 10 hours per week in an early childhood education setting.
Formal Admission Requirements at a Glance
To be admitted to the bachelor's degree programme, you must meet the following formal criteria:
- Higher education entrance qualification, i.e. (subject-specific) university entrance qualification or a recognised equivalent certificate
- Qualified vocational training in the educational field, such as state-recognised nursery educator or an equivalent qualification
- Ongoing relevant professional activity or access to an early childhood education institution for at least 10 hours per week during the course of your studies
Personally, you should have an interest in education and experience working with young children. Organisational skills and the ability to combine your studies with your professional work are advantageous. Openness to scientific questions, teamwork, communication skills, and willingness to attend regular on-site phases will support your academic success.
What content does the distance learning course “Early Childhood Education” convey?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme “Early Childhood Education” you acquire interdisciplinary competences for professional work with children in the early education sector. The modular curriculum covers the following subject areas:
- Theories, models, educational areas: You learn about key pedagogical and developmental psychology theories and their relevance for early childhood education.
- Social science foundations and methods: You engage with empirical research methods, socialisation, child protection and societal influencing factors on early childhood.
- Legal foundations: Knowledge of relevant legal regulations, youth protection, data protection and education law is conveyed.
- Cross-cutting qualifications: These include key competences such as communication, counselling, teamwork, leadership and management in educational institutions.
- Electives: Within the elective modules you can deepen your knowledge in specific areas, for example inclusion, language support or parental work.
You sharpen your understanding of educational processes, develop practical action competence and are specifically prepared for the theory-practice transfer. Additionally, there is the possibility to acquire state recognition as a social pedagogist within the framework of an additional practical semester.
What structure and processes can you expect in the course of study?
The course is work-integrated and comprises seven semesters of standard study duration. In addition to online learning phases, in which you independently work through study materials, there are two-day on-site sessions on one Friday and Saturday per month. During these on-site phases, you train practice-oriented application and complete the required examinations. Your professional activity is actively used as an additional learning setting – enabling targeted theory-practice transfer.
In the seventh semester, you write your Bachelor’s thesis. Optionally, you can add an eighth semester, designed as a supervised practical semester. This enables you to obtain state recognition as a social pedagogist and fulfil the requirements for a subsequent Master’s programme. The study organisation is adapted to the needs of working professionals and allows you to apply theoretical content directly in your own work practice.
In which professional fields can you apply the knowledge acquired?
With the degree “Bachelor of Arts” numerous career paths open up for you in the early education sector. Typical fields of employment include:
- Daycare centres (kindergartens, crèches, after-school care) – as a pedagogical specialist, group leader or deputy manager
- Family centres and facilities for family and parental education
- Early support centres, counselling centres or youth welfare offices
- Specialist advice, conception and quality development in sponsoring institutions
- Leadership and management functions in children and youth welfare institutions
With the optional practical semester and state recognition as a social pedagogist, you gain further authorisations, for example for leadership functions and advisory tasks. The degree also meets the requirements for Master’s programmes in social pedagogical and educational fields.
How is the tuition fee composed and what financing options are there?
The costs amount to 195 euros per semester. This amount includes the social contribution as well as the material provision fee for study letters, online modules and the learning platform. For the optional eighth semester with recognition internship, the semester fee is reduced to 165 euros. Additionally, there is a one-time chip card fee of 18 euros for the student ID card.
The tuition fees can usually be claimed as tax-deductible income-related expenses. Employers in the social sector sometimes provide financial support for the course; an education loan is also possible. No additional separate costs arise for study materials and on-site sessions.
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