Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the dual Bachelor’s degree in Education & Upbringing suitable for?
The degree programme is aimed at individuals who aspire to a professional future in the field of social work with children aged 0 to 12 years. The dual study programme is particularly suitable if you want to consistently link theory and practice and are open to an internet-supported distance learning course with on-site phases in Koblenz. The offer is directed both at school leavers with the general or subject-specific university entrance qualification as well as at professionally qualified persons who want to enter social-pedagogical practice directly or further qualify themselves. The programme is of interest to prospective social workers, educators, career changers as well as professionals with relevant vocational training who want to achieve an academic degree and state recognition in the social sector.
Formal requirements for admission
The following admission requirements apply for the dual Bachelor’s degree in Education & Upbringing:
- General higher education entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- School-based part of the advanced technical college entrance qualification, provided the practical part is fulfilled
- Completed vocational training with an average grade of 2.5 or better or a master craftsman’s or equivalent qualification
- For professionally qualified applicants with completed training and at least three years of relevant professional experience, an overall grade average of at least 3.0 and a recommendation from the employer are required
- Proof of a suitable practical placement in the socio-pedagogical or social work sector with children (0–12 years), which is recognised by the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz and confirmed by a cooperation agreement (form and checklist for practical recognition)
In addition, personal requirements are important:
- Willingness to take on a study-accompanying practical activity (recommended: approx. 19.5 hours/week in full-time study)
- Interest in working with children as well as in socio-pedagogical and social work fields
- Ability to work in a team, sense of responsibility and empathy when dealing with children, parents, and colleagues
- Self-organisation and motivation for the distance learning course with online and on-site phases
- Reflective ability and openness to theoretical and practical development
What content does the dual distance learning course "Education & Upbringing" cover?
In the Bachelor's degree programme "Education & Upbringing" you acquire a broad foundation in Social Work, with a focus on working with children aged 0 to 12 years. The content is modularly structured and covers the following areas:
- Basic knowledge: Introduction to the social sciences, relationship work, educational processes, and legal frameworks.
- Fundamentals of professional practice: Methods of social work, working with children and families, documentation and case analysis.
- Interdisciplinary action competences: Communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and self-reflection in the professional context.
- Competences in life-world oriented practical fields: Social space orientation, networking, inclusion, and prevention.
- Practical professional modules: Application of theory in everyday practice, accompanied by reflective practice seminars.
During the course of your studies, you develop the ability to independently analyse complex situations in the socio-pedagogical field of work and to devise action strategies. Upon successful completion, you will have the state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogist.
How is the process and structure of the dual degree programme designed?
The dual Bachelor's degree programme "Education & Upbringing" comprises seven semesters in the full-time model. Alternatively, a part-time course with twelve semesters is possible. A central element is the close interlinking of theory and practice:
- You combine internet-based distance learning with fixed practical phases in a socio-pedagogical institution.
- Each semester includes three on-site blocks in Koblenz, during which you participate in seminars, workshops, and project work.
- Online modules and course materials accompany you during the self-study phases.
- From the first semester, you are employed at a practical placement; in the full-time course, 19.5 hours per week are recommended, and in the fifth semester, even 32–39 hours per week in the practical half-year.
- Practice-accompanying events support your practice transfer and prepare you for state recognition.
- The seventh semester is dedicated to writing the Bachelor’s thesis.
The duration of study is designed so that you gain practical experience from the outset and systematically deepen this through scientific reflection. The practical placement must be secured at the start of your studies. The university offers support in finding suitable practical partners.
What professional perspectives does the degree open up for you?
With the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Education & Upbringing, you obtain state recognition as a social worker or social pedagogist. Your qualifications open up diverse fields of activity:
- Work in kindergartens, after-school care centres, and child and youth welfare institutions
- Opportunities in family counselling and support
- Participation in school-accompanying programmes or open all-day schools
- Employment in municipal, independent, or church-based organisations
- Project work on integration, inclusion, and prevention in the community
The Bachelor’s degree also grants access to advanced Master’s programmes in the pedagogical or social science fields. Due to the dual training principle, you are particularly attractive to employers upon graduation, as you can already demonstrate extensive practical experience.
What costs are involved in the dual distance learning course Education & Upbringing and how can you finance it?
The tuition fees amount to €195 per semester. This includes the general social contribution as well as a materials fee for course materials, online modules, and the use of the learning platform. From the eighth semester onwards, the fee reduces to €165 per semester, for example in the case of part-time extension.
- The total cost for seven semesters in the full-time model amounts to €1,365.
- Additionally, a one-off chip card fee of €18 is charged for the student ID.
Your dual studies can be financially supported by your practical partner under certain conditions. The costs of the course are generally tax-deductible as income-related expenses. Furthermore, funding options such as BAföG or scholarships may be considered, depending on your personal situation. The low semester fees make the course especially family- and career-friendly.
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