Who particularly benefits from this degree programme

The distance learning programme Childhood Education, Leadership and Management (B.A.) is ideal for you if you are already working as a nursery practitioner or educator or are aiming for a responsible position in early childhood education, such as in day-care centres or educational institutions. It is especially suitable if you want to take on management tasks, shape educational processes and assume personnel responsibility in the social sector. The degree offers you individual specialisation options, for example in the field of international education, media pedagogy or through practical projects, and supports you in taking the next step in your career in the leadership or management of early childhood education institutions.

What formal admission requirements apply?

To be admitted to the distance learning programme Childhood Education, Leadership and Management (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you need a university entrance qualification. You can prove this in various ways:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur): You can enrol directly.
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification: Admission is possible in the respective federal state in accordance with the subject restriction.
• Professionally qualified without Abitur: At least 2 years of completed vocational training followed by 2 years of full-time employment in a related field plus a passed subject-specific university entrance examination.
• Master craftsman’s examination or comparable advanced training: Completion of advanced training (at least 400 hours of teaching), proof of a counselling interview and a passed entrance examination.
• Intermediate secondary school certificate plus 3-year training programme: Final grade 2.5 or better in the subject area; if the grade is worse, an aptitude test is additionally required. You can start on a study agreement if you achieve at least 18 ECTS credits in the first semester or 30 ECTS credits in the first year.

You can also be admitted to the programme without traditional school leaving certificates if you have vocational training and professional experience in the pedagogical or social field and pass the corresponding entrance examination. If you have already completed a state-recognised nursery practitioner training, up to 60 credit points will be credited to you. A 100-day internship is mandatory for professional recognition as a state-recognised childhood educator.

You should bring personal prerequisites such as a sense of responsibility in working with children, the ability to organise yourself in distance learning, strong communication skills, enjoyment of teamwork and an interest in leadership activities. Experience in early childhood education or group leadership is advantageous but not mandatory. Discipline for independent learning and willingness to use innovative technologies (e.g. e-learning platforms) will facilitate a successful course of study.

What content does the distance learning course in Childhood Education, Leadership and Management (B.A.) cover?

In the distance learning course Childhood Education, Leadership and Management (B.A.), you acquire comprehensive knowledge of early childhood education, pedagogical practice and leadership skills. You learn to actively promote developmental and educational processes in children and act as a link between children, parents and multi-professional teams. The focus lies on educational-psychological fundamentals, group pedagogy and the design of inclusive educational settings.

• Subject-specific fundamentals of pedagogy – theories, models and current trends in childhood education
• Pedagogical attitude & professionalism – development of a reflective professional role
• Working with groups and children – methods to promote development and social competence
• Collaboration with families – communication and cooperation with parents and guardians
• Living environments, diversity and inclusion – dealing with heterogeneity and promoting social participation
• Societal, legal and political framework conditions – influences on education and upbringing
• Child and youth welfare in social work – legal foundations and fields of action
• Personnel management and team leadership – managing, controlling and developing teams in social institutions
• Business administration, controlling and social marketing – financial and conceptual aspects of daycare management
• Empirical social and educational research – academic work, research and data evaluation
• Professional internship – 100 days practical experience for professional accreditation
• Elective modules: international education, children and media, practical project daycare founding for individual specialisation

Instead of classic exams, you can expect practice-oriented assessment formats such as term papers, project work or presentations. This way, you train methodical, analytical and communicative thinking, learn to work academically and develop competences in an organisational context.