Admission requirements

With first degree:

• a completed university degree
• at least one year of relevant current professional experience

Without first degree:

For applicants without a first university degree, there is the possibility to be admitted to the course under certain conditions:

• Possession of a university entrance qualification, e.g. school leaving certificate (Abitur, Fachhochschulreife etc.) or a master craftsman’s certificate or equivalent advanced training qualification (e.g. also as a state-recognised nursery teacher) or a completed vocational training with good results (overall grade max. 2.5) as well as
• additionally at least three years of relevant current professional experience and
• passed aptitude test

Details

The internet-supported, part-time distance learning programme Childhood and Social Sciences M.A. (MAKS) is aimed both at graduates of a first professionally qualifying university degree and at professionally qualified applicants who can be admitted to the master’s programme after an aptitude test. The continuing education distance learning programme offers the opportunity to deepen previously acquired knowledge at master’s level and thereby qualify for demanding professional activities in leading, planning and/or research positions as well as for advanced methodological work in the field of childhood.

The master’s programme is divided into four semesters and comprises 90 ECTS credits. Study contents in the 1st semester are: Social Science Discourses, Childhood Science Discourses, Ethics and Research Methodology. Contents of the 2nd to 4th semesters include course units depending on the chosen specialisation and the master’s thesis. Specialisations to choose from are Management & Consulting, Child Protection & Diagnostics, Movement & Health, Trauma Pedagogy (optional), Specialist in KiTa Social Space Work (optional) and Educational Consulting for Daycare Centres (optional).

The programme is modular and combines supervised self-study phases with theory-practice transfer and attendance periods. The master’s thesis is completed in the final semester. The standard period of study is four semesters. This programme qualifies graduates for childhood science professional fields in senior positions, such as work with independent and public providers and in the private sector. The master’s degree also grants access to higher civil service and the right to doctoral studies in accordance with the doctoral regulations of the respective university.