Press release
Two paths, one goal: University of Applied Sciences Potsdam launches new degree programmes in Childhood Education
The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is expanding its range of degree programmes in the field of early education: The Bachelor's degree programme Childhood Education (BA) and Childhood Education Dual (BA) are two pioneering degree programmes being launched. They qualify students for educational work with children from birth to the age of 12 and focus on a close connection between theory, practice and research.
While the bachelor's degree programme in Childhood Education offers a broad-based full-time study programme with integrated practical phases in various child and youth welfare facilities, Childhood Education Dual is characterised in particular by its consistent integration of study and professional practice: Right from the start, students work for a permanent employer in a day care centre or other child and youth welfare facility for three years and receive a monthly salary. The dual study programme thus combines financial independence with early professorial recruitment and intensive practical experience.
Theory, practice and research closely interlinked
Both degree programmes impart sound knowledge of educational science, psychology, social sciences and law. Students acquire comprehensive skills to professionally support child development and educational processes, work with families and actively help shape educational institutions.
A special profile feature is the consistent combination of academic work and practical relevance throughout the entire degree programme. In innovative teaching formats such as the "casuistry labs", students reflect on their practical experience while researching current issues together in "scientific communities of practice". Topics such as diversity, inclusion, democracy and gender are firmly anchored as cross-cutting themes.
Another focus of the programme is on aesthetics and aesthetic practice as a central approach to children's educational processes - a unique selling point of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam in this area.
Research and practice in direct exchange
The Childhood Education (BA) degree programme is characterised by the consistent linking of teaching, practice and current research: students are involved in research-related projects at an early stage and learn to systematically develop and work on their own questions from the field of Childhood Education.
Innovative dual model with a pioneering role
With Childhood Education Dual, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is establishing the first dual degree programme in this field in the state of Brandenburg. Small seminar groups, intensive supervision and close cooperation with practice centres make it possible to overcome the often-discussed theory-practice gap in a targeted manner. The continuous support provided by the university and practice centres promotes the students' professional development in the long term.
Diverse perspectives for a socially relevant profession
Graduates of both degree programmes gain state recognition as Childhood Education specialists and have a wide range of professorial recruitment options - from daycare centres, family centres and advice centres to management positions, specialist advice, research and teaching. Further MA programmes are also open to them.
In view of current social challenges - for example in the area of inclusion or family support - the profession of Childhood Education has a central role to play. The degree programmes make an important contribution to qualifying professionals to meet these challenges in the interests of children and their families.
Prof. Dr. Tanja Salem (Programme Director): "Families today face a variety of challenges that have a significant impact on how children grow up. Our aim is to enable students to understand these complex life situations and to respond to them professionally. To achieve this, we combine a scientific foundation with a strong practical orientation and promote a research-based attitude. It is particularly important to us that our graduates take children's perspectives seriously, embrace diversity and are committed to promoting good living conditions for children and their families."
Working together for good conditions for growing up
With these two degree programmes, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is creating an innovative, practice-oriented and scientifically sound educational offering. The aim is to bring university and practice closer together and to work together on the further development of child and youth welfare - for better educational and living conditions for children and families.
