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Early Childhood Studies (MA)

Kinder sitzen an einem Tisch und arbeiten in Heften

The Master's programme in early childhood studies is a cooperative programme of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam. You will gain interdisciplinary expertise as well as research and management skills and will be prepared for researching, steering and developing advisory activities.

Our students also benefit from a growing network of academics, research and educational institutions as well as partners from the field.

 

Degree:
Master of Arts
Type:
Full time
Course language:
German
Standard study period:
4 semesters
Start of study:
Winter semester
Application deadline:
15/05 – 15/08 (free of admission)
Admission requirements:
First professional university degree, proof in empirical research methods
Credits:
120 ECTS credits
Module Manuals & Regulations
Profile

Research, steer and develop

In terms of content, the degree programme focuses on research into the design of pedagogical processes for children aged 0 to 12 years and thus includes early childhood as well as day care in day nurseries and after-school care. A central component of the study programme is application-related basic research on questions of early childhood education and development, which arewhich is deepened within the framework of the student's own research interests.

The aim of the Master's programme "early childhood studies" is to train students for highly qualified positions in research, specialist training and professional management. A wide range of professional perspectives open up after completion of the programme.

The focus of the Master's programme is the student's own research interest. This gives students the opportunity to deepen their competences in scientific work from the very beginning. An essential component of the programme is scientific work based on empirical research methods, whereby quantitative-experimental approaches play a particularly important role alongside qualitative approaches. Half of the workload (60 ECTS credits) is therefore completed by developing one's own research project and implementing it within the framework of the Master's thesis. Here, the students - accompanied and supported by the lecturers and fellow students - go through all phases of the empirical research process. This is flanked by corresponding courses. The courses in the research focus are designed as colloquia, which enable open and cooperative work as well as cross-year learning. The modules on the research focus are accompanied methodically and in terms of content by courses in subject and reference sciences as well as in empirical research methods. This gives students the opportunity to deal intensively with a topic, to act as researchers at the same time and to cooperate with partners from research, control and practice in their research area.

    Image films: Study Early Childhood Studies

    Profile, focus & PINA

    In terms of content, the degree program Early Childhood Studies focuses on research on the design of pedagogical processes for children aged 0 to 12 years and thus includes early childhood and day care in daycare centers and after-school care. A central component of the study program is thereby the application-related basic research to issues of early childhood education and development, which is deepened in the context of own research interests.

    The goal of the master's program Early Childhood Studies is to train students for highly qualified positions in research, professional training and professional management. Following the study opens up a variety of professional prospects.

    The focus of the master's program is the student's own research interest. This gives students the opportunity to deepen their skills in scientific work from the beginning. An essential part of the program is the scientific work based on empirical research methods, whereby quantitative-experimental approaches play an important role in addition to qualitative approaches. Half of the workload (60 ECTS credits) is therefore completed through the development of an own research project and its implementation within the framework of the master's thesis. Here, the students - accompanied and supported by the lecturers and fellow students - go through all phases of the empirical research process. This is flanked by appropriate courses. The courses in the research focus are designed as colloquia, which enable open and cooperative work as well as cross-year learning. The modules on the research focus are accompanied methodically and in terms of content by courses in subject and reference sciences as well as in empirical research methods. This gives students the opportunity to deal intensively with a topic, at the same time already act as researchers as well as cooperate with partners from research, control and practice in their field of research. 

     

    The scientific profile lies in application-oriented basic research on early childhood development and educational processes. The combination of laboratory and field research characterises the methodological approach to research in the Master's programme "early childhood studies".

    The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam has a research laboratory for developmental psychology and educational studies. This includes two observation rooms equipped with modern video technology and a technology room. Here, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of educational processes can be studied in pedagogical interaction under controlled conditions.

    A research laboratory is available at the University of Potsdam that enables electroencephalographic examinations as well as eye movement registrations and movement analyses. In addition to the research labs, there is a free learning workshop for children and educators called "Forscherwelt Blossin"an external location that combines research and practice development. In this real laboratory, pedagogical interaction processes are investigated under ecologically valid conditions with regard to their mechanisms of action, their effects and their implementation potentials in multi-method research paradigms (experimental, quasi-experimental and qualitative).

    Within the framework of the Master's programme, a variety of interesting projects are being developed with different cooperation partners.

    The three central research fields of the degree programme are:

    • Pedagogical interaction and participation,
    • Cognition, language and concepts as well as
    • Practice development and transfer.

    PINA is an interdisciplinary research network on early childhood education and development and part of the research infrastructure of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. It presents monthly guest lectures during the semester on early childhood education and development.

    Since November 2017, PINA has been hosting a monthly monthly guest colloquium with speakers from various scientific disciplines of childhood research..

    Is this degree programme right for me?

    During your studies, you will develop your own research project and implement it as part of your Master's thesis. You will go through all phases of the empirical research process-accompanied and supported by your teachers and fellow students. Our degree programme is characterised by an open and cooperative atmosphere. The courses are held in German, but a large part of the international research literature on early childhood education is published in English.

    You bring these qualities with you

    • Interest in research on the developmental and educational processes of children
    • Independence, self-reflection and critical judgement, participation in social discourse
    • Ability to read and understand professional texts in English

    WG Early Childhood Studies

    Unsure? On the Instagram channel of the WG Early Childhood Studies you can get more insights into research and our activities.

    WG Early Childhood Studies on Instagram

    Contact

    The colleagues at the student counselling service provide information to prospective students, first-year students, parents, teachers and students on all general questions about the degree programme. If you have specific questions or concerns about the Master's programme in early childhood studies, please contact the programme coordinator or programme director.

    Programme Management

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Research Professor for Early Childhood Studies
    Head of PINA Research Laboratory

    Head of Study Programme (deputy)

    Programme Coordination

    Dipl.-Kffr. Alena Kohlmann

    Dipl.-Kffr. Alena Kohlmann

    Coordination Early Childhood Studies (M. A.)
    Part-time Social Work Coordination (B. A.), BASA-online
    Study Coaching / Coordination Students4Students

    These degree programmes might also interest you

    More courses
    Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
    Childhood Studies and Children's Rights (MA) English Winter semester
    Note: This degree programme will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25
    Early Childhood Studies (MA) German Winter semester
    15/05 – 15/08 (free of admission)
    MA Social Work with a Focus on the Family German Winter semester
    15.05. – 22.06. (NC degree program)
    Social Management (MA) German Summer semester
    01/12 – 31/03 (free of admission)
    Career Prospects

    Career Prospects

    In recent years, research on early childhood education has gained in importance. As a result, the need for scientifically qualified experts is increasing – be it in supporting organisations, professional associations, institutions or in the research field. The degree programme early childhood studies prepares you for research activities at universities and in research institutes as well as for the conceptualisation, evaluation, further development and control of offers and measures for content-related quality development in the field of early childhood education.

    Research and Development

    • Research and teaching at universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutes
    • (Practical) research, development and planning at universities and non-university institutions
    • Quality and team development and evaluation
    • Personnel and organisational development
    • Doctoral studies

    Offer and advice

    • Specialist and organisational advice
    • Early education and early help counselling centres
    • Training and further training of early childhood education staff (e.g. at technical colleges, further education institutions, youth education centres and in state and federal programmes)
    • Public relations work and professional political representation as well as socio-spatial and communal coordination and networking tasks.

    Management and control

    • System control and administration at municipal, state and federal level
    • Management of early education projects (in foundations, providers, professional associations)
    • Coordination of supporting organisations and professional associations
    • Administrative and management positions in education and social services, especially in state or non-state institutions of early childhood education, youth welfare, continuing education and the school system
    • National, regional and local planning functions
    • Quality management: development and assurance of pedagogical quality at provider organisations and professional associations
    • Representation of the sector in policy-making and networking tasks in socio-spatial and communal contexts.

    Alumni voices

    Here, former students report on their motivation for choosing a Master's programme in "early childhood studies", on their professional or academic careers to date and on their careers after graduation.

    Was war Deine Motivation, Dich für den MAFB einzuschreiben?

    Mit dem Masterstudium Frühkindliche Bildungsforschung habe ich sehr gut an die Inhalte aus meinem Bachelorstudium „Kindheitspädagogik“ anknüpfen können. Die vertiefte Qualifikation im Bereich Forschung hat die Bandbreite zukünftiger beruflicher Möglichkeiten deutlich erweitert. Sie gibt mir eine gute Grundlage, in Bereichen zu arbeiten, die sich mit der stetigen Weiterentwicklung pädagogischer Qualität auseinandersetzen. (Außerdem: Bei meiner Bewerbung kannte ich den Campus der FH Potsdam noch nicht – heute müsste der aber ganz klar als weitere Bewerbungsmotivation genannt werden.)

    Was hast Du vorher studiert und wie verlief Deine berufliche/akademische Laufbahn?

    Nach einem ersten Studienabschluss im Fach Gesellschafts- und Wirtschaftskommunikation und vielen Jahren beruflicher Praxis im Verlagswesen habe ich mich 2018 entschlossen, meinem ursprünglichen Berufswunsch – einer Tätigkeit im pädagogischen Bereich – doch noch zu folgen. Ich habe an der Evangelischen Hochschule Berlin Kindheitspädagogik (B. A.) studiert und direkt danach den Master in Potsdam angeschlossen.

    Was machst Du heute beruflich?

    Als Lehrkraft für besondere Aufgaben doziere ich seit dem Wintersemester 2023/24 selbst im Studiengang Kindheitspädagogik (B. A.) an der Evangelischen Hochschule Berlin. Ich begleite die Studierenden in ihren Praktika, lehre Grundlagen wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens und kann besonders im Seminar Forschungsmethoden viel Wissen aus meinem Masterstudium weitergeben.

    What was your motivation to enrol in early childhood education?

    My interest in the degree programme was determined by the time I spent abroad in Indonesia, China and Australia. Especially the big difference between access to education and the way of life in the different cultures and countries made my interest and desire to make a difference grow. But my bachelor's degree in teaching and learning at Leuphana in Lüneburg also sparked my desire to develop something for and with children. Topics such as developmental psychology, teaching methods, didactics, but also education for sustainable development, global learning and children's rights were very central in my course of studies.

    What did you study before and what was your professional/academic career like?

    I finished my abitur in Hamburg and then spent half a year in China as an au pair and then did work and travel in Australia for another 6 months. After that, I studied teaching and learning for primary school at Leuphana in Lüneburg, with the subjects of German and subject teaching. I specialised in history here.

    I did two internships directly at school. One in Lüneburg and one in Indonesia. In Indonesia, I taught English in a class in Bojonegoro for one or two months. That was so much fun and at the same time I got to know such different perspectives on education and work that I really wanted to study something that would give me a perspective on driving change in the world and especially for countries and cities that are further away from education.

    As a sideline, I worked mainly as a saleswoman and always wanted this distinction between my studies and my work, so that I wouldn't lose interest in it prematurely.

    What do you do for a living today?

    I now work as a social worker or as a project assistant for Global Digital Learning and Education for Sustainable Development at LHS (Lebenshilfe in der Schule GmbH). Together with a team, we develop methods for children from 3rd to 7th grade on the topics of ESD, digitalisation and global learning, which we then also apply and reflect on in working groups at various schools. This project promotes development education and supports and cooperates with East African cities such as Uganda.

    What was your motivation for enrolling in the early childhood education degree programme?

    I wanted to obtain a Master's degree in the field of education and educational sciences in order to open up the possibility of improving the pedagogical quality in early childhood education institutions at the management level. It was also important for me to obtain a university degree as well as to study in small groups and a personal atmosphere at a university of applied sciences. Early childhood education was perfect for that!

    What did you study before and what was your professional/academic career like?

    I completed a bachelor's degree in cultural studies and art history after my abitur and a voluntary social year – after that, my life became quite varied. Among other things, I worked as an educator and gained the impression that the pedagogical quality in many institutions could be improved. So I decided to start all over again in my late twenties, acquire specialist knowledge and complete a Bachelor's degree in "Education and Educational Science". Then came the Master's degree and now, after a long and exciting journey as a student, I am starting a new phase in my life.

    What do you do for a living today?

    I work as a counsellor in a large day-care centre – my dream job! I support the educational staff in improving the children's linguistic and mathematical development and take care of the further development of the inclusion concept. Often, specialist advisors do not work in a single facility, but are responsible for several daycare centres. The advantage of working on site is that I can design my advisory work very individually and evaluate it well. I also get to be in the midst of the children, which gives me a lot of pleasure.

     

    What was your motivation to enrol in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    During my Bachelor's degree, I had the opportunity to expand my theoretical knowledge during an internship in a child and adolescent psychiatric ward. There I realised that I would like to focus my professional career on the development of the child's psyche and work with children in a preventive or interventive way. Since a stay abroad, I have also been in close contact with families who have decided to take in children from a difficult family and social environment as foster children. Through living with these families, I have come into contact with the emotional and psychological challenges of adopted and foster children, among other things. These experiences have shown me that it is especially important to me to support children and young people on their way to a carefree life. For me, this support is based not only on therapeutic work, but above all on an adequate educational programme, which is why I chose the MAFB and its academic orientation.

    What did you study before and what was your professional/academic career like?

    I completed my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Cognition at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The degree offered me the opportunity to form a scientifically sound knowledge of the human psyche, its neuronal development, as well as the philosophical examination of one's own self and the world.

    What do you do professionally today?

    I am currently in the process of publishing my master's thesis as a paper. In addition to this scientific work, my goal is to gain a foothold in the practical field, which is why I am currently completing further training as a systemic child and youth therapist.

     

    What was your motivation to enrol in the aerly childhood studies degree programme?

    After I was in the final stages of my bachelor's degree in childhood education, I wanted to further deepen my competence profile (language education and development, professionalisation of actors and quality development in the field of child day care) in a master's programme. The research-oriented approach to topics of child development, but also to structures and framework conditions of early childhood education practice, which underlies the early childhood studies degree programme, formed an optimal basis for me to further develop my professional knowledge. Along with this, I was convinced by the possibility of independent research and participation in existing research projects and the intensive exchange and supervision of students in small groups and colloquia.

    What did you study before and what was your professional/academic career like?

    I actually started studying business administration at the beginning, as I was aiming for a professional career in retail management due to my work in the retail sector while obtaining my vocational baccalaureate. However, my voluntary positions at UNICEF and in a family support association at the time, as well as an internship in a day-care centre for children, motivated me to make the change and pursue my professional interest in the early childhood education sector. I then studied childhood education at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for a Bachelor's degree. Through my studies, I was able to gain a lot of professional and practical experience in day care centres with different pedagogical concepts and in the system management of early childhood education. The Master's programme in early childhood studies offered me the opportunity to exchange and network with academics nationally and internationally, as well as to go through the entire research process independently. Overall, every step I took in this exciting field of work strengthened my conviction that I had made the right decision.

    What do you do for a living today?

    I recently successfully completed my master degree with a focus on practice development and transfer and am currently still enrolled at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Currently, I am continuing to focus on my main topics in the areas of quality development, professionalisation, linguistic education and practice transfer, and I am striving for a future position in which I can further contribute and expand my professional and personal competences.

    What was your motivation to enrol in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    I knew I wanted to work with children. After my bachelor's degree in childhood education, I worked in a children's shop for almost three years. That time was very nice, but I had the feeling that I was "not yet at the end of my journey". The practice made me curious to learn more about children and their development and also about the quality development of the pedagogical landscape. That's why I then decided to study again!

    What did you study before and what was your professional/academic career like?

    I studied childhood education at the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences and then worked for almost three years as a pedagogical manager in a children's shop in Berlin.

    What do you do professionally today?

    I work as a PhD student and research coordinator at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, where I do research on information seeking, ecological and active learning in children.

    What was your motivation to enrol in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    The decisive factor was the focus on research in an area of early childhood education that is very exciting for me personally. My interest in the professionalisation of actors in early childhood education, care and upbringing was very well met by the fact that I could choose a focus on practice development and transfer and conduct my own field research.

    What did you study before? What was your professional/academic career like?

    I previously completed a master's degree in political science and linguistics (Romance studies) and then worked in the private sector. I came to early childhood education through voluntary work and then decided to develop myself professionally in the field.

    What do you do professionally today?

    After graduating with a Master's degree in "Early Childhood Studies", I started working as a programme manager in the federal programme "Sprach-Kitas" at an implementing foundation in Berlin.

    What was your motivation for enrolling in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    At first, of course, to have more opportunities in the professional field "later". During the writing phase of my Bachelor's thesis, I was suddenly motivated to apply for a Master's programme directly after graduating. I wanted to further develop my interests in the field of early childhood education (e.g. pedagogical attitudes of educators, daycare quality, training of educators). Since I liked it so much at the FHP in the previous three years, I wanted to stay a little longer.

    What did you study before? What was your professional/academic career like?

    I completed a Bachelor's degree in "Early Childhood Education" at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. In addition to various internships, I also worked as an educational specialist in a so-called integration day-care centre.

    In which field are you professionally active today?

    Since September 2019, I have been a teacher and class teacher at a vocational school for social work in the Spreewald and train educators. My main topics in the learning fields so far are: Perception and observation, development, play, quality development, etc.

    What was your motivation to enrol in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    I have always had a great interest in studies in the field of early childhood education and organisational research. I also had the idea that organisational culture must in some way influence the pedagogical quality of educational institutions. Which has already been proven to some extent at the school level, but hardly received any attention in the early childhood sector. The Master's degree then gave me the opportunity to pursue this with my own project. In the end, the main reason was to do research myself and at the same time to learn the tools for it.

    What did you study before? What was your professional/academic career like?

    My career was not necessarily always straight, but rather zigzagged. I first studied sociology/bsiness administration and later education and childhood education. In addition, I worked in various areas of business and education, which allowed me to gain interesting experience. Since 2015, I have also been working as a freelance speaker and lecturer for play and media education.

    In which area are you professionally active today?

    I currently work as the operations manager for a social institution. I am in charge of six child and youth welfare facilities. I advise them on various educational and economic issues. In addition, the areas of digitalisation, recruitment and retention of skilled workers, as well as cooperation with research are also part of my responsibilities.

     

    What was your motivation to enrol in the early childhood studies degree programme?

    During my bachelor's degree, I developed a stronger interest in scientific work. I was also particularly attracted by the prospect of being able to work in different areas of early education after graduation.

    What did you study before?

    I previously studied primary school education.

    In which field are you working today?

    I am now doing my doctorate and working as a research assistant at the University of Potsdam. The Master's degree prepared me very well for my professional work, especially through the constant academic exchange between the lecturers and the students, as well as through the individual consolidation in the area of academic publishing.

    These degree programmes might also interest you

    More courses
    Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
    Childhood Studies and Children's Rights (MA) English Winter semester
    Note: This degree programme will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25
    Early Childhood Studies (MA) German Winter semester
    15/05 – 15/08 (free of admission)
    MA Social Work with a Focus on the Family German Winter semester
    15.05. – 22.06. (NC degree program)
    Social Management (MA) German Summer semester
    01/12 – 31/03 (free of admission)
    Study Content

    Course of studies

    The standard period of study for the full-time degree programme early childhood studies is four semesters and concludes with a Master of Arts degree.
    The degree programme can be completed full-time or adapted to individual needs and completed part-time.

    Here you can find the exemplary study plan for full-time studies as well as exemplary suggestions for extending or planning studies on a part-time basis. In the case of part-time models, it should be noted that seminars may overlap in terms of time. If this is the case, the head of the programme should be informed so that an individual solution can be sought together.

    Semester 1 Subject modules
    Semester 2 Subject modules, compulsory elective modules, project work
    Semester 3 Subject modules, compulsory elective modules, project work
    Semester 4

    Master's thesis, Master's colloquium

    Course planning for full-time studies (4 semesters)
    Course planning for part-time studies (6 semesters)
    Course planning for part-time studies (8 semesters)

    Study Content

    In the currently valid module handbooks and study and examination regulations of the social and educational sciences department you will find the module overview, a detailed description of the modules and study contents as well as the study plan for the degree programme in early childhood studies.

    Teaching formats

    The focus is on teaching formats that enable independent, cooperative and research-based learning in small to medium-sized groups.

    • Seminars
    • Exercises
    • Research and literature colloquia
    • Small group projects
    • Participation in research projects

    Subject modules

    • Methods and Concepts of Empirical Childhood Research
    • Developmental Psychology & Childhood Education
    • Introduction and research question
    • Diagnostics, Intervention, Prevention
    • Scientific-theoretical foundations of childhood research
    • Concept and design
    • Data collection and evaluation

    Electives

    • Consulting
    • Management & Leadership
    • System Control
    • Scientific Community

    Projects and excursions

    • Depending on current topics and cooperation partners as well as respective offers for visits and expert conferences

    Thesis

    • Independent writing of a Master's thesis

    Projects

    More projects
    Bild eines Sprachlerntagebuchs mit einem Post-it-Zettel, auf dem steht "Wir bauen um"

    BeoKiz – Observation and Documentation in Day-Care Centres: Child-Centred and Holistic

    "BeoKiz" is a project that we are implementing in cooperation with the Institut für Fortbildung Forschung & Entwicklung e.V. on behalf of the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family in the period from August 2020 to December 2022.

    Mädchen mit Down-Syndrom steht lächelnd mit verschränkten Armen vor einem hellblauen Hintergrund

    INSO – Inclusion in the Social Space

    The research project "Inklusion im Sozialraum – Partizipative kinderrechtsbasierte Schulentwicklung durch schüler*innenaktive Forschung" aims to investigate the conditions for success of inclusive schools and to give general recommendations for action.

    Person mit Smartphone in der Hand

    The Babyhelfer – Virtual Psychological Counselling for Expecting and New Parents – The Babyhelfer App

    The aim of the project "Die Babyhelfer" is to provide virtual psychological counselling to expecting and new parents by means of an app in order to reduce the shortage of care for certain sub-pathological and psychological problems.

    Logo Forschungsprojekt EDIT

    EDIT – Development of dialogical interaction and participation

    EDIT is a cooperative practice research program of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam (FHP) and the University of Potsdam (UP). In EDIT, practice development and practice research on the development of dialogical interaction and participation in early childhood education are implemented.

    Logo des Forschungsprojekts Any-Cubes

    Any-Cubes – Discover Artificial Intelligence through Playing

    Any-Cubes researches and develops the toys of the future.

    Logo des Forschungsprojekts EQUIP

    EQUIP – Development of Quality and Interaction in Pedagogical Everyday Life

    A cooperative practice research programme by University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam on quality development in early education

    Teachers

    Lecturers at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

    Programme Management

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Research Professor for Early Childhood Studies
    Head of PINA Research Laboratory

    Head of Degree Programme (Deputy)

    Academic Staff Member

    Caroline Wronski

    Dr. Caroline Wronski

    Academic Assistant in the Degree Programme Early Childhood Studies (M. A.)

    Research Assistant

    Academic Staff Member

    Teachers at Postdam University

    Prof. Dr Jan Lonnemann

    Professorship for "Empirical Childhood Research" (University of Potsdam)
    +49 331 977-2571
    lonnemann@uni-potsdam.de

    To the personal page of Prof. Dr. Lonnemann

    Dr Karoline Lohse

    Academic staff member (on maternity leave)
    +49 331 977-203163
    lohsek@uni-potsdam.de

    To the personal page of Dr Lohse

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about the Master's programme "Early Childhood Studies"

    The Master's degree in early childhood studies alone does not qualify students for practical work with children in day care centres or other child and youth welfare institutions. The degree programme also does not qualify students for management positions in day-care centres.

    In combination with a corresponding B. A. degree programme that includes specialist recognition (e.g. early childhood education), other subject-specific training/qualifications and/or experience, it is possible to work in practice with children after graduation. However, the individual qualifications and corresponding opportunities to work with children must be discussed in detail with the providers.

     

    All knowledge in statistics necessary for successful completion is taught in the initial phase and in the further course of the degree programme. In addition, 5 ECTS credits in empirical research methods must be proven for application.

    A Bachelor's degree in a related subject is required for the application. It is also possible to apply with a degree in the humanities and social sciences, if it can be proven that the focus of the degree was on childhood-related subjects. Whether one's own Bachelor's degree is suitable for the Master's programme in early childhood studies should best be clarified during a consultation with Ms. Alena Kohlmann (by email: alena.kohlmann@fh-potsdam.de).

    Regular courses or student presentations are not held in English. However, most of the research literature that is read together in the seminars is written in english. In the course of the internationalisation of degree programmes at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, the aim is to offer individual courses in english in the future. The regular PINA colloquia are mostly held in English.

    In addition to excursions into practice, a research internship is planned in which the students gain practical experience within the university within various research projects of the lecturers. For example, there is close cooperation with the Blossin youth education centre.

    In the independent learning workshop for children and educators"Forscherwelt Blossin", research and practical development are combined. In this real laboratory, pedagogical interaction processes are investigated under ecologically valid conditions with regard to their mechanisms of action, their effects and their implementation potentials in multi-method research paradigms (experimental, quasi-experimental and qualitative).

    Students can organise an internship in external institutions (e.g. child and youth welfare) themselves and thereby organise their studies individually. There is no compulsory internship.

    A pre-study internship or other practical experience is not a prerequisite for admission to the programme.

    Due to the new law on the reform of psychotherapeutic training, this question cannot be answered conclusively at the moment. We are currently examining possible approaches and will inform you here about the current status.

    Further information on the law to reform the training of psychotherapists from the Federal Ministry of Health

     

    Yes.

    It is both a university and a university of applied sciences degree. This is clearly indicated on the degree certificate.

    The programme takes place both on the Golm campus of the University of Potsdam and on the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Students attend courses at both campuses. No courses are held on the same day at both campuses in order to avoid travelling between the locations. The libraries and refectories can be used equally.

    Application & Contact

    Dates & requirements for your application

    The most important deadlines, dates and admission requirements for the Master's programme in early childhood studies are compiled here. You can find out which steps you need to take for a successful application in the next section.

    Dates

    • by 15th of August: apply for enrolment

    Access requirements

    First professionally qualifying university degree (180 ECTS credits) and proof of 5 ECTS credits in research methods in the field of early childhood education or a related degree programme, e.g:

    • educational, social and cognitive sciences
    • humanities with a corresponding specialisation (childhood, education)

    This is how you apply!

    Do you have a first university degree that qualifies you for a profession? Then you have the opportunity to submit an enrolment application for the winter semester from 15th of Mai to 15th of August on the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

    Once you have submitted your online application for enrolment, submit the completed application, printed and signed, together with all required documents in paper form. The date of receipt at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is decisive.

    Documents to be submitted

    • An officially certified copy of your university entrance qualification or university degree certificate
    • Electronic notification of your insurance status for the statutory health insurance for students or electronic notification of exemption from the statutory insurance obligation
    • Proof of payment or order confirmation of semester fees
    • Photo for issuing the Campus.Card (upload possible during online application)
    • Exmatriculation certificate from the last university attended, if applicable

    Please also upload the following documents as PDF files:

    • Curriculum vitae
    • Diploma Supplement: 5 ECTS credits in empirical research methods
    • Application essay (max. 3 pages in total) especially on the following questions:
      Why are you applying for this degree programme? What relevant knowledge do you bring with you from your previous studies? What expectations do you have of the degree programme? What career prospects do you see for yourself after completing the programme? What research interests do you see for yourself in the subject area of the degree programme? Outline your first research ideas!

    Do you have questions about the enrolment process at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam? We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers about enrolment and admission.

    Further information

    The following links provide you, and especially international applicants, with further information on the topics of application and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

    Girlande mit internationalen Flaggen

    International applicants

    You would like to apply for studies from the first or a higher semester and have acquired your school-leaving qualification and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have degrees and achievements acquired abroad recognised and study with us.

    Application information for internationals

    Drei Studierende schauen sich Infomaterialien der FH Potsdam an

    Application & Enrolment Procedure

    The application and study service provides information and advice on general questions regarding the application process, admission and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, application for a higher semester, but also on topics such as compensation for disadvantages, part-time studies, waiting semesters and hardship applications.

    Application & Enrolment University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

    Contact & services

    The student counselling service provides information and advice on general questions about studying as well as on topics such as choosing a degree programme, application, enrolment and study organisation.

    For subject-specific questions on module content, credit transfer, examinations or study focus in the early childhood studies degree programme, the subject counsellingservice is the right place to go.

    Academic Counselling & Programme Management

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Prof. Dr. Gerlind Große

    Research Professor for Early Childhood Studies
    Head of PINA Research Laboratory

    Academic Counselling & Deputy Head of degree Programme

    Programme Coordination

    Dipl.-Kffr. Alena Kohlmann

    Dipl.-Kffr. Alena Kohlmann

    Coordination Early Childhood Studies (M. A.)
    Part-time Social Work Coordination (B. A.), BASA-online
    Study Coaching / Coordination Students4Students

    Student Financing

    Room 3.02a

    Family Affairs Commissioner

    Room 026

    Office hours

    Tue and Thu 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

    Commissioner for University Employees with Impairment

    Room 201

    Office hours

    by arrangement

    Contact persons department of student affairs