The scientific profile lies in application-oriented basic research into early childhood development and educational processes. The combination of laboratory and field research characterizes the methodological approach of research in the Master's degree programme Early Childhood Education Research. 

• three central research fields of the Early Childhood Education Research degree program are 
• pedagogical interaction and participation 
• cognition, language and concepts 
• practice development and transfer

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam has a research laboratory for developmental psychology and educational studies. This comprises two observation rooms equipped with modern video technology and a technical 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, which enables electroencephalographic examinations as well as eye movement registration and movement analysis. 

In addition to the research laboratories, there is also an external location that combines research and practical development: the free learning workshop for children and educators, Forscherwelt Blossin. In this real-world laboratory, pedagogical interaction processes are investigated under ecologically valid conditions with regard to their mechanisms of action, their effects and their implementation potential in multi-method research paradigms (experimental, quasi-experimental and qualitative) as part of the Master's degree course. 

As part of the Master's degree programme, a variety of interesting projects are developed with various cooperation partners.

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 on early childhood education and development during the semester. 

Since November 2017, PINA has been organizing a monthly guest colloquium at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam with speakers from various scientific disciplines of childhood research.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

The Master's programme in Early Childhood Education Research tied in very well with the content of my Bachelor's programme in Childhood Education. The in-depth qualification in the field of research has significantly expanded the range of future career opportunities. It gives me a good foundation for working in areas that deal with the continuous development of educational quality. (Also, when I applied, I didn't know the campus of the FH Potsdam yet – but today it would definitely be another reason for applying.)

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

After completing my first degree in Social and Business Communication and many years of professional experience in publishing, I decided in 2018 to pursue my original career aspiration – a job in the field of education. I studied Childhood Education (BA) at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Berlin and immediately followed this with a Master's degree in Potsdam.

What do you do for a living today?

As a lecturer for special tasks, I have been teaching in the Childhood Education (BA) programme at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Berlin since the winter semester 2023/24. I accompany students during their internships, teach the basics of scientific work and, especially in the research methods seminar, am able to pass on a great deal of knowledge from my Master's programme.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

I was motivated to enrol in this Master's programme because I wanted to learn more about the various empirical research methods and theories in the field of childhood research. I was particularly interested in research focusing on cognition and language.

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

I completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Paris. During my studies, I did an internship in the neonatology department of a hospital to participate in the implementation of care projects supporting the sensory and motor development of newborns. As part of the MAFB, I worked as a student assistant with lecturers from the Master's programme in various stages of research.

What do you do for a living today?

I will begin a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology in Paris in September 2023 in order to obtain the title of psychologist. After that, I would like to work in facilities for young children to support the development of newborns and offer parental support.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

My interest in the programme was sparked by my stays abroad in Indonesia, China and Australia. The huge differences in access to education and ways of life in different cultures and countries really piqued my interest and made me want to make a difference. But my Bachelor's degree in Teaching and Learning at Leuphana University 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 to my studies.

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

I completed my Abitur (A-levels) in Hamburg and then spent six months in China as an au pair, followed by another six months working and travelling in Australia. After that, I studied Teaching and Learning for Primary Schools at Leuphana University in Lüneburg, specialising in German and general studies. I specialised in History.

I did two internships directly at school. One in Lüneburg and one in Indonesia. In Indonesia, I taught English and observed classes in Bojonegoro for one or two months. I enjoyed it so much and at the same time I got to know such different perspectives on education and work that I definitely wanted to study something that would give me prospects, promote change in the world and, above all, advance future prospects for less educated countries and cities.

I mainly worked part-time as a sales assistant and always wanted to keep my studies and work separate so that I wouldn't lose interest in them prematurely.

What do you do for a living today?

I now work as a social worker and 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 in grades 3 to 7 on the topics of ESD, digitalisation and global learning, which we then 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, for example.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

I wanted to obtain a Master's degree in Education and Educational Sciences in order to open up opportunities for myself to improve the pedagogical quality of early childhood education institutions at the management level. It was also important to me to obtain a university degree and to study in small groups and a personal atmosphere at a university of applied sciences. The MAFB was perfect for this!
 

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

After completing my Abitur and a voluntary social year, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies and Art History – after that, my life took a rather varied course. Among other things, I worked as a nursery school teacher and gained the impression that the quality of education in many institutions could be improved. So, in my late twenties, I decided to start over, 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 specialist consultant in a large nursery – my dream job! I support the educational staff in helping the children to develop their language and mathematical skills even better, and I am responsible for further developing the inclusion concept. Specialist advisors often don't work in just one facility, but are responsible for several nurseries. The advantage of working on site is that I can tailor my advisory services to each individual case and evaluate them effectively. I also get to be surrounded by children, which I really enjoy.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

During my Bachelor's degree, I had the opportunity to further expand my theoretical knowledge during an internship in child and adolescent psychiatry. 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 and interventionist capacity. In addition, since spending time abroad, I have been in close contact with families who have decided to take in children from difficult family and social backgrounds as foster children. Living with these families has brought me into contact with the emotional and psychological challenges faced by adopted and foster children, among other things. These experiences have shown me that it is important to me to support children and young people in particular on their way to a carefree life. For me, this support is based not only on therapeutic work, but above all on adequate educational opportunities, which is why I chose the MAFB and its scientific orientation.

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Neuroscience and Cognition at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The programme gave me the opportunity to develop a scientifically sound knowledge of the human psyche, its neural development, and the philosophical examination of the self and the world.

What do you do for a living 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 motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

As I was nearing the end of my Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education, I wanted to further develop my skills (language education and development, professionalisation of stakeholders and quality development in the field of childcare) in a Master's programme. The research-oriented approach to topics related to child development, as well as to the structures and framework conditions of early childhood education practice, which forms the basis of the MAFB, provided me with an ideal foundation for further developing my professional knowledge. I was also convinced by the opportunity to conduct independent research and participate in existing research projects, as well as the intensive exchange and supervision of students in small groups and colloquia.

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

Actually, I started studying Business Administration because I wanted to pursue a career in retail management based on my work in retail while obtaining my vocational baccalaureate diploma. However, my volunteer work at UNICEF and in an association supporting families, as well as an internship at a daycare centre, motivated me to make the switch and pursue my professional interest in early childhood education. I then studied Early Childhood Education at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, completing a Bachelor's degree. Through my studies, I was able to gain a lot of professional and practical experience in various pedagogically designed daycare centres and in the system control of FBBE. The Master's programme at MAFB gave me the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with scientists nationally and internationally, as well as to go through the entire research process independently. Overall, every step in this exciting field of work has reinforced my belief that I made the right decision.

What do you do for a living today?

I recently successfully completed my studies in MAFB, specialising in practice development and transfer, and am currently still enrolled at the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam. I am currently continuing to focus on my main areas of interest in the fields of quality development, professionalisation, language education and practical transfer, and am aiming for a future position in which I can further contribute and expand my professional and personal skills.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

I knew I wanted to work with children. After completing my Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education, I worked in a nursery for almost three years. It was a wonderful time, but I felt that I hadn't yet reached the end of my journey. The practical experience made me curious to learn more about children and their development, as well as about quality development in the educational landscape. That's why I decided to pursue further studies!

What did you study before and how did your professional/academic career develop?

I studied Childhood Education at Alice Salomon University and then worked for almost three years as an educational director at a children's shop in Berlin.

What do you do for a living today?

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

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

The decisive factor was the focus on research in an area of early childhood education that I find personally very exciting. My interest in the professionalisation of early childhood education, care and upbringing was very well catered for, as I was able to choose a focus on practical development and transfer and conduct my own field research.

What did you study before? How did your professional/academic career develop?

I previously completed a Master's degree in Political Science and Linguistics (Romance languages) and then worked in the private sector. I came to Early Childhood Education Research through voluntary work and then decided to pursue professional development in this field.

What do you do for a living today?

After completing my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education Research, I took up a position as programme manager in the federal programme ‘Sprach-Kitas’ (language daycare centres) at an implementing foundation in Berlin.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

First of all, of course, to have more opportunities in my professional field ‘later on’. While writing my Bachelor's thesis, I suddenly felt motivated to apply for a Master's programme immediately after completing my Bachelor's degree. Specifically, 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 had enjoyed my three years at the FHP so much, I wanted to stay a little longer.

What did you study before? How did your professional/academic career develop?

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

What field do you work in today?

Since September 2019, I have been a teacher at a vocational school for social services in Spreewald, where I train educators. My main areas of focus in the learning fields have been perception and observation, development, play, quality development, etc.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB programme?

I have always had a keen interest in studies in the field of early childhood education and organisational research. I also had the idea that organisational culture must influence the pedagogical quality of educational institutions in some way. This had already been partially proven at the school level, but had received little attention in the field of early childhood education. The Master's programme gave me the opportunity to pursue this with my own project. Ultimately, the main reason was to do my own research and learn the tools of the trade at the same time.

What did you study before? How did your professional/academic career develop?

My career path has not always been straight, but rather zigzagged. I first studied Sociology/Business Administration and later Education and Childhood Education. In addition, I have worked in various areas of business and education, which has given me interesting experiences. Since 2015, I have also been working as a freelance consultant and lecturer in play and media education.

What field do you work in today?

I currently work as an operations manager for a social services organisation. Here, I oversee six child and youth welfare facilities. I advise them on various educational and economic issues. My responsibilities also include digitalisation, recruiting and retaining skilled workers, and collaborating with researchers.

What motivated you to enrol in the MAFB 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 completing my studies.

What did you study before?

I previously studied Primary School Education.

What field are you working in today?

I am now doing my doctorate and working as a research assistant at the University of Potsdam. The Master's programme prepared me very well for my professional career, particularly through the constant academic exchange between lecturers and students and the individual specialisation in the field of academic publishing.

The Master's degree in Early Childhood Education Research 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 Bachelor's degree programme that includes specialist recognition (e.g.  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 Education Research should best be clarified during a consultation with Ms. Alena Kohlmann (by email: alena.kohlmann@fh-potsdam.de).

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 Education Research 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.