The Social and Educational Sciences Department was the first department of the university and started already in the founding year 1991 with the diploma program Social Work/Social Pedagogy. Since then, we have placed great emphasis on developing innovative study models in response to changes in professional practice due to societal changes. The range of studies has been constantly expanded and developed with innovative teaching methods to meet the changes in higher education and professional practice.
Social and Educational Sciences Department
Degree Programmes
Social Work (BA)
With this scientifically sound and practice-oriented, professionally diverse and state-recognised training, you can work professionally in all professional fields of social work.
Early Childhod Education (BA)
Help to shape the future of our society by acquiring comprehensive knowledge on how to successfully educate and develop children.
Social Work | Dual (BA)
Study while working: Practical research and transformation, personally and in the organisation, as a booster for professional practice.
Social Work | Dual-Digital (BA)
Study digitally and on campus with a focus on the digitalisation of social work.
Social Work with a Focus on the Family (MA)
Qualify for working with and in families and their social environment.
Early Childhood Studies (MA)
Level Up! Early Education – Become a researcher, creator and developer in the early education of tomorrow!
Childhood Studies and Children's Rights (MA)
Get to know new ways of working with and for children and their rights, completely online or in blended learning with personal support.
Social Management (MA)
Shaping the future of the social sector – continuing professional development and qualification for management positions!
News from the department
More news
Campus life
News
Recognisable from afar: implementation of the new orientation system starts on campus
The first signs of better orientation are now visible on the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Planning and design took place on site with students and staff under the direction of Prof Christina Poth. The involvement of the university community was crucial to the development.
Awards
Press release
Germany Scholarships awarded to 26 students
In the 2025/26 funding period, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is awarding 26 Germany Scholarships to particularly committed and high-achieving students. The scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month for one year. Since the start of the funding programme, the university - together with…
Event
News
register now: Long Night of Writing for FHP students on 23th of October 2025
In October, the Student Counselling Service and the University Library at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam are once again organising the "Long Night of Writing" - an opportunity for concentrated writing and networking.
Transfer
News
New podcast episode "HILFE TRAUMA!" Episode 8 with Bärbel Derksen: Early Stress - Early Help
With our latest podcast episode "HILFE TRAUMA!", we stay close to the university enviroment. This time our guest is Bärbel Derksen, a long-time employee at our family centre. It's about developmental psychology, bonding, pregnancy and birth, early help and child protection. There will also be…
Science podcast „HILFE TRAUMA!“
How can professionals provide the best possible support for traumatized children and young people? The new science podcast “HILFE TRAUMA!” provides practical and well-founded knowledge from research and everyday pedagogical practice. Developed by experts in trauma education, the format is aimed specifically at social workers, educators and other professionals who work with highly stressed young people in their day-to-day work.
Dates
More eventsGet-together
26/11/2025, 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm Get-together for docs and postdocs
Target audience: Employees
Location:
Main Building (H)Room Cafeteria
Workshop
28/11/2025, 12.00 pm – 5.00 pm Workshop on effective self-management and time management
Target audience: University members, Lecturers, Employees, Students
Location:
House 1Room 3.07
Info Event
01/12/2025, 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm Info Event: Social Work (BASA-online) | Dual (BA)
Target audience: Public, Prospective students
Location:
Online
Inaugural Lecture
01/12/2025, 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm Inaugural lecture by Prof Dr Susanne Hommel
Target audience: University members, Public
Location:
House DRoom 0.11
Contact
Social and Educational Sciences Department
Room
105
Dean
Professor of Theory and Methods of Social Work
Vice-dean for Teaching and Learning
Academic staff member for theory and practice of social work, family/youth and programme development Social Management (M. A.), curriculum planning
Vice Dean for special tasks: Research and Transfer
Research Professorship for Methods of Social Work and Social Work Research
Vice Dean for International Affairs
Professor for Social Law
Dean's Office
Social Work Coordination (B. A.), BASA Presence
Curriculum planning
Dean's Office
Coordination Early Childhood Studies (M. A.)
Part-time Social Work Coordination (B. A.), BASA-online
Implementation of financial processes in the department (as a substitute)
Dean's office
Program Development Childhood Education Dual (BA)
Dean's Office
Coordination of Examination Administration
Dean's Office
Financial planning and implementation of financial processes at the department
Dean's Office
Education Management Professional Teaching & International Affairs
Social Work Coordination, Focus on Family (M. A.), maps
Coordination Students4Students
Dean's Office
Coordination M. A. Social Work, specialising in family
Coordination B. A. Education and Childhood Education
Digital media in teaching and learning
Staff member of the eLearning Unit in the "Digitale Prüfungsformate" project
Digital media in teaching and learning
Advisor for digital media in teaching and learning