Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the dual Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education suitable for? Overview of requirements and target group

The dual degree in Early Childhood Education (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at everyone who wants to engage in early childhood education and responsibly support children’s development. It is particularly intended for individuals who wish to specifically qualify in working with young children, in daycare centres, family centres, or other institutions providing child and youth welfare services. The programme is suitable for school leavers with a higher education entrance qualification, but also for people who want to further develop their social skills or enter pedagogical practice professionally.

Admission requirements

• Higher education entrance qualification: For the dual Bachelor's degree, a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific university entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or an equivalently recognised subject-bound university entrance qualification is required.
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): CBS University of Applied Sciences does not apply a Numerus Clausus. Instead, all applicants undergo a personal selection process.
• Personal selection process: After submitting your online application and school certificates, an assessment interview or applicant interview usually follows. The focus is on your competencies, motivation, and potential.
• Application deadline: Applications are accepted all year round. Especially for the dual degree, it is advisable to apply well in advance to ensure suitable practice partners can be found.

You do not necessarily have to provide proof of your professional practical experience for admission to the dual study programme. The degree combines theory and practice closely; the practical phases are organised through partner companies.

Personal requirements

• Interest in early childhood education: You should enjoy working with children and their carers.
• Social skills: Openness, empathy, and communication skills are central, as pedagogical practice requires frequent contact with children, families, and colleagues.
• Sense of responsibility: Supporting and promoting children requires self-reflection, reliability, and an understanding of child development processes.
• Willingness to engage in practical work: Motivation for a dual system – the combination of learning phases at university (2 days a week) and working with the practice partner (3 days a week).
• Organisational skills: Independent time management is important, as you will switch between study and practical phases.

The target group includes everyone who envisions their professional future in social pedagogical support of children and families. The dual degree offers a direct entry into the professional field of early childhood education – regardless of whether you have just left school or already gained initial experience in social or pedagogical fields.

Study Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (B.A.)?

In the dual bachelor's degree programme in Early Childhood Education at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you engage with the professional and practical support of child development and early childhood education. The programme is designed as a specialisation of the Social Work & Education course and begins in the third semester.

• Educational and Psychological Foundations: You learn the theory of child development, approaches to early childhood education, sensory and perception promotion, as well as the basics of psychology.
• Practical Methods & Social Space Orientation: Topics such as tools & materials, basic care, hygiene, nutrition, movement, language education, and media education competences are the focus.
• Mathematical and Scientific Education: You gain insights into scientific working methods related to early childhood promotion.
• Inclusion and Disability Law: The programme places a strong emphasis on inclusion, disability support, and legal frameworks.
• Communication, Interviewing & Conflict Management: You learn to conduct parent-teacher discussions, manage conflict situations, and develop professional counselling and communication skills.
• Research and Reflection: Empirical social research, practical application transfer, and regular reflection sessions accompany your learning process.
• Electives and Specialisation: You can set your own priorities, for example in organisational development, family work or sexuality education.

Examples of modules during the course:

• Introduction to Social Work & Education
• Educational Foundations
• Fields of Activity & Target Groups
• Concepts & Organisational Structures
• Psychological and Sociological Foundations
• Legal Foundations
• Field of Activity: Child and Youth Welfare
• Empirical Social Research
• Social Inclusion and Exclusion
• Didactics in Education
• Professional Ethics

In the sixth semester, you write a bachelor's thesis on a self-chosen focus within the field of Early Childhood Education.

Course Structure: This Is How the Dual Degree Works

The dual degree in Early Childhood Education (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is structured over six semesters (three years) and comprises 180 ECTS credits. It combines academic university teaching with practical work in a social or educational institution.

• 2plus3 Model: You attend the university or participate in online lectures two days per week, and work with your practical partner three days per week.
• Regular Reflection and Practical Days: The practicum phases are closely linked to your studies, ensuring systematic interlinking of theory and practice.
• Flexible Study Locations: The programme is available at various locations nationwide.
• Practice-Oriented Study Projects: You work on realistic tasks, case studies, and practical projects, often in cooperation with companies and institutions from early childhood education, education and daycare centres.

The practical phase is an integral part of the dual model – this way you can apply what you have learned immediately and collect extensive professional experience even before graduation.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities After the Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

With the Bachelor of Arts degree specialising in Early Childhood Education, versatile fields of work open up in early childhood education and family support.

• Educational Specialist: Responsible roles in daycare centres, crèches, after-school care and preschool institutions
• Early Intervention Educator: Individual support and counselling for children with developmental delays or at risk of disability
• Manager or Deputy Manager: Leadership positions in daycare centres, social institutions or educational centres
• Parent Counselling and Family Work: Support and advice for families and guardians on developmental, support or educational issues
• Educational Consultant: Development and implementation of further training offers for educational specialists
• Social Space and Network Management: Coordination of assistance, networking with external providers, authorities and counselling centres

The degree also qualifies for further study programmes (e.g. master's, additional qualifications) in the social or educational sector.

Study Locations: Where You Can Study Early Childhood Education Dual

The dual bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is offered at several locations in Germany:

• Berlin
• Hamburg
• Hanover
• Cologne
• Mainz
• Neuss
• Rheine
• Rostock
• Solingen

The week is divided into attendance times (on campus or online), self-study and practical days with the practical partner. This way, you benefit from flexibility and can combine theory with practical experience.

Costs and Financing

The total cost for the degree programme amounts to 20,500 euros. In the dual study model, the monthly tuition fees of 589 euros are usually paid by the practical partner (employer). Additional costs may arise for learning materials, travel expenses or accommodation, depending on the location and chosen living arrangement.

• Financing in Dual Study: Fee payment by the practical partner is common.
• Further Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, government support such as BAföG or support programmes are possible depending on personal situation and study model.

You can obtain individual advice on financing directly from CBS University of Applied Sciences.