On-campus program Childhood Education (B.A.) – Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences

Which target groups benefit from the Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education at Alanus University?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Childhood Education is aimed at everyone who wishes to engage professionally and personally in the education and development of children. It is especially addressed to school leavers with the general university entrance qualification (Abitur), those with a subject-specific university entrance qualification, as well as professionally qualified individuals from social pedagogical or educational fields who want to further develop their skills academically. The programme is suitable for all those who can envision working in daycare centres, open all-day care, family centres, or child and youth services and place great importance on innovative, practical, and reflective educational work. Career changers with practical experience in the child and youth sector will also find an academic qualification in this degree programme, offering prospects for management, consultancy, or research.

What are the specific admission requirements?

To gain admission to the Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education at Alanus University, you need one of the following qualifications:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification or
• University of applied sciences entrance qualification (with a successfully passed entrance examination at Alanus University)
• Completed vocational training and at least three years of professional experience in the relevant field (also combined with a university entrance examination)

International applicants require a comparable school leaving certificate and must prove sufficient German language skills (for example, through TestDaF or DSH). Admission to the study places is granted after reviewing the application documents and a personal admission interview (on-site or virtually). In addition, a detailed CV, a letter of motivation, and a (certified) final certificate must be submitted. Further documents such as an extended certificate of good conduct and the instruction pursuant to § 43 Infection Protection Act will be required during the application process.

You should enjoy working with children and have an interest in pedagogical questions. The ability to reflect, communication skills, empathy, and openness to different educational concepts are important. Since the programme closely links theory and practice, you also need a willingness to actively participate, take initiative, and show commitment to practical projects. Experience in the social, educational, or artistic field is advantageous but not mandatory. For studying at Alanus, you should have the ability to work in a team and engage in critical self-reflection, as well as show motivation to develop professionally and personally.

What content can you expect in the Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education?

In the Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, you will receive a solid, practice-oriented education that combines pedagogical and reform-pedagogical approaches. The focus is on the individual development of the child as well as the connection between theory and practice. You will be specifically prepared to design education in a lively and empathetic way. The course is divided into five central areas of study:

• Scientific foundations (educational science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, law and business administration)
• Profile development (e.g. Waldorf pedagogy, art and aesthetics, diagnostics, research, counselling, inclusion, transition, professionalisation)
• Selected educational areas (topics such as play and sociability, movement and health, language and interculturality, nature and environment)
• Early childhood educational practice (practical pedagogical experience in various settings)
• Studium Generale (interdisciplinary seminars on philosophical and social science topics)

A special focus is on Waldorf pedagogy in dialogue with other reform-pedagogical concepts. Additionally, you can specialise through certificate courses, for example in the areas of inclusion, speech and drama education, or artistic activities with a Waldorf pedagogical emphasis. Through intensive personal support, you will also develop reflexivity and social as well as emotional competencies.