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- Which university is the best for studying education?
- In these cities you can study pedagogy & teaching profession privately
- Studying Master of Education & teaching privately: These options are available
- Adult education at private universities in online study
- Vocational school education: teaching profession for vocational schools at private universities
- Study Childhood Education privately without NC: These options are available
Pedagogy degree programmes ranging from Pedagogy and Teacher Training to Childhood Education and Special Education are currently among the most popular courses.
Correspondingly, the choice of study programmes is also quite large at private universities. Not only are full-time degree programmes offered in all major cities in Germany, but also distance learning or online degree programmes.
Furthermore, there are courses of study in the field of special needs education.
Furthermore, there is no NC at the private universities I am presenting to you here - not even in the Teacher Training programmes.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 30 courses in the field of Pedagogy.
Teaching double major in art for high schools and comprehensive high schools
Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Studies and Academic Work, Quantitative Methods, General Business Administration, Personnel, Leadership, and Organization, Business Law, Marketing, English for Business, Information Ma…
The distance learning course "Business Education and Cultural Management" offered by the European Distance University Hamburg GmbH is aimed at students who wish to delve into academic work and business-related topics. With focuses on personnel management, business management, cultural studies, and project management, the course provides a wide range of subject areas. Graduates will obtain the degree of "Bachelor of Arts" after 36 months and can work in various fields such as companies, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. To deepen their knowledge, seminars as well as an international seminar are planned.
Adult education, counselling and human resources development
IU International University of Applied Sciences
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Scientific Work, Pedagogy, Societal Conditions of Pedagogy, Introduction to Lifelong Learning, Concepts and Fields of Work in Pedagogy, History and Theories of Lifelong Learning, Quant…
The Bachelor's program in Adult Education, Counseling, and Personnel Development at IU offers an interdisciplinary education for prospective educators who wish to work in various educational institutions or in personnel development. The program provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of educational management, counseling, coaching, and communication. Students can choose from various specializations, including adult education, school pedagogy, and early childhood education. The program is also suitable for career changers.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- 2 Semester
- online
- German
- Interaction in the virtual space, conversation management, counseling, mediation, methods of systemic (e-)counseling in education, profession, and employment, (e-)counseling - role-playing, research m…
The master's program E-Counseling in Pedagogy lasts 2-4 semesters in full-time study, depending on prerequisites, or 4-8 semesters in part-time study. You will engage with topics such as communication, counseling, mediation, and delve into areas like the design and development of digital structures in educational and counseling institutions.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Cultural and Media Studies, Concepts, Actors, and Fields of Action in Cultural and Media Education, Education, Introduction to Academic Work, Qualitative Research Methods, Project: Cur…
The Bachelor's program in Cultural and Media Education provides knowledge in the fields of cultural, social, and educational sciences as well as media literacy. Students learn how to design and conduct cultural and media educational processes to empower people of all ages to navigate in an increasingly interconnected and digitized world. The focus is on promoting creativity, critical thinking, and social skills. Graduates can work in the education, culture, and media sectors as well as in the non-profit sector, for example as cultural and media educators, project managers, or educational consultants.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Fields of action and target groups of pedagogy in the digital age, Introduction to childhood pedagogy, Introduction to adolescent pedagogy, Introduction to academic work, Pedagogy, Collaborative work,…
The Bachelor's program in Education at IU International University offers a comprehensive education for all those interested in the education, upbringing, and socialization of children, adolescents, and adults. Students learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate educational processes, and gain insights into various pedagogical concepts and methods. The focus is on the practical impartation of knowledge and skills that are relevant for work in educational institutions, as well as in the field of adult education and personnel development.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- 4 Semester
- online
- German
- Professionalization of leadership in pedagogical fields, interaction in virtual space, media education and e-didactics, leadership, conversation management, counseling, mediation, research methodology…
The master's program "Education, Educational Counseling, and Leadership" at IU is designed for aspiring educational professionals who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in the areas of educational counseling and leadership, organizational development, personnel management, and project management. During the program, students are prepared to take on leadership positions in educational institutions and acquire competencies in educational counseling and leadership, quality management, personnel management, and organizational development. The program offers a combination of theoretical concepts and practical skills to provide students with a broad understanding of various educational institutions and their role as educational leaders.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- 2 Semester
- online
- German
- Professionalization of leadership in educational fields, Diversity-sensitive leadership and organization of educational institutions, Conversation management, Counseling, Mediation, Quality management…
The master's program Leadership in Education lasts 2-4 semesters in full-time study, depending on the prerequisites, or 4-8 semesters in part-time study. You will engage with topics such as professionalization of leadership in educational fields and deepen your knowledge, for example, in the establishment and development of digital structures in educational and counseling institutions.
Jewish religious education, high school teaching certificate
Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 3 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Childhood Education, Introduction to Scientific Work in Pedagogy and Social Sciences, Concepts and Fields of Pedagogy, Psychological and Neurobiological Foundations, Early Childhood De…
Discover the world from a child's perspective in the Bachelor's distance learning program in Childhood Education for educators at IU International University. This degree program is specially designed for ambitious educators who want to delve deeper into child development after their training. Benefit from a practice-oriented education that prepares you to individually support children and excel in leadership roles or parental work. Enjoy maximum flexibility through the online study model and start your career in childhood education with a state-recognized degree.
Vocational Education for Nursing and Social Professions
APOLLON University of Health Care Management
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Pedagogy and Academic Work, Competencies for Studies and Career, Teaching and Learning in Practice, Psychology of the Individual, Sociology and Health, Public Health and Epidemiology, …
The Bachelor's degree program "Vocational Education for Nursing and Social Professions" at the APOLLON University of Health Care Management in Bremen is aimed at professionals with a completed vocational training in a state-recognized nursing or social profession. Upon completion of the program, graduates are authorized to teach the practical part of the training at vocational schools and schools in the healthcare sector. The program consists of 180 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS system with a workload of 5,400 hours and is designed to be pursued alongside work, both on a full-time and part-time basis.
- Distance learning program
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- 4 Semester
- online
- German
- Basics of Psychology, Education and Promotion in Childhood and Youth, Developmental Psychology, Digital Transformation, Educational Psychology, Communication Skills and Reflective Practice, Quantitati…
The part-time Master's program "Educational Psychology of Teaching and Learning" at the European Distance Learning University Hamburg is aimed at professionals in educational and social pedagogical fields. This program imparts professional skills for the development, implementation, and evaluation of teaching-learning arrangements as well as support and counseling services. Graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree aim for career advancement in the field of education, while returning teachers can deepen their didactic skills.
- Distance learning program
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- 6 Semester
- online
- German
- Introduction to Studies and Scientific Work, Basic Concepts and Theories of Educational Science, Society and Sociological Concepts, Developmental Psychology, Educational Theory and Lifelong Learning, …
The bachelor's program in Education Science (B.A.) at the European Distance University in Hamburg offers a comprehensive education in pedagogical and educational science topics. The dual study variant emphasizes the connection of theory and practice through practical reflections. The course is aimed at professionals with specialized training, career changers in the education sector, and those returning to the teaching profession. A dual option enables a close integration of theory and practice.
Which university is the best for studying education?
There are several private universities in Germany that offer education degree programmes. But which university is the best? You can decide which university is best for you by looking at the following criteria, for example:
- Location of the university: Of course, you should always first look at where the university you want to study at is located. Some universities offer their degree programmes at several locations, such as the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences or the IU International University of Applied Sciences.
- Study programme and study content: I recommend that you always also request a study plan and module handbook for your desired degree programme. This way you can compare the study contents, the options for specialisation and also the forms of examination more accurately.
- Size of the university: Also pay attention to the size of the university. The smaller the university, the more intensive the support is likely to be. Whereby even large universities such as Fresenius University of Applied Sciences provide supervision in small groups - one of the great advantages that private universities offer over state universities.
- Costs: Of course, you should always compare costs as well. Make sure to compare the total costs, not just the monthly costs or the semester costs.
Here is a brief portrait of the most important universities with education degree programmes:
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany. In winter semester 2020/2021, a total of 14,910 students were enrolled at the university. The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is located in Idstein, Hesse, and also has campuses in Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin and New York. The university mainly offers degree programmes in the fields of business and natural sciences, but also in the field of education, especially Master's programmes in adult education and management.
IU International University of Applied Sciences: With over 100,000 enrolled students (winter semester 2022/2023), IU is the largest university in Germany. The university is based in Erfurt, but IU offers its campus degree programmes at many locations throughout Germany. In addition to the campus programmes, the university offers over 80 distance learning programmes as well as a large number of part-time and dual programmes. Pedagogy, for example, is offered by IU both as a distance learning programme and as a part-time programme.
Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences: The Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences is a state-recognised, private art university based in Alfter/North Rhine-Westphalia. The university was founded in 1973, and in the winter semester 2020/2021 a total of 1,694 students were enrolled at the university. In the field of education, the university offers numerous interesting study programmes, a part-time Master of Education for example.
FHM University of Applied Sciences: FHM is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Bielefeld/North Rhine-Westphalia with further campuses in Bamberg, Berlin, Hanover, Cologne, Pulheim, Rostock and Schwerin. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 4,721 students were enrolled at FHM. The university offers a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Education, a Bachelor's degree in Primary and Elementary Education, and a Master's degree in Vocational Education.
European University of Applied Sciences: The EUFH is a state-recognised, private university of applied sciences located in Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia. The EUFH was founded in 2001. 2,619 students were enrolled in the winter semester 2020/2021. As a university for health, social affairs and education, the EUFH offers several degree programmes in the field of education, such as a Bachelor's degree in Primary School Education. Of particular interest: the dual Master's degree in School Education, which prepares students for teaching positions at public schools.
European Distance Learning University Hamburg: The Euro-FH is a private, state-recognized university based in Hamburg. The university was founded in 2003. In the winter semester 2020/2021, a total of 8,136 students were enrolled at the Euro-FH. As a distance learning university, the focus of the Euro-FH is on distance learning courses, especially in the field of economics. The university offers a Bachelor's degree in Business Education and Cultural Management.
University of Social Work and Pedagogy: The University of Social Work and Pedagogy is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences located in Berlin. The university was founded in 2013. In the winter semester 2020/2021, a total of 337 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers 3 degree programmes: Social Work, Childhood Education, and the Master's degree in Inclusive Education in Elementary and Primary Education. The Bachelor's degree programmes are also offered in dual variants.
In these cities you can study pedagogy & teaching profession privately
Pedagogy courses at private universities are offered in all major cities in Germany between Hamburg and Munich.
In particular, the IU International University of Applied Sciences offers its degree programmes at various locations, for example in Berlin, in Munich and in Hamburg.
Here is an overview of the most interesting cities to study education:
| City | Livingcosts | Livingquality | Populationdensity | Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | 66.53 | 176.16 | 4,736 | IU International University of Applied Sciences |
| Frankfurt/Main | 59.05 | 172.67 | 3,067 | University of Labour, MSH Medical School Hamburg |
| Hamburg | 56.32 | 162.48 | 2,447 | IU International University of Applied Sciences |
| Stuttgart | 55.23 | 165.16 | 3,067 | Free University of Stuttgart |
| Berlin | 54.18 | 160.49 | 4,115 | IU International University of Applied Sciences, European University of Applied Sciences, University of Social Work and Pedagogy, Medical School Berlin |
| Heidelberg | 51.24 | 200.29 | 1,459 | Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies |
| Dusseldorf | 48.56 | 179.66 | 2,854 | Fliedner University of Applied Sciences Dusseldorf |
| Rostock | 44.79 | 184.07 | 1,153 | SME College, European University of Applied Sciences |
Studying Master of Education & teaching privately: These options are available
Currently, there are very few private universities that offer teaching degree programmes. A Master of Education, for example, is offered by the Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences at its location in Alfter. Alfter is a small community with about 23,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM University of Applied Sciences) also offers a degree programme in Primary and Elementary Education, which is aimed at anyone who wants to become a primary school teacher. The study programme lasts 3 years and 8 months and includes a practical phase of 24 weeks; 12 weeks of which are completed in a day-care centre, 12 weeks in a primary school.
Here is an overview of the teacher training courses:
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jewish religious education, high school teaching certificate, Master of Education On-campus program | Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies | Heidelberg | 4 Semester | ||
| Pedagogy, Master of Education Part-time program | Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences | Alfter | 6 Semester | from 9036 € total from 251 € monthly | |
| Teaching double major in art for high schools and comprehensive high schools, Master of Education On-campus program | Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences | Alfter | 4 Semester | from 8880 € total from 370 € monthly |
Adult education at private universities in online study
Adult education is an exciting field for which there are now a number of degree programmes at private universities. However, all of these programmes are distance or online studies, which are especially aimed at those who want to study part-time.
Here is an overview of the distance learning courses in adult education:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | from 11880 € total from 295 € monthly | |
| Adult education, counselling and human resources development, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 14739 € total from 239 € monthly | |
| Business Educational and Cultural Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 13392 € total from 279 € monthly | |
| Education, Media and Digitization, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | from 11880 € total from 295 € monthly | |
| Leadership in Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly |
Vocational school education: teaching profession for vocational schools at private universities
The only course of study in Vocational School Pedagogy at private universities is currently offered by the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM University of Applied Sciences) at its Rostock location. A relevant first degree and at least one year's work experience are required. Alternatively, you can also be admitted if you can prove several years of professional experience and teaching activities in general initial, further and continuing education as well as a qualification as a Certified Initial and Continuing Education Educator (DQR 6) or Certified Vocational Educator (DQR 7)
The programme is designed as a part-time programme, which nevertheless only lasts 6 semesters due to the crediting of previous work. The total tuition fees are around €16,000.
There are also other degree programmes in vocational education. All courses at a glance:
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Nursing and Health Education, Master of Arts Part-time program | Fliedner University of Applied Sciences Dusseldorf | Dusseldorf | 5 Semester | from 14640 € total from 488 € monthly from 2928 € Semester fee | |
| Vocational Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | FHM University of Applied Sciences | online | 24 Months | from 10460 € total from 415 € monthly from 2340 € Semester fee | |
| Vocational Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | online | 5 Semester | from 9360 € total from 312 € monthly | |
| Vocational education for health, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | SRH University | Fürth | 7 Semester | from 14990 € total from 345 € monthly from 2070 € Semester fee |
Study Childhood Education privately without NC: These options are available
In the field of early childhood education, there is a wealth of study options at private universities, both as full-time on-site study and in the form of dual degree programmes.
Of particular interest: the dual study programme in Childhood Education at the IU International University of Applied Sciences. This programme is interesting because the tuition fees for the dual programme at IU are paid by the practice partner. The programme is also offered in more than 10 study cities in Germany.
Childhood Education, for example, is also offered by the IU International University of Applied Sciences as a hybrid degree programme in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne, which is called myStudium at IU. In hybrid studies, you combine phases with lectures and events on campus with self-study phases at home at your desk.
The most important Bachelor's programmes in Childhood Education at private universities are listed in this table:
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Kolping University of Applied Sciences | Deutschlandweit | 7 Semester | from 12634 € total from 320 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | University of Social Work and Pedagogy | Berlin | 6 Semester | from 9900 € total from 275 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | online | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | from 10711 € total from 207 € monthly | ||
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Fliedner University of Applied Sciences Dusseldorf | Düsseldorf | 6 Semester | from 15768 € total from 438 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Hybrid course | IU International University of Applied Sciences | Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Cologne, D… | 6 Semester | from 15804 € total from 439 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Leipzig | 6 Semester | from 14885 € total from 395 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | European University of Applied Sciences | Cologne, Rheine, Rostock, Berlin | 6 Semester | from 20500 € total from 589 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences | Alfter | 6 Semester | from 14220 € total from 395 € monthly | |
| Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | IU International University of Applied Sciences | Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmun… | 7 Semester | ||
| Childhood Education, Leadership and Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | online | 6 Semester | from 12420 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Inclusive Childhood Education (0-12 years), Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | SRH University | Gera | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 390 € monthly |
You can find more information on the study programme in Childhood Education here: Study Childhood Education privately: All degree programmes at a glance.
About the Author Christian Wolf
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