Primary School Pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education at CBS Suitable For?

The part-time Bachelor's degree in Primary Education at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at everyone who wants to support children of primary school age and actively engage in their educational path. It is especially suited for

• school leavers with the Abitur
• applicants with a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• persons already working in the educational, social, or school environment who are aiming for an academic degree
• career changers who want to work as educational professionals in primary schools or comparable institutions in the future

Admission – What Do You Need to Start Your Studies?

• A higher education entrance qualification: Admission is granted with Abitur (general higher education entrance qualification) or Fachhochschulreife. A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required for the application.
• If the final certificate is missing (e.g. before the Abitur): The most recent certificate is sufficient for the application initially.
• Individual selection process: In addition to the formal requirements, you will be invited to a personal digital assessment to demonstrate your motivation and suitability for the course.
• Applications are possible all year round. The start of studies is usually in the winter semester, depending on location also flexible.

Tip: The course is state-recognised, officially accredited and can be started without waiting times. The application is simply done online.

Personal Requirements – What Should You Bring Along?

• Enjoyment in working with children: The willingness to actively accompany and support children on their development path
• Communication and teamwork skills: Open and appreciative cooperation with children, parents and colleagues is essential
• Commitment and personal responsibility: Organise your learning and practical times independently and get involved in school or social projects
• Interest in educational issues: Openness to engage with topics such as didactics, developmental psychology, inclusion and educational research
• Time management: The part-time study model requires reliable planning of learning times, employment or practical phases

In summary: If you are looking for a meaningful activity, bring pedagogical interest and commitment and are ready to develop yourself both professionally and personally, this degree programme suits you.

Course Content in Detail: What Will You Learn in the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education?

In the part-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Primary Education (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you acquire pedagogical, subject-didactic, and psychological expertise that prepares you specifically for work with children of primary school age. The course comprises a total of 210 ECTS credits over seven semesters.

• Pedagogical and Psychological Foundations: You engage intensively with scientific fundamentals, developmental psychology, and an introduction to pedagogy.
• Didactics and Methodology: Course content such as Methodology & Didactics in Primary Schools and Pedagogy in the Primary Sector teaches you how learning processes can be designed to be child-friendly and inclusive.
• Subject-related Areas: Modules in Mathematics (e.g. Numbers & Operations, Space & Patterns, Data & Probability), German (e.g. Writing, Reading, Texts & Media) and General Studies (e.g. Society, Nature, Technology) are included.
• Focus on Language Development: You learn about the acquisition, development, and targeted support of language in children.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Topics such as Diversity & Inclusive Learning Support enable you to professionally accompany different life realities and learning needs.
• Practical Projects and School Placements: Starting from the first semester, you gain experience in everyday school life during five practical phases and numerous projects.
• Cross-disciplinary Skills: Professionalism, communication, teamwork and competence development are equally emphasised alongside research skills (primary school research, reflection on practice).
• Final Theses: In the last semester, you complete a scientific bachelor’s thesis including a colloquium.

The course structure is clearly organised and places special emphasis on linking theory and practice. Typically, several focal points from the pedagogical, didactic and subject-specific fields as well as practical work are covered each semester.

Course Structure: How Does the Primary Education Degree Programme Work?

The course is organised as a part-time programme according to the so-called 2plus3 model:

• In the first year of study, you spend three days per week at the university (on campus in Berlin or Rostock, in live online seminars or in self-study) and two days per week at your practical school.
• From the second year onwards, the rhythm reverses: two days per week are spent at the university, three days at the school.
• Face-to-face seminars and digital learning formats provide flexibility in everyday life.
• Each semester includes a six-week lecture-free period for rest and consolidation.
• Throughout the entire study period, you gain valuable experience directly in schools through practical phases and practical projects.

A structured mix of lectures, independent self-study and practice-oriented deployment ensures that you can combine sound knowledge with concrete practical skills. The gradual increase in practical components supports continuous development of your pedagogical abilities.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects After the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Primary Education, a wide range of fields in the education sector open up:

• Educational Specialist at Primary Schools: You accompany children in (inclusive) learning processes, organise support measures and assist competence development in lessons as well as during all-day programmes.
• Educational Specialist in All-day Care: You develop and implement offers for leisure, learning support and extracurricular groups at primary schools and contribute to concepts for the all-day care area.
• Educational Work in Out-of-School Institutions: Tasks in counselling, support and accompaniment of children in educational and leisure facilities as well as in child and youth welfare are available.

The degree qualifies you for responsible work in both school-based and out-of-school education sectors. You learn to respond professionally to heterogeneity and inclusion and to develop skills in working with children from diverse backgrounds.

Study Locations: Where Can You Study Primary Education at CBS?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Primary Education (B.A.) is offered part-time at the CBS campuses in Berlin and Rostock.

• Locations: Berlin, Rostock
• Teaching Formats: Face-to-face teaching on campus, supplemented by live online events and self-study

The hybrid study model enables a high degree of flexibility and individual shaping possibilities – ideally combinable with professional or practical activities.

Costs and Financing: What Fees Apply to the Course?

• Total Costs: €20,790 for the entire course (7 semesters)
• Semester Fee: €2,970
• Monthly Fee: €495

Various models of financing your studies are available, for example through funding options (such as BAföG or scholarships) or through support from your practical partner in part-time study. Personal advice on financing is provided on request.

CBS is officially recognised by the state. The fees ensure access to modern learning facilities, personal support and a nationwide network of practical partners.