Would you like to work at the interface between families, individuals and society, observing children’s individual development from an early age and providing expert, forward-looking support? Then the Bachelor's degree programme in Early Years Education at HSD Hochschule Döpfer is just the thing for you!
You’ll gain comprehensive expertise in early years education concepts and theories, as well as in the developmental and educational processes of children up to the age of 12 – and lay the foundations for a wide range of career opportunities as an early years educator!
You can optionally choose one of four specialisations and tailor your studies and training precisely to the area in which you wish to develop your career.
- Live online, Potsdam
- Standard duration of study: 6 semesters
- Traditional or dual
- Bachelor of Arts
- 180 ECTS
- 440 per month
- German
As part of the health and social care sector, there has been a shortage of well-trained skilled professionals in the field of education and childcare for years. On top of that, many experts are set to retire in the coming years. Demand is therefore higher than ever – and so is the range of career opportunities!
Upon completion of the degree programme, you will be qualified for a wide range of roles and responsibilities – regardless of your chosen specialisation:
- Outreach work with children and young people (e.g. youth centres, youth organisations, cultural activities for children)
- Mobile youth work (street work, outreach work)
- Work with specific target groups (e.g. those facing social exclusion, addiction, homelessness, migration)
- After-school care/day care
- Social work at the interface between schools, nurseries and the local community
- Institutional child and youth protection
- Parenting and family counselling
- Media education
- Media projects in youth work
- Gaming, making, AI/VR in social work
- and much more
State recognition as a social worker or social education worker opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the fields of social work and early years education, regardless of whether you have chosen a specialisation or not.
Some possible areas of work include:
- Staff member at a youth centre or youth club
- Street worker / outreach youth work
- Staff member in sports clubs’ fan projects
- Manager or skilled professional at a nursery
- School social worker
- Community work (e.g. family centre, neighbourhood management, local youth welfare services)
- Social-educational family support (SPFH)
- Skilled professionals in child and youth protection
- Parental counselling / teacher training
- Media officer in youth organisations
- and much more
Specialise and become an expert in ‘your’ area of social work! On the Bachelor's degree programme in Early Years Education at HSD Hochschule Döpfer, you can either gain an insight into all areas as a ‘generalist’ – or, as an option, choose one of the specialisations listed below by the end of the second academic semester, which you will then focus on from the fourth semester onwards – and tailor your studies and training precisely to the area in which you wish to develop.
Combine learning the latest knowledge at the University of Applied Sciences with putting it into practice. On our dual study programme, you will gain practical experience and carry out practical projects under supervision during university seminars.Throughout your studies, you will be employed in a work placement and will receive remuneration for this, which must be at least equal to the amount of your tuition fees. This also covers your social security contributions and tuition fees. In addition, you can apply for BAföG. We are happy to assist you in choosing a suitable work placement.
Please note: None of our degree programmes are subject to an admission quota. Detailed provisions regarding eligibility for university admission can be found in Section 10(2) of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG); HSD Hochschule Döpfer, including all its campuses, is governed by the Brandenburg Higher Education Act.
Admission with a (specialised) Abitur:
- General university entrance qualification
- Subject-specific university entrance qualification
- University of Applied Sciences Qualification
- Subject-specific University of Applied Sciences Qualification
Admission without a (specialised) Abitur:
- Passed master craftsman’s examination or an equivalent qualification
- Completion of lower secondary education or an equivalent qualification, plus completed vocational training relevant to the degree programme, and at least two years’ professional experience
Are you unsure whether you meet the Entry requirements, or do you have general questions about them? You are welcome to contact our Study Advisory Serviceat any time.
Language of instruction: German
Type of programme: Traditional or dual
Location: Live online, Potsdam
Start of programme: at the start of the winter semester (1 September) and the spring semester (1 March)
Standard duration of study: 6 semesters (it is possible to complete the programme in a shorter time – please get in touch with us!)
Lecture days:
- Traditional or dual in Potsdam: Mondays to Wednesdays
- Traditional or dual online live: Tuesday and Thursday evenings + once a month on Fridays and Saturdays (full day)
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Credits: 180 ECTS credits
Fees: Traditional or dual: €440.00 per month
If you have any questions about fees, discounts, grants or funding, please feel free to contact our Financial advisory serviceat any time.
Transfer your credits: At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, you have the option to transfer your examination results from other universities. You can submit your application here.
Partnership: Through a partnership between HSD Hochschule Döpfer and your employer, both you as a student and your employer as our partner can benefit from a range of advantages. Find out more here.
