Program Overview

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University of Fribourg Bachelor of Science in Special Education

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education is a university programme that offers both the acquisition of academic competences and a professional diploma. The programme is aimed at students with a general qualification for university entrance who wish to pursue a practical career or conduct research in the fields of special education and social pedagogy.

Abstract

The study programme «Special Education» (Sonderpädagogik und Sozialpädagogik) aims to transmit scientific and practical knowledge and competences equipping students for occupation in various professional settings of special education and social pedagogy. The programme focuses on the living conditions, developmental contexts, and learning situations of children, adolescents, and adults who experience long-term difficulties in education or independent living.

Profile of the Study Programme

The programme is characterised by the consideration of different living conditions throughout the entire lifespan, as well as a particular emphasis on intellectual disability and socio-emotional developmental disorders (challenging behaviour). With this bachelor's degree, students obtain two qualifications: a professional diploma in special education, which is highly valued in the practical field, and the ability to pursue different master's degrees in special education and possibly related disciplines.

Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

The main goals regarding the professional and academic qualifications of students in Special Education are as follows:

• Acquiring theoretical knowledge
  • Knowledge about the facets, complexity, and interactions of disability
  • Knowledge about living conditions, developmental contexts, and learning situations of people with disabilities throughout the entire lifespan
  • Knowledge about the potential needs that may arise from disability and dealing with these in an appropriate and professional manner
  • Basic theoretical knowledge of related disciplines
• Acquiring scientific knowledge
  • Basics knowledge of scientific methodology
  • Basics knowledge of scientific theory
• Acquiring professional competences
  • Competences in decision-making and responsibility
  • Personal and social competences

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

The programme consists of 180 ECTS credits over six semesters.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes lectures in special education, social pedagogy, and related disciplines, the in-depth study of issues surrounding special education and social pedagogy, and internships in various professional areas.

Admission

The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

• Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
• Federal vocational or specialised Baccalaureate + supplementary examination of the Swiss Maturity Commission (passerelle)
• Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH), or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)

Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education.

Special Admission Requirements

Candidates wishing to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Special Education must meet one of the following special requirements:

• Confirmation of having had a nine-month, full-time internship in a special education establishment
• Confirmation of having had nine months' employment as a qualified teacher (one school year with a full teaching load)

Key Points

Degree Conferred

Bachelor of Science in Special Education. This degree also qualifies students for the «Diploma in Special Education».

Languages of Study

Possibility to study in French or in German.

Commencement of Studies

Commencement of studies only in the Autumn Semester (September).

Special Features for Admission

In preparation for the programme, students must undertake a nine-month internship. Late application is not possible.

Access to Further Studies

Master.