Program Overview

Introduction to the Sonderpädagogik Program

The Sonderpädagogik program at Freie Universität Berlin focuses on the theory and practice of supporting individuals with special needs. The program aims to promote social, educational, and professional participation, as well as self-reliance in all areas of life.

Program Description

The Sonderpädagogik program is a core subject in the Kombi-Bachelor with a teaching option. It deals with the accompaniment and support of people with special needs through individual assistance and the appreciation and recognition of diversity. The program's primary goal is to enable students to work with children and adolescents with special needs, focusing on inclusive education.

Focus Areas

The program concentrates on three main focus areas:

• Sprachliche Entwicklung (Language Development): This area covers language development, language acquisition, multilingual students, language disorders, and speech therapy.
• Emotionale und Soziale Entwicklung (Emotional and Social Development): This area explores emotional and social development, risks and protective factors, diagnostics, and prevention of social exclusion.
• Entwicklung des Lernens (Development of Learning): This area delves into the neuro-psychological foundations of learning, general learning difficulties, and evidence-based measures to promote learning.

Program Structure

The Sonderpädagogik program is designed as a 90-credit core subject in the Kombi-Bachelor with a teaching option. The program includes modules on general special education, language development, emotional and social development, learning development, and research methods.

Modules

The program consists of the following modules:

• Allgemeine Sonderpädagogik (General Special Education)
• Förderschwerpunkt Sprachliche Entwicklung (Focus Area: Language Development)
• Förderschwerpunkt Emotionale und Soziale Entwicklung (Focus Area: Emotional and Social Development)
• Förderschwerpunkt Entwicklung des Lernens (Focus Area: Development of Learning)
• Forschungsmethoden (Research Methods)

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Sonderpädagogik program are qualified for various careers, including:

• Teaching positions at integrated secondary schools and high schools
• Educational administration
• Specialized publishing houses
• Research and academia

Admission Requirements

The program has no admission restrictions for the first semester. However, admission to higher semesters is not possible.

Study Period and Language

The standard study period is six semesters, and the language of instruction is German.

Degree

The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.

Location and Family-Friendly Environment

The Freie Universität Berlin offers a family-friendly environment, and the Sonderpädagogik program is designed to support students with families. The university provides various services, including a study orientation week, study counseling, and support for students with children.