Professionalization of early childhood education M.A.
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Arts in Professionalisierung Fr³hkindlicher Bildung
The Master's program in Professionalisierung Fr³hkindlicher Bildung aims to provide a sustainable professionalization of specialists and leaders in the field of early childhood education. The program combines theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality educational programs for young children.
Program Structure
The program consists of four semesters, with a total of 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes 13 mandatory modules, one elective module, and a Master's thesis. Students will also complete a mandatory internship with a minimum of 200 hours.
Modules
The program covers three main areas:
- Professionalisierung: Professionalization in institutions of early childhood education, counseling, and lifelong learning.
- Fr³hkindliche Bildungsforschung: Research on early childhood education, including pedagogical quality, interdisciplinary perspectives on child development, and research methods.
- Forschung und Praxis: Research and practice, including qualitative and quantitative methods, research colloquium, and internship.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., education, psychology, sociology).
- A minimum of 60 ECTS credits in pedagogical, didactic, psychological, or sociological subjects.
- English language proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Career Prospects
The program prepares students for leadership, consulting, and research positions in institutions that provide early childhood education. Possible career paths include:
- Fach- and Praxisberatung (specialized consulting).
- Teaching at vocational schools or universities.
- Leadership positions in kindergartens or other early childhood education institutions.
- Working in administrative positions in youth welfare offices or other relevant organizations.
Additional Information
The program is taught in German, with some modules taught in English. The University of Leipzig provides excellent infrastructure, including learning and education workshops, as well as the Humboldt Center for Child Development (HumanKind). The program also offers opportunities for internships and study abroad.
