Early Childhood – Master of Arts

Postgraduate study programme which requires a first university degree.

We run this interdisciplinary study programme in cooperation with the Thurgau University of Teacher Education, (PHTG). In this study programme you will be trained as a specialist equipped to think and work with scientific competence and with the ability to prepare your knowledge and insights for practical purposes. You will gain insights into current research and the corresponding methods and techniques. The programme combines theory and practice in all of its study fields as well as in teaching and research. The study programme’s structure is interdisciplinary. It is based on current international research and it explicitly takes into account present-day conclusions for practical activities in the context of early childhood. During your studies you will be concerned with questions including:

  • How can the living environment of babies and toddlers be shaped to successfully enable their healthy growth?
  • How can people who are already active in this field and institutions be supported in the interest of quality development?
Degree
  • Master of Arts
Start of study
  • Winter semester
Standard period of study
  • 4 Semester
Application period
  • 01.11. - 15.01.
Admission restriction
  • Yes
Mandatory minor
  • No
ECTS Credits
  • 120
Ø Number of new students
  • 30

Why study Early Childhood in Konstanz?

A key characteristic of the Early Childhood Master’s Programme is the cooperation between an Excellence Initiative university and a university of teacher education. The university fields of research and teaching are complemented by the skills and expertise of a university of teacher education: scientific insights merge with practical knowledge and project development in the field of education and supervision. In this way the two higher education institutions combine their strength by bundling specific competences in research-related teaching and the solid foundations of present-day practical know-how.

Study content

Prospects

Career prospects

Graduates may work in fields such as:

  • Teaching in training and further education
  • Programme and concept development
  • Political and institutional consulting
  • Research
  • Management in early childhood education

You can find out more about career entry of graduates on the website of the study programme.

Study structure

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

The programme starts at the beginning of October and usually lasts four semesters. If you study part-time, it might take 6 semesters to complete the programme. As a rule, seminars take place on Wednesdays and Fridays. After successfully completing your studies you will be awarded the Master of Arts (MA) in Early Childhood. You will find detailed information about the individual course contents on the websites of the Thurgau University of Teacher Education, PHTG.

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

Opportunities for additional training

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

Skills for successful studies Career-oriented skills and social commitment Get ready for your career start

Internships and stays abroad

Internship

You have to complete an internship of at least eight weeks during the master's programme.

Stay abroad

A semester or year abroad is possible. The university supports study abroad via the Erasmus+ programme and numerous other exchange programmes.

Study requirements

Admission requirements for studying

Regular admission procedure
Qualifying bachelor's degree from a university or teacher training university in psychology, education (e.g. pre-primary education), social pedagogy or sports pedagogy or another related subject.
Professional experience in early childhood education of at least 3 months is required or has to be gained during an internship.

Fees

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay Students of the Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG) who are enrolled at the University of Konstanz in the cooperation master's programme "Early Childhood" are exempt from paying tuition fees.

More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Required language skills

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills for this master's programme.

German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, (a minimum of 4 points in all four areas). Alternatively you can submit a language test recognised as equivalent or recognised school certificates. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

Teaching and examination language

The language usually used in class is German. Coursework and performance assessments may be completed in English or another foreign language, too, if agreed so beforehand.

Interests and skills

You should certainly enjoy this field of work and be motivated to scientifically expand and deepen your sound basic knowledge gained from your previous training and professional practice.

Application

Application and application documents

All applicants must apply online via the portal of Pädagogische Hochschule Thurgau (PH TG).

Application deadlines: January 15 / April 15 / June 15

An application is possible during the following period: 01.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

Contact

Contact person

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services.

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Prof. Dr. Carine Burkhardt Bossi
Phone: +41 71 678 57 33
Email: carine.burkhardt@phtg.ch

Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz

With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.

Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.

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    Blick auf das Audimax der Universität
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