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?
Overview
| Degree | Master of Arts |
|---|---|
| Programme start | Winter semester |
| Period of study | 4 semesters |
| Application period | Application is made by the PH Thurgau - 15.1. | 15.4. | 15.6. |
| Admission restrictions | yes |
| ECTS | 120 |
| Number of places | 30 |
Why study Early Childhood in the University of 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.
Content
Prospects and opportunities
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.
Programme structure
Programme start
Winter semester
Academic 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.
Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.
Internship and study abroad
Internships
You have to complete an internship of at least eight weeks during the master's programme.
Study abroad
A semester or year abroad is possible. The university supports study abroad via the Erasmus+ programme and numerous other exchange programmes.
Requirements
What interests and skills should I have?
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.
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.
Language(s) of instruction
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.
Admission requirements
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.
Special option: Admission sur dossier
This is an admission option for those without a bachelor's degree. In this admission process you have to prove that you have acquired skills comparable to a bachelor's degree.
- You have to be above the age of 30
- You have earned a general higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Matura, Abitur) or a "Lehrdiplom" (teaching diploma)
- You can document a minimum of three years of professional experience (full-time)
Fees
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 tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.
Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). 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.
Application and application documents
Please send your application to the University of Teacher Education Thurgau (PHTG).
Please apply directly to the PHTG by these dates: 15 Jan. | 15 April | 15 June (winter semester) There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). Please check the university website for more information.
An application is possible during the following period: Application is made by the PH Thurgau - 15.1. | 15.4. | 15.6. (winter semester).
Application documents
You will find an overview of the required application documents in your application for admission, which you will receive at the end of your online application.
