About the degree programme
Would you like to support and encourage the development of children ages 0 to 12? In the Bachelor degree programme in childhood education at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, you’ll gain comprehensive skills for professional educational work with children and their families. The degree programme provides you with in-depth subject knowledge and practical skills for designing effective educational programs.
Interdisciplinary Education for Child-Centered Support
In this practice-oriented program, you’ll develop a wide range of skills in the following areas:
- Educational foundations of pedagogy and sociology
- Developmental psychology and individual childhood development trajectories
- Empirical social research and childhood studies
- Early childhood assessment, didactics, and methodology
- Methods for gender-sensitive, intercultural, and inclusive educational design
A distinctive feature of the program is the close integration of theory and practice. Through extensive practical study phases—ranging from classroom observations in the first semester to a 60-day internship in the fifth semester—you’ll apply your knowledge directly and develop a reflective professional identity. You’ll learn to recognize children’s individuality and to professionally support their education and developmental processes.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Social Sciences | |
| Location: | Görlitz | |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Arts | |
| standard period of study: | 6 semesters | |
| ECTS credits: | 180 | |
| Language of instruction: | German | |
| Enrolment for: | Winter semester | |
| Application period: May 2 through September 30 | Start of studies: October | |
| Admission restrictions: | No admission restrictions (no NC) Details | |
| No prerequisite internship | Student Advisory Service | |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
Course of study
Your six-semester program is structured systematically and guides you step by step toward comprehensive pedagogical competence. In the first two semesters, you’ll acquire foundational knowledge in the disciplines of educational science and explore the professional understanding of childhood education. Through initial classroom observations and a two-week block internship, you’ll gain practical insights early on.
In the third and fourth semesters, you’ll deepen your knowledge of child development and education in various areas—from language and motor skills to social and emotional development. Through accompanying internships, you’ll learn to apply this knowledge and design age-appropriate educational programs. Methodology workshops and project-based studies foster your creative and academic skills.
The fifth semester is entirely focused on practical experience: During a 60-day internship, you’ll gain comprehensive professional experience and carry out your own project related to education and research. In the final, sixth semester, you’ll explore organizational, legal, and collaborative aspects of childhood education and write your Bachelor’s thesis on a topic of your choice in the field of childhood education.
- Fundamentals of Educational Science
- The Profession of Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Classroom Observations
- Diverse Children's Worlds
- Empirical Social Research
- Educational Assessment
- Block Internship (112 hours, 14 days)
- Childhood Education and Curriculum Design
- Language Development and Education
- Motor and Physical Development and Education
- Semester-long Internship (112 hours, 14 days)
- Methods Workshop/Project Studies
- Social and Emotional Development and Education
- Development and Education of Perception and Cognition
- Semester-Long Internship (112 hours, 14 days)
- Educational Project
- Research Project
- Internship (480 hours, 60 days)
- Organization, Law, and Cooperation
- Final Module (Bachelor thesis and Defense)
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Early Childhood Educator in Child Care Facilities
You design developmentally appropriate educational programs in nurseries, kindergartens, or after-school care centers. You will observe and document children’s learning processes and develop educational concepts. With your in-depth professional knowledge, you will create a stimulating learning environment and sensitively support children in their individual development.
Professional Consulting for Child Care Centers
You will advise and support educational teams in their professional development. You will analyze educational concepts, organize professional development sessions, and support quality improvement processes. With your expertise, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of educational practices in child care centers.
Early Intervention Specialist
You will support children with developmental delays or disabilities through targeted intervention programs. You will assess individual needs, develop support plans, and collaborate with other professionals in an interdisciplinary setting. With your holistic approach, you will identify resources and provide empathetic support to children and their families.
Management of Family Centers
You will develop services tailored to the needs of families and coordinate various support programs. You will connect relevant stakeholders in the community and design low-threshold advisory services. Drawing on your understanding of family life, you will create spaces for connection and mutual support.
Educational Specialist in Open Child and Youth Work
You design extracurricular educational and recreational programs for children of various age groups. You create opportunities for participation and experiences of self-efficacy. Using your creative and methodological skills, you foster cultural, scientific, and social learning processes.
Working at Educational Counseling Centers
You provide counseling to parents and families on parenting and educational issues. You identify areas where support is needed and, when necessary, refer families to additional resources. With your systemic understanding of family dynamics and your respectful approach, you strengthen parenting skills and promote the well-being of children.
Here's what our students have to say about our university
- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Program Flyer
- Application Information
- Program website of the Faculty of Social Sciences
Your contact persons
1st floor
First floor
Starting now, we're also offering our Student Advisory Service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message at: +49 173 2086748
Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, it's better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz - the wild east - is unique.