Field of study Educational Sciences

In addition to counselling individuals and groups in various areas of life, the main task of educational scientists is conceptual work in training and further education. To this end, they develop and test educational theories and target group-specific programmes. In addition, they are also involved in practical educational, teaching and counselling work (including the administration and management of corresponding facilities).

The degree programme provides a basic understanding of pedagogical thinking, questions and methodological principles as well as the social prerequisites of education.

In advanced studies, the focus is on quantitative research methods, learning processes and the organisation and planning of educational processes. Depending on the desired specialisation, such as early childhood education, rehabilitation and special education, company education or personnel development, adult education, education management and continuing education, students also acquire the relevant professional skills.

The teacher training programme also generally includes educational science content and, in addition to didactic principles, also deals with educational processes and educational systems (see chapter 3.10 ‘Teacher training in the federal states’). The field of social work/social pedagogy/social work is also related (see chapter 3.6 ‘Law and social sciences’)

The Bachelor's degree programme teaches the fundamentals of educational science through modules such as basic questions and concepts of educational science, educational and learning processes and theories, media and pedagogical communication, lifelong learning and lifelong education, methods of empirical educational and social research, qualitative and quantitative data analysis in educational and social research, educational psychology, quality management in education and training. The curriculum also includes content from related sciences such as psychology and the social sciences.

In vocational education, modules are also offered on vocational orientation, didactics of vocational education, introduction to vocational education, development of institutions of vocational education.

In cultural and media education, the basics of cultural and media education, cultural sociological and intercultural basics, theoretical and historical aspects of cultural and media studies are also taught.

In psychodiagnostics and intervention important subjects are: psychological and sociological principles of rehabilitation, rehabilitation and curative education as well as law.

At universities of applied sciences, two to three months of practical work in schools and centres for adult education, social pedagogy or company training are part of the course. 

A good basis for successful studies in this field is knowledge of the school subjects politics and social studies, German and ethics/philosophy. English and maths help with understanding specialist literature. 

Depending on the specialisation, other subjects may also be important. For business education, for example, prior knowledge of and interest in economics and law are well suited.

Universities of applied sciences and universities offer Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in education and educational sciences.

Possible degree programme titles include: Pedagogy, Childhood Education, Educational Science, Education and Educational Science, Educational Science

Study programmes such as ‘Educational Management’, ‘Early Childhood Education’, ‘Adventure and Experiential Education’ and ‘Media Education’ deal with specific fields of action. Degree programmes entitled ‘Vocational and Business Education’, ‘Engineering Education’ or ‘Adult Education’ focus on educational work with adults, while ‘Rehabilitation Education’, ‘Special Education’ or ‘Curative Education’ take into account both medical and developmental psychological aspects.

In the Master's degree programme, students specialise or deepen their knowledge and profile through research and application-related modules such as educational theory and educational processes, international educational research, adult education, media didactics, migration and intercultural education, extracurricular youth education, early childhood education, cultural education, educational and learning guidance, educational economics and planning, and organisational development.