Study educational science - and set your own focus

Why are parents of children with disabilities less likely to accept offers of help - offers such as participation in a toddler group? Hannah Bauer wants to investigate this question in her bachelor's thesis - and work with the youth welfare office to do so. After completing her degree in educational science, she can imagine a career in counseling.

"After my Abitur, I completed a voluntary social year. At a special school. I really enjoyed that," reports Hannah Bauer - and adds: "At the time, I could actually imagine studying to become a special school teacher. But then I realized that I would also be very interested in extracurricular activities." In other words, working in institutions such as nurseries, residential facilities or adult education. In the end, she therefore opted for the Bachelor's degree program in Educational Science at RPTU. She is now in her seventh semester - and is more than satisfied with her choice: "My degree program gives me a broad insight into the diversity of educational science." The curriculum includes modules in general educational science as well as psychology and sociology. Psychologist Dr. Inga Wagner, Study Manager at the Department of Educational Sciences, emphasizes that students are very well familiarized with the diverse subject areas right from the start: "No one needs to have any fears or concerns. Statistics is also part of the degree program. But we are very good at it."

A choice of four specializations

In addition to a sound basic education in general educational science, students focus on their own specialization from the very first semester - more precisely, they choose one of four specializations: They can choose from Workplace Education, Childhood Education, Special Education or Social Pedagogy. Inga Wagner: "In terms of content, the Industrial Education course deals with the selection and development of staff and managers, for example. In special education, it's about supporting people with disabilities - throughout their entire lifespan. This also includes the professional qualification of people with disabilities and the fundamentals of nursing science."

The sub-degree course in Childhood Education traditionally deals with pedagogical approaches in institutions where children are cared for and educated, such as kindergartens or after-school care. "In addition to the theoretical foundations, the social pedagogy part of the course prepares students for a job in the social sector through a variety of practical references and case studies."

After the first year of study, students also decide on a compulsory elective subject: this could be education in the migration society, media education or digital education and e-learning. "Or alternatively, you can take modules from one of the sub-courses that you haven't already chosen as a major," adds Inga Wagner.

Career aspirations: Counselling - with a focus on special education

Hannah Bauer has opted for the special education sub-course. She can imagine working in the field of counseling later on, she says: "For example, it would involve advising parents who have a child with a disability." This kind of expertise is in demand at the social welfare office, in the field of integration assistance - or in general for tasks related to inclusion.

Where else could a degree in education take you? "It's very diverse," explains Inga Wagner, "and of course depends very much on which part of the course you choose." With Industrial Education, for example, you could become a recruiter. "In other words, selecting the right people for a job on behalf of a company." With Childhood Education, you qualify for a job in a daycare center, also with the prospect of a management position after a certain amount of professional experience or a Master's degree. "And if you opt for social pedagogy, you can work in child and youth welfare - and perhaps look after municipal residential groups."

Studying at a university is research-oriented - and imparts knowledge in depth

What is special about the educational science course? "As a university, our degree course has a strong focus on research," explains Inga Wagner. In contrast to vocational training, for example - or at a university of applied sciences - the teaching of theory is also very important.

For those who want to take things even further, perhaps even pursue a doctorate and an academic running track, the Master's degree program in Educational Science at RPTU is available after the Bachelor's degree. Speaking of research: Hannah Bauer's first priority is her Bachelor's thesis. She is working on this in collaboration with the youth welfare office - because: "The youth welfare office has noticed that parents of children with disabilities are less likely to take advantage of services than parents of children without disabilities. Offers such as participation in toddler groups. In my bachelor's thesis, I'm investigating why this is the case." The thesis should be finished in August 2025. Hannah Bauer is not yet sure what she will do after that. "Maybe I'll go straight into work or do a Master's, we'll see."

Born in Saarland, she once moved to Landau especially for her studies. She has never regretted this move: "Landau is a nice student town, not too big. Lots of young people live here. Cafés are geared towards our generation." What advice does she have for prospective students? What should you bring with you if you want to study educational science? Hannah Bauer: "You should have the motivation to want to read and write a lot. Because you read a lot of specialist literature during your studies." And write yourself - as part of term papers.

Empathy, interest in education, communication and language skills are required

Inga Wagner agrees: good communication and language skills are required - as well as the ability to organize yourself. The study manager adds that you should also have empathy and enjoy dealing with people: "You should be enthusiastic about education and training, including in the adult sector. And have a general interest in the question of how to encourage people - how to support them in difficult situations." Advising and supporting people in different life situations - that's what Hannah Bauer wants to do, she sums up: "I can only recommend the Educational Science degree program. Because you set your own focus. And I think that's very good."