Study educational science - and set your own specialisations

Why are parents of disabled children less likely to take up 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 together with the youth welfare office to do so. After completing her degree in educational science, she can imagine a career in counselling.

‘After leaving school, 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 realised 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 decided to study for a Bachelor's degree in Educational Science at RPTU. She is now in her seventh semester - and is more than satisfied with her choice: ‘My degree programme 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, emphasises that students are very well familiarised with the diverse subject areas right from the start: ‘Nobody needs to have any fears or concerns. Statistics is also part of the degree programme. But we are very good at it.’

Four specialisations are available as part of the degree course

In addition to a sound basic education in general educational science, students focus on their own specialisation from the very first semester - more precisely, they choose one of four sub-degree programmes: They can choose from Workplace Education, Childhood Education, Special Education or Social Pedagogy. Inga Wagner: ‘In terms of content, the industrial education programme 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 vocational qualification of people with disabilities and the fundamentals of nursing science.’ 

The Childhood Education sub-degree programme traditionally deals with pedagogical approaches in institutions where children are cared for and educated, such as kindergartens or after-school care centres. ‘In addition to the theoretical foundations, the Social Pedagogy sub-degree programme prepares students for work 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. ‘Alternatively, you can take modules from one of the sub-degree programmes that you have not already chosen as a specialisation,’ adds Inga Wagner.

Career aspiration: Counselling - with a focus on special needs education

Hannah Bauer has opted for the special needs education sub-degree programme. She can imagine working in the field of counselling later on, she says: ‘For example, it would involve advising parents who have a child with a disability.’ Such expertise is in demand at the social welfare office, in the area of integration assistance - or in general for tasks relating to the topic of inclusion.

Where else could a degree in educational science take you? ‘It's very diverse,’ explains Inga Wagner, ’and of course depends very much on which part of the degree programme you choose.’ For example, you could become a recruiter with a degree in industrial education. ‘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 centre, also with the prospect of a management position after a certain amount of work 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-orientated - and imparts knowledge in depth

What is special about the educational science programme? ‘As a university, our degree programme has a strong focus on research,’ explains Inga Wagner. Unlike a vocational training programme - or a university of applied sciences, for example - the teaching of theory is also very important.

If you want to take things even further, perhaps even pursue a doctorate and an academic career, the Master's degree programme 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. I'm investigating why this is the case in my bachelor's thesis.’ The thesis is due to be completed in August 2025. Hannah Bauer is not yet sure what she will do next. ‘Maybe I'll go straight into work or do a Master's degree, 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 specialised 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 organise 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 support 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 programme. Because you set your own specialisations. And I think that's very good.’