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.

Start of study

Winter semester

Study 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.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship

You have to complete an internship of at least eight weeks during the master's programme.

Stay abroad

A semester or year abroad is possible. The university supports study abroad via the Erasmus+ programme and numerous other exchange programmes.

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)

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An application is possible during the following period: 01.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Prof. Dr. Carine Burkhardt Bossi
Phone: +41 71 678 57 33
Email: carine.burkhardt@phtg.ch