Education Sciences

Abstract

• Show the study programme profile

  Profile of the study programme

  The German-language study programme Education Sciences is composed of three joint working areas, each with a different thematic focus:

  • Education and Globalisation
  • Childhood and Youth Research
  • International Education Policy

  Students acquire comprehensive theoretical basic knowledge in the fields of education, upbringing and socialisation, and learn which quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to carry out research. The study programme allows for internships in the field of research and/or in educational institutions. In the corresponding seminar, students reflect on their practice-related experiences against the background of theoretical knowledge.

  At the beginning of this bachelor programme, students deal with various scientific approaches to pedagogical topics. The focus is on the philosophy of education, the sociology of education, and the politics of education as well as educational psychology. In addition to acquiring basic working techniques for scientific work, students learn about various methods of empirical social research and their application. Through their own approaches, they experience how answers to pedagogical questions can be developed on the basis of educational sciences research. This includes dealing with different research designs and methodological approaches. Students address in depth questions such as how family, school, work, and leisure time structure the lives and living conditions of children, young people and adults, what significance the economy and culture have for education and which challenges the internationalisation of education poses for national education systems.

  Fribourg profile
  The specificity of this study programme lies explicitly in the equal weighting of theoretical, historical and empirical approaches to education sciences research. Thus, in addition to social research methods, different systematic and historical approaches are also dealt with. The Department of Education Sciences also conducts research projects in which students can participate and, in this way, come into direct contact with research.

  Thanks to the cooperation with Teacher Education, students also acquire knowledge in general didactics, among other things.

  Through a diverse range of block courses, it is possible to regularly attract international as well as Swiss colleagues for specific courses, which further increases the breadth of the teaching offer. In addition, the possibility of bilingual study allows a more extensive thematic choice of courses and socialisation in the academic discourse of both languages. Based on the BENEFRI agreement, lectures and seminars can be attended at the Universities of Bern and Neuchâtel. Furthermore, there is the option of spending one or more semesters at a university abroad with a mobility placement.

  Several times a year, students and lecturers organise joint events, such as the popular summer party.

  Educational goals and career perspectives
  After obtaining the bachelor degree, students have the option to start on a master programme, to take an «intermediate year» (e.g. stay abroad, internships) or to enter directly into professional life.

  The following professional fields are common:

  • Science-oriented activities and tasks in the educational and social sectors
  • Project work in the education sector
  • Work in counselling centres and specialised social services
  • Work in social institutions, e.g. youth centres or children's homes
  • Media and public relations work in the education sector

  Following the bachelor programme, a master programme can be completed at the Department of Educational Sciences at the University of Fribourg.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen