The University of Education moved to Ludwigsburg in 1966. With its approximately 5,500 students and 450 members, it is the largest of the six Universities of Education in Baden-Wuerttemberg. These Universities of Education also offer doctoral and postdoctoral degrees and are therefore on a par with full universities. They concentrate on educational science issues both in research and teaching.
Ludwigsburg University of Education (LUE) is a modern center of educational sciences competency in four closely related disciplines: school education, extra-curricular children’s and youth education, adult/further education, and education in cultural and social areas.
The Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses for primary school, secondary, European secondary, and special education (B.A./M.Ed.) form an essential part of the university’s profile. LUE is increasing its participation in grammar school teacher training. A joint “Professional School of Education” was established in January 2016 and is run collectively with universities and colleges in Stuttgart. The joint Master’s degree programs for secondary and grammar schools (selective high schools) will be launched in 2018. The University of Education also offers a Master’s of Science for vocational education.
The unique feature of three further Bachelor’s degree courses is the interconnection of educational science and pedagogy approaches to the extra-curricular education fields (early years teaching and education, educational science, cultural and media education). Students may also specialize in six further Master’s degree courses for specific professional or research areas. They may also gain qualifications in two extra-occupational Master’s degree courses for management positions in education, an international degree course. LUE also provides a range of teaching certificate programs for in-service teachers.
The main research focus at LUE is on scholastic and extra-curricular education processes of all age groups, emphasizing subject pedagogy, and educational science research. The Office of Research Development and Funding offers researchers to support and advice, especially in financing research projects and methodical research approaches.
The Ludwigsburg-based EU Research Department for Baden Wuerttemberg’s Universities of Education offers its services to all six universities. Ph.D. candidates are supported by experienced professors and may also use a range of offers from the Office of Research Development and Funding. In addition to this, the joint Academy for post-graduate and Ph.D. students of all six educational universities offers advice.
After completing their Ph.D. (Dr. Phil.) or EdD (Dr. paid.) degrees, candidates can continue their research education in postdoctoral qualifications. Early on, students have the opportunity to engage in research-based learning and familiarize themselves with various methods of research, for example, at the Research Skills Workshop for Educational Sciences (Forschungswerkstatt Bildungswissenschaften, ForBi).
The Academy for Scientific Further Education (Akademie für Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung e.V.) at LUE campus offers a range of opportunities for all those in professions and branches which deal with educational, pedagogical and psychological matters (e.g., teachers, skilled employees, and their managers from economic, educational and social sectors). These programs include qualification courses (contact classes and seminars), counseling (supervision, coaching, further education counseling), and educational opportunities in addition to contract projects (counseling and training measures for company-specific qualifications).
Scientific further education was reinforced as a central task for universities in-state university legislation in 2014. Since then, LUE has been expanding its further education activities in the field of international Master’s degree courses and further training for teachers. The Center for Lifelong Professional Development is set up expressly for further education.
Internationalization is a central theme at LUE. LUE is a scientific, educational player in the immigration society and offers students, lecturers, researchers, and administration staff numerous international experiences. The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) has close relations with over 80 partner universities worldwide. Many students and lecturers have been supported as part of the European and overseas mobility programs by the organization for visits abroad. The International Office serves as a Welcome Center and mentors over 100 international students and numerous international scholars every year.
As a result of long-standing, close partnerships with international universities, scientific conferences and compact courses (e.g., summer schools) are held regularly, which serve as a basis for international research projects.
