University

The University of Education was founded in 1962 and moved to Ludwigsburg in 1966. With its approximately 6,000 students and over 470 members of staff, it is the largest of the six Universities of Education in Baden-Wuerttemberg. These Universities of Education offer doctoral and post-doctoral 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 competency for educational sciences 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 important part of the university’s profile. The University of Education also offers a Master’s of Science for vocational education.
 
Since January 2016 a cooperative “Professional School of Education” has been set up together with the Stuttgart universities and colleges. The partners mainly cooperate in the teacher training master programs.

The special feature of three further Bachelor’s degree courses is the interconnection of educational science and pedagogy approaches to the extra-curricular fields of education (early years teaching and education, educational science, cultural and media education). In addition to this, students may specialize in six further Master’s degree courses for specific professional or research areas; they can also gain qualifications in two extra-occupational Master’s degree courses for management posi- tions in education, one being 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 with a strong emphasis on subject- pedagogy and research on educational science.

The Office of Research Development and Funding offers support and advice to researchers, especially in matters of financing research projects and research methodical approaches.

The Ludwigsburg-based EU Research Department for Baden Wuerttemberg’s Universities of Education offers its services to all six of these universities. Ph.D. candidates are supported by experienced professors and may also make use of a range of offers from the Office of Research Development and Funding. In addition to this, the joint Academy for post-graduate and PhD students of all six educational universities offers advice.

After the completion of their PhD (Dr. phil.) or EdD (Dr. paed.) 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 Bil- dungswissenschaften, ForBi).

Against the backdrop of the new Higher Education Act of Baden-Württemberg defining academic continuing education as a core task for universities, the Center for Lifelong Professional Development (CLPD) is developing structures for continuing education, setting up new programs and building new international ties. Its core offering consists of part-time master programs, several continuing education programs and guidance for teachers and professionals working in educational, social and cultural institutions.

Ludwigsburg University of Education (LUE) intention is to consolidate its activities within the field of academic continuing education with the establishment of the CLPD as a service center for continuing education. The programs are tailored to the needs of adults and stand out due to specific teaching and learning methods and the combination of research and real-life experiences.

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 the opportunity of numerous international experiences. The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) has close relations to over 90 partner universities worldwide. A large number of students and lecturers are supported as part of the European and overseas mobility programs in 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, cientific conferences and compact courses (e.g. Summer Schools) are held regularly and serve as a basis for international research projects.

Each year, LUE invites lecturers from its partner universities to offer their courses in Ludwigsburg as part of its guest lecturers program called ”Lud- wigsburg International Classrooms”. This is one of the measures which offers students on campus at Ludwigsburg the opportunity to familiarize them- selves with international teaching concepts. LUE offers a Master’s degree in “International Education Management” and International Educational Leadership taught in English and therefore paves the way for international career opportunities.

Ludwigsburg University of Education enjoys a diverse campus culture. Cultural highlights are a firmly-anchored part of the university events calendar.

In addition to this, there is a student gallery with alternating exhibitions as well as a literature-café which offers readings, concerts and poetry slams. The nearby Favoritepark is an oasis of relaxation.
 
The baroque city of Ludwigsburg, with its population of approx. 95,000, has not only magnificent castles to offer, but also lively pedestrian areas, cinemas and a colorful club scene.
And for those of you who would like to take a look around the state capital – the suburban train from Ludwigsburg only takes a few minutes to reach downtown Stuttgart.