THE DEPARTMENT OF PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION

Obrisani Korisnik — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:00:56 GMT

Head of department
Branimir Mendeš, PhD, Assistant Professor
E-mail: bmendes@ffst.hr

Secretary for department
Marin Sarić, mag.nov. et rel. publ.
E-mail: msaric@ffst.hr

ECTS coordinator
Vedrana Vučković, Teaching Assistant
E-mail: vvuckovic@ffst.hr

Study programme:	University undergraduate study programme *Early and Preschool Education* (single-subject programme):	University graduate study programme *Early and Preschool Education* (single-subject programme):
General information on the study programme:	*The university undergraduate study programme Early and Preschool Education* (single-major programme) is designed as an interdisciplinary programme. It enables students to acquire pedagogical, psychological, and artistic competencies that contribute to the well-being and holistic development of young children. The programme provides students with knowledge and understanding of the education and care of children in early and preschool childhood and develops competencies required for the planning, organisation, implementation, and evaluation of educational processes. Particular emphasis is placed on fostering the child’s holistic development, ensuring children's well-being, creating conditions that support the fulfilment of their individual rights and needs, and establishing high-quality partnerships with families. The practical component of the programme is conducted in partner kindergarten settings that serve as teaching and training facilities. Students are provided with opportunities for direct observation of educational practice and for developing professional competencies through the planning, organisation, and implementation of integrated practical activities and/or activities focused on specific developmental domains, including physical and motor development, visual arts, and music. The programme primarily prepares students for professional work in early childhood and preschool education institutions. Upon graduation, employment opportunities are also available in social welfare institutions**, particularly community-based service centres. The Early and Preschool Education study programme is comparable to related programmes offered at higher education institutions throughout the Republic of Croatia, thereby facilitating student mobility and enabling the continuation of studies at equivalent programmes at other universities in Croatia and abroad.	The university graduate study programme Early and Preschool Education (single-major programme) enables students to further develop and enhance the competencies acquired during their undergraduate studies. A distinctive feature of the Graduate Study Programme in Early and Preschool Education is its two-stage structure. During the initial stage (Year 1 of the graduate programme), students are provided with opportunities to develop core pedagogical and psychological competencies, while during the second stage (Year 2 of the graduate programme) attention is directed towards specialised areas of expression and creativity (visual arts, music, drama, and movement). Upon enrolment, students select a module in accordance with their personal interests and preferences. The study programme is organised into the following four modules: Drama and Puppetry Expression and Creative Practice Movement Expression and Creative Practice Visual Arts Expression and Creative Practice Music Expression and Creative Practice The implementation of individual modules depends on the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements and secure enrolment (minimum of 10 students). The programme is delivered on a part-time basis (Friday afternoons and Saturdays), enabling students to engage in professional employment while pursuing their studies.
Level of study programme:	University undergraduate study programme (single-subject)	University graduate study programme (single-subject)
Academic Title or Degree Awarded upon Completion:	University Bachelor (baccalaureus/baccalaurea) of Early and Preschool Education (univ. bacc. praesc. educ.) Register of Study Programmes: https://hko.srce.hr/usp/pretrazivanje/detalji?sifra=5297&lang=en	University Master (magister/magistra) of Early and Preschool Education (univ. mag. praesc. educ.) Register of Study Programmes: https://hko.srce.hr/usp/pretrazivanje/detalji?sifra=5296&lang=en
Programme duration:	3 years	2 years
Number of ECTS points acquired on completion of study programme:	180	120
Application and Enrolment Requirements:	Detailed information about admission to the study programme is available at the following links: Postani student FFST - upisi	The University Graduate Study Programme in Early and Preschool Education may be enrolled by: holders of a University Bachelor degree in Early and Preschool Education (univ. bacc. praesc. educ.); holders of a professional Bachelor degree in Preschool Education (with the obligation to complete three bridging courses worth 10 ECTS credits); preschool educators who completed a two-year programme and subsequently completed a bridging programme (bridging year) for enrolment in the University Graduate Study Programme in Early and Preschool Education, thereby acquiring an additional 60 ECTS credits. The selection procedure includes ranking candidates according to academic achievement (minimum grade average: 3.00).
Further study opportunities:	Upon completion of the university undergraduate study programme Early and Preschool Education, students may continue their studies at this Faculty by enrolling in the university graduate study programme. They may also enrol in graduate programmes at other faculties and universities in Croatia, subject to any differences in courses or credits arising from programme-specific requirements, as prescribed by university and/or faculty regulations.	Upon completion of the university graduate study programme in early and preschool education, graduates holding the title of master of early and preschool education may enrol in postgraduate specialist programmes or university doctoral programmes in accordance with the admission requirements established by the programme provider.

FFST - Pre-school Education

THE DEPARTMENT OF PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION