The South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences is a research institution in North Rhine-Westphalia. It was founded in 2002, but has its oldest forerunner in the trade school in Hagen, which was founded by the Prussian reform politician Beuth in 1824.
The university is one of the largest of its kind in North Rhine Westphalia and has five different locations: Iserlohn, Hagen, Lüdenscheid, Meschede and Soest and a total of more than 14,000 students. It offers 54 bachelor and master courses in eight faculties in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, information technology, business administration and agricultural economics. Most courses are taught in German but there are several courses taught in English, which attract also international students.
The university claims to accompany, care for and qualify its students with the best possible academic education and to ensure professional success through its counseling program. The education is scientifically founded and at the same time close to practical experience. As a future-orientated center of knowledge and partner in development the university gives new impulses to industry, handicraft, agriculture, administration and politics. A worldwide network and international contacts enrich studies, teaching and research.
The Scientific Center for Early Education is a research institute of the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in the fields of early education. It is responsible for the organization of the course of study of Early Childhood Education and does research both independently and in cooperation with partners and other universities.