What is sex education and sex therapy?
Sex education and sex therapy are (applied) sexual sciences, i.e. sciences that deal with human sexuality. Social, psychological, medical and educational perspectives are taken into account. Sex education is more concerned with sexual education. The aim is to teach sexuality-related topics competently, sensitively and professionally. Sex therapy is more concerned with sexual health, its promotion and restoration and the importance of relationships in sexuality.
Fields of work
Graduates can use their newly acquired knowledge and skills from the certificate programme in healthcare, counselling centres, schools, clinics, NGOs, prevention projects or social institutions, as well as in independent practice as sex educators or sex therapists.
At a glance
| Study programme | Info |
|---|---|
| Short description: | SPT |
| Academic degree: | Certificate of Basic Studies (DQR 6) |
| Standard period of study / scope of services: | 4 semesters / 25 ECTS credits |
| Teaching language: | German |
| Study format: | Part-time, continuing education, certificate programme |
| Study start: | Summer semester 2026 |
| Pre-internship: | not required |
| Application period: | - |
| Admission restriction: | - |
| Admission requirements: | Admission is open to those who
Note: In individual cases, the head of degree programme may also invite other suitable persons to an admissions interview and admit them to the degree programme if they can provide evidence of other qualifying vocational training.
|
| Tuition fees: |
* plus. Semester fee Note: Achievement of the certificate only with all 5 modules or application for recognition of external supervision |
The certificate programme Sex education and sex therapy at the HSN offers you a sound academic qualification in a socially highly topical and sensitive subject area. You will learn to scientifically analyse sexuality-related topics, to communicate them professionally and to provide reflective support - both in educational and therapeutic contexts.
Through interdisciplinary content, practice-orientated teaching formats and personal support, we prepare you specifically for demanding professional fields in which your specialist knowledge will make a difference.
Information about the degree programme
Modules, content, CP, examination
Module 01
- 1st semester
- Basics of sex education and sex therapy
- 5 CP
- Module examination: scientific paper (review)
Module 02
- 2nd semester
- Sexual education across the lifespan
- 5 CP
- Module examination: scientific elaboration (concept)
Module 03
- 3rd semester
- Sexual counselling and therapy
- 5 CP
- Module examination: Examination interview
Module 04
- 4th semester
- Prioritisation and expansion of technology
- 5 CP
- Module examination: Examination interview
Module 05
- 1st to 4th semester (always integrated)
- Reflective practice
- 5 CP
- Admission prerequisite: Proof of practical activity (Module 05.2) through presentation of at least two own cases from practice
- Examination: course-integrated examination
The certificate programme is aimed at people with a first relevant (specialist) university degree or corresponding professional qualification and an interest in psychosocial work, education, counselling or therapy, who value social diversity and have a sensitive understanding of interpersonal issues.
After graduating, there are many different paths open to you: Working in specialist sex education centres, family counselling, therapeutic facilities, prevention projects or in sexual medicine teams.
Freelance work in your own practice is also conceivable.
Potential employers include educational institutions, health authorities, clinics, NGOs, counselling centres and public institutions.
In addition, the qualification enables further Master's programmes or therapeutic further training.
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificates of educational qualifications, certificate of exmatriculation in the case of university studies
- Proof of professional experience
- Declaration of assumption of costs by the employer, if applicable
The certificate programme ends with a university-certified degree at Bachelor level, a Certificate of Basic Studies. CPs earned can be recognised in degree programmes throughout Germany.
The content and scope of the degree programme is based on the minimum requirements for the „Quality seal for sex educators (gsp)“ the German Society for Sexuality Education.
Regulations applicable to the degree programme (published in the Official announcements of the HSN) and other guidelines:
Curriculum planning K1 Sex education
| Module | Name | date |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Fundamentals of sex education and sex therapy | 26.06.2026 - 27.06.2026 |
| 25.09.2026 - 26.09.2026 | ||
| M2 | Sexual Education across the lifespan | 08.01.2027 - 09.01.2027 |
| 09.04.2027 - 10.04.2027 | ||
| M3 | Sexual counselling counselling and therapy | 25.06.2027 . 26.06.2027 |
| 24.09.2027 - 25.09.2027 | ||
| M4 | Specialisation and technical expansion | 27.01.2028 - 08.01.2028 |
| 31.03.2028 - 01.04.2028 | ||
| M5 | Reflective practice | always integrated |
| Online units | asynchronously available |
Why you should study Sex Education and Sex Therapy at HSN:
Diverse and practical training
Our teaching combines theory and practice: lectures, real-life cases, presentations of established concepts and lecturers with practical experience guarantee an application-oriented teaching of current content.
Personalised support
Small student cohorts and a strict admission restriction (personal entrance interview) individual support, intensive discussions and self-reflection, as well as the guarantee of a personal contact person for your successful studies during the entire certificate programme.
Modern and flexible study conditions
Digital learning platforms, up-to-date teaching formats and modern conference rooms create a flexible, student-friendly environment - ideal for self-study phases and group work.
Strong networking
Benefit from cooperations with clinics, professional associations, advice centres and research institutes - for internships, final theses and later career entry.
Advantages over a university
Short distances, personal support, practical teaching and clearly structured content and curricula characterise studying at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
Get a basic overview of financing and funding options for further training here:
- Information on further education funding (DGWF brochure)
- Funding opportunities for adult education (Recommendations from students)
- Further information is available, for example, at test.de, study-accompanying-jobs.de, study.com, vlh.de
- One In-depth research to the programmes enables the Funding search of the German Education Server for further education courses. Here you can find offers for Promotion of further training and legal regulations on further training.
- You will also find information about the Funding opportunities nationwide (D)and the Country-specific funding opportunities of the federal states*, such as the Educational Leave Act (Bildungsurlaubs-/Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz).
Foundation for the promotion of talented young people in vocational training
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research offers a direct funding option via the Foundation for the promotion of talented young people in vocational training. All related information can be found at: www.sbb-stipendien.de
Advancement scholarship - the study grant for experienced professionals
Current is the Online application for the Advancement scholarship - the study grant for experienced professionals possible again.
Prospective and current students can until Monday, 9 June 2025 apply for an advancement scholarship. The Scholarship programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports skilled workers with vocational training and several years of practical experience in their first academic degree programme.
Detailed information on the advancement scholarship
Financial and non-material support
For a Full-time study programme scholarship holders receive 992 euros per month plus 80 euros book allowance (i.e. a total of 1,072 euros) and 3,045 euros per calendar year for part-time study. The benefits are a lump sum and independent of income.
In addition, there is an extensive non-material supportThe scholarship holders can take part in numerous seminars on various topics. In addition, there are regional groups on site and a digital network through which they can network and exchange ideas with each other.applications are possible before the start of the programme and until the end of the second semester. There is no age limit for applications.
Information material and application counselling
If you have any questions about your application, our application counselling team will be happy to assist you. Our colleagues can be contacted by e-mail () or by telephone on 0228 / 62931 -43 or -51.
In addition, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the employment agencies, offers a digital training guides to.
In some cases, employers contribute to the costs of a continuing education Master's degree programme / certificate programme / continuing education course. These in turn have the opportunity to Company-specific subsidies to obtain. When talking to your employer, please feel free to refer to the Employer service of the employment agency.
Costs for further training can, for example, be recognised as income-related expenses, tax deductible be made. You can obtain advice on this from the tax office.
We would be delighted if this compilation helps you to find a suitable funding opportunity for your further academic education at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
Your team at the Institute for Academic Continuing Education
That's what we wish you!
You are welcome to contact us with any further questions.
Study Service Centre
+49 3631 420-222
House 18, Level 1, Room 18.0105