Teaching Degree for Gymnasien und Gesamtschulen
The teacher education program at Siegen prepares future educators with essential pedagogical and technical skills, enabling them to support children and youth in meaningful social participation and career readiness. It offers pathways for professional growth, including roles in advisory services, subject coordination, school supervision, and school management, alongside options for advanced academic qualifications.
Bachelor:
Admission procedure:
Deadlines and admission restrictions for the individual subjects as well as information on application and enrollment procedures can be found on our enrollment pages.
Candidates interested in specializing in biology must first apply for a seat in the program before enrolling.
For the teaching subjects Art, Music, and Physical Education, corresponding aptitude tests are held prior to the application and enrollment procedures.
Direct enrollment is possible for subjects with open admissions.
Application phase for the subject Biology:
2 June -15 July 2025
Enrollment period:
16 July - 29 August 2025
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Start of studies
Winter semester -
Standard period of study
6 semesters -
Degree
Depending on the subject combination: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science -
Language of instruction
German, with possibility of English, French, or Spanish as teaching specialization
Master:
Transfer and application procedure:
The master's teaching degree programs are not admission-restricted. Information and deadlines for the transfer procedure (internal applicants) or the application procedure (external applicants) can be found on the website of the Center for Teacher Training and Educational Research:
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Start of studies
Summer and winter semester -
Standard period of study
4 semesters -
Degree
Master of Education -
Language of instruction
German, with English, French, or Spanish as potential teaching specializations
Career prospects
The teacher training course in Siegen teaches practical pedagogical and technical skills that are required for the demanding and responsible task of professionally preparing young people and adults for social participation and the world of work. From advisory and subject management functions to tasks in school supervision and school management, there are opportunities to gain further qualifications in the professional field of teaching. There is also the option of further academic qualification.
Student Voices: Insights into the Teacher Education program
Genuine sense of community
Education opens doors. It helps us figure out what we want to achieve and gives us the tools to get there. Being able to help others on that path means a lot to me. In 2019, I moved from my hometown of Cologne to train as a teacher for Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen, focusing on English and Catholic Religion. I quickly realized the University of Siegen was the perfect fit.
Teachers play an essential role in society, and the University of Siegen prepares us thoroughly for this career. Most of the subjects are not restricted admission and there's a lot of flexibility in which taching disciplines can be combined. Siegen even cooperates with the German Sport University Cologne so that you can choose sport as a school subject!
What drew me to the University of Siegen was its genuine sense of community—here, faculty actually know your name and care about your success. The city itself has this unique charm that grows on you, and on campus, you're treated as an individual, not just another student ID number. Professors are incredibly approachable when you have questions or need guidance. The program gives you real classroom experience through field placements and a full practicum semester, so you're actually prepared for teaching when you graduate. I've been working as a student assistant in the Teacher Education Learning Workshop, which has opened up so many opportunities—workshops, networking events, and honestly, some much-needed stress relief activities. The LehramtPLUS program has been amazing too, with guest speakers and hands-on workshops that really expand your perspective. I couldn't imagine studying anywhere else and can't wait to see new faces joining our community!
- General higher education entrance qualification such as the Abitur, or
- under certain conditions, a subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification
(Please check with us in advance whether your qualification will be recognized), or - under certain conditions , a professional qualification
(Please contact us in advance to find out whether your professional qualification will be recognized), - a corresponding aptitude test must be taken by candidates in the subjects of music, art, and sport.
Why choose a teaching degree from the University of Siegen?
- Individual advising and support services
- Wide range of specializations
- Art or music possible as individual specializations!
- Helpful learning workshops
- Low hurdles to admission
Study structure
The teacher education program at the University of Siegen consists of a six-semester bachelor’s degree followed by a four-semester master’s degree, regardless of the teaching specialization. The degree program for Gymnasium and Gesamtschule teachers consists of the following elements:
- Educational Sciences
- German for Students with an Immigration Background (DSSZ)
- Specialization 1
- Specialization 2 (both specializations in same depth)
- Aptitude and orientation internship in the bachelor's degree program
- Professional internship in the bachelor's program
- Practical semester in the master's program
- Bachelor's thesis
- Master's thesis
