Teaching Degree in Elementary Education
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. From the outset, subject-specific studies are closely integrated with subject didactics and educational sciences, ensuring a comprehensive and practice-oriented approach to teacher preparation. In addition to didactics relevant to “Sachunterricht” (elementary science and social studies), the program emphasizes the unique requirements of this subject through specialized didactics of Sachunterricht. For those preparing to teach at the elementary level, the University of Siegen also offers an additional two-semester advanced master’s program in special needs education, enabling graduates to qualify for both general and special education roles.
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 elementary-level science and social studies (known in German as Sachunterricht and available only for the elementary school teaching degree) or biology (Hauptschule, Realschule, Sekundarschule, or Gesamtschule only) 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 science and social studies/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
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, depending on combination of subjects -
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
Post-Master’s Program in Special Education (optional)
At the University of Siegen, it is possible to acquire two fully accredited (double-qualifying) master's degrees:
- Teaching degree in elementary education or for teaching at Hauptschule, Realschule, Sekundarschule, and Gesamtschule
- Master of Education in Special Education.
This special course of studies builds on the standard 10-semester degree program and conveys a teaching degree in elementary and special education or a teacher degree for Hauptschule, Realschule, Sekundarschule, and Gesamtschule with integrated special education (6 semesters bachelor's degree and 4 semesters master's degree). As part of those programs, a certain portion of the coursework is dedicated to the field special education, including "Emotional/Behavioral Disorders" and "Learning Disabilities." The subsequent 2-semester master's degree "Teacher Education for Special Education" enables students to acquire the additional teaching qualification in special education with a focus on "Learning Disabilities" and "Emotional/Behavioral Disorders." One important goal of this degree course is the intensive preparation of prospective teachers for dealing with pupils with behavioral problems and learning disabilities in inclusive learning groups and at special schools.
Career prospects
The teacher education program at Siegen equips future educators with essential pedagogical and technical skills, preparing them to guide children and young people toward meaningful social engagement and career readiness. The program emphasizes both practical experience and theoretical foundations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the multifaceted responsibilities of teaching as well as the option for continued academic advancement.
Student Voices: Insights into the Teacher Education program
I love the university’s dedicated learning labs for future educators.
I started studying to earn a teaching degree in elementary and special education during winter semester 2023/24. The degree program at the University of Siegen includes basic mathematics education, basic language education, a third subject of your choice, and educational science with integrated special needs education. I chose Sachunterricht (elementary-level science and social studies) as my third subject because I remember loving it when I was in primary school and because it covers a lot of different subjects, which was fascinating while studying and which I think I will very much enjoy implementing in the classroom later. I also very much appreciate that the University of Siegen offers the special opportunity to acquire two qualifying master's degrees.
Both the bachelor's and the master's degree programs put an emphasis on the specialized fields of "Emotional and Social Development" and "Learning," but students have the option to further deepen their qualifications through the two-semester post-master's degree in "Teaching Qualification for Special Educational Support." You also can also choose to explore other certificate programs, such as Sport Education and Training or Gender Studies.
The university has special dedicated learning labs for teachers-in-training. Depending on what you need, some are specialized and others focus on interdisciplinary questions. They are a great place to study, but also for putting you in contact with people who can help you with any questions you may have about your studies. During the lecture period, there are always events to make new contacts. There are also excursions, lectures, and workshops to help keep your horizons broader than just the boundaries of teacher education. Thanks to the manageable size of the university, the small seminar sizes, and the good support from the lecturers, you are sure to settle in quickly in Siegen.
There’s plenty to do in the city and at the University of Siegen: a relaxing afternoon in the castle park, beautiful green space in and around the “greenest city in Germany,” a relaxed evening in the upper town, a movie night at "Panoptikum,” our student cinema, or one of the many different university sports courses. There is something for everyone.
See you in Siegen!
- 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
- Double qualification possible in special education
- Wide range of specializations
- Helpful learning workshops
- Low hurdles to admission
Program 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 elementary school teachers consists of the following elements:
- Educational sciences
- German for Students with an Immigration Background (DSSZ)
- Area of Study I: Language and literacy education
- Area of Study II: Math literacy
- Area of Study III or teaching subject
- In-depth study of one of the areas of study or the teaching subject
- Aptitude and orientation internship in the bachelor's degree program
- Professional internship in the bachelor's degree program
- Practical semester in the master's program
- Bachelor's thesis
- Master's thesis
