For this program of study, you must be able to read and understand specialist literature in English. However, you will not be required to provide separate proof of your language proficiency.

Additionally, you should enjoy interpersonal communication, teamwork, and presenting information in front of a group.

You will study this subject as part of a two-subject bachelor’s degree program. The degree program always consists of an academic major and minor, which can be combined according to your interests or professional goals.

If you choose the subject as a minor, you will generally complete only a portion of the modules and classes taught to students of the major subject. As a result, you will focus on a selection from the content listed below.

Major

Basic modules (1st and 2nd semester):

• Fundamentals of Educational Sciences: theories of pedagogical practice
• Introduction to educational science terminology and the fundamentals of academic work

Selection of study track (from the 3rd semester):

• In-depth knowledge of the fundamentals and types of work in the chosen study track (Social Pedagogy and General Educational Sciences or Lifelong Learning and Media Education)
• Reflecting pedagogical practices and the diverse skill set in your resume
• Introduction to research in educational sciences (qualitative and quantitative methods)

(Research) projects as well as theoretical and practical application (5th semester):

• Student research projects in the chosen track of study
• 8-week supervised internship

Final phase (6th semester):

• Bachelor examination in the chosen track of study

Minor

1st and 2nd Semester:

• Introduction to the fundamentals of Educational Sciences and theories of pedagogical practices
• Familiarization with pedagogical terminology, and initial practice courses in the context of academic work

3rd and 4th semester:

• Introduction to empirical research, lifelong learning and media literacy, as well as heterogeneity
• Insights into social pedagogy and general educational sciences
• Reflection on social requirements of teaching and education

5th and 6th semester:

• Consolidation of knowledge acquired in pedagogical practices. You will be able to add diverse skill sets to your resume.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

You may decide for yourself when you would like to study abroad; however, it is recommended for after the 3rd or 4th semester.

Internships

As an Educational Sciences major, you will complete an 8-week internship in an educational institution. The internships should provide you with important supplementary qualifications, initial professional experience, and contact to potential future employers. In the course sequence model, it is recommended that you complete your internship during the 5th semester and within module 10: Theoretical and Practical Application.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

The professional training component of the Educational Sciences degree is as varied as our available topics of study. Additionally, your chosen focus area will enable you to acquire specialized skills, allowing you to work in a field closely related to your subject.

Depending on your specialization, there are various fields of work that might be of interest to you:

• Social Pedagogy and General Educational Sciences:

Child and youth welfare services, social pedagogy in the context of deviance and disadvantage, social pedagogy in the health care sector, working with the elderly, international social work, international and transnational organizations in the field of social, development, and health policy, as well as teaching and research at universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutes.

• Lifelong Learning and Media Literacy

General and political adult education, parent and family education, vocational and in-company training and further education, professional reintegration, human resources development, organizational development, educational and learning consultation, community and church media education facilities, protection-oriented media education for children and youths, media institutions.

• Other careers in pedagogy:

Pedagogues can also work in non-pedagogical fields, such as information technology, public relations, culture, tourism, business consultancy, etc.

The following career fields are also suitable for graduates of Educational Sciences:

• Academia (e.g., universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, project work)
• Child and youth welfare services
• Education and learning consultation
• School, kindergarten
• Human resources development
• And much more

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.