As a future teacher, a love of teaching, a good instinct for working with students, and a sense of responsibility are important requirements for managing the diverse pedagogical tasks in your career. As a prospective art teacher, you should also have a passion for art in general, and bring your own ideas, pursuing them with energy and initiative. You should also find joy in exploring the artwork of others and in regularly visiting museums and other cultural institutions.

Proof that you have completed a bachelor of education that qualifies you to teach at a Gymnasium with the same teaching subjects. This degree may have been acquired at a university in Rhineland-Palatinate or at another university in Germany or abroad.

Important information for all students who have not completed a Bachelor of Education (for teacher education for Gymnasium) in Rhineland-Palatinate.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

In justified cases, other degrees may also be recognized for admission to the master’s program. Recognition may be subject to conditions relating to the specific structure of the master’s degree program. If no school internships have been completed, other documented achievements may be recognized as equivalent.

Aptitude test: If you have already passed an art aptitude test at JGU, you do not need to take another one. Aptitude tests from other higher education institution are not recognized. An aptitude test must be taken if you change your place of study. The Mainz Academy of Fine Arts will be happy to advise you on your portfolio in advance in the form of individual academic advising. Find out more about the aptitude test

The subject of Fine Arts cannot be combined with the subject of Music.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for the selection, admission, and enrollment process can be referenced in section 2 of the examination regulations.

This course is a constituent element of the “Master of Education” degree program (teacher education for Gymnasium). In addition to teacher education, this degree program always covers two teaching subjects as well as the subject of Education Studies. Learn more about the Master of Education

Program structure

In your program of study, you will attend lectures and seminars in art history, art theory, and the didactics of art.

You will refine your own artistic work in the studios and workshops of the Academy of Fine Arts. You will freely experiment with materials and media, exploring your own artistic expression. Gradually, you will discover your artistic focus. Practical work will take place in an artistic class where you will study in the Academy’s studios with students from different semesters, as well as students from the Fine Arts Diplom program. You will also regularly attend the plenary sessions to collectively discuss the work in progress. Field trips and workshops are opportunities for in-depth study.

At the end of your studies, you will complete a master’s thesis, in either artistic practice, art theory or the didactics of art. Here you will have the opportunity to explore a question or artistic issue of particular interest to you. During this phase, you will be mentored by your supervisors.

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.

Internships

In the master of education program, you will complete a 15-day internship at a Gymnasium during the lecture-free period (March – April or August – October). The focus here is on teaching in the upper-level secondary school (Gymnasium). This practical experience will complement your theoretical training, help you practice your pedagogical skills in the classroom, and give you direction for your future career.

Further information on this can be found on the website of the Teacher Education Center and on the pages of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate on school internships.

Students interested in completing additional voluntary internships – including those in other professional fields – can find more information on the Career Service website.

In your fourth semester, you will complete an in-depth didactical internship.

After completing your teacher training, however, you are not limited to general and subject teaching. You can also work in various other professional fields outside of the school system where your expertise in engaging with contemporary aesthetic phenomena is required.

Graduates typically work in the following fields:

• Freelance artistic activities, ranging from independent studio work to commissioned work
• Galleries and art associations
• Museum education
• Adult education
• Art therapy
• Universities and academies

Good to know: After completing the Master of Education, you can acquire a recognized postgraduate degree in Fine Arts with the “Master Class Studies (Meisterschülerstudium)“.

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.