• Knowledge of physics and mathematics from upper secondary school is helpful but not mandatory.
• Interest in and enjoyment of physics and mathematics and, if necessary, the willingness to catch up on missing previous knowledge (e.g., in a preliminary course) are essential.
• As a teacher in a German secondary school (Gymnasium), a good command of German is absolutely necessary.
• Sufficient language proficiency in English is advantageous for reading original scientific literature or English specialized literature, but not mandatory.

This program is studied as a part of the Bachelor of Education degree program (teacher education for Gymnasium). The degree program always includes two teaching subjects as well as the subject of Education Studies.

Program structure

In this degree program, you will learn how to teach physics (on a wide variety of topics and at all grade levels) not only through lectures but also through experiments, in a way that allows both you and the maximum number of students to enjoy the subject. The program of study includes the following areas:

• Experimental physics
• Mathematical calculation methods that build on mathematics from upper-level secondary school (Gymnasium). For this purpose, attendance of the bridge course in mathematics three weeks prior to the start of the program is strongly recommended!
• Theoretical physics
• Physics teaching methods (teaching concepts, barriers to understanding and how to deal with them)
• Physics lab courses (scientific experimentation and experimentation in the classroom)

You are free to choose the topic of your bachelor’s thesis in consultation with your supervisors. Subject-specific or subject-didactic topics are possible.

In the Bachelor of Education program, you will experience the same in-depth basic training in physics as the Bachelor of Science students, especially at the beginning of the program, as this is critical in ensuring effective teaching. Therefore, there are only limited elective courses to choose from.

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 Bachelor of Education, you will complete three 3-week internships and experience different types of schools firsthand. 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.

For more information, please visit the website for school internships provided by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

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

These school internships are integrated into the program structure. The Physics teacher education program also includes subject-specific and didactic internships at the university.

The teacher education degree program prepares you – and is also a prerequisite – for teaching in secondary schools (Gymnasium) throughout Germany. Not only will you acquire comprehensive knowledge about the subject, you will also learn how to convey this knowledge to your future students in a fun and creative way, while inspiring interest for your subject.

To work as a teacher later on, you must also obtain the Master of Education after completing your bachelor’s degree and then complete a teacher traineeship (Referendariat).

However, you are not restricted solely to classroom teaching after completing the teacher education program. You can also work in a variety of professional fields beyond teaching in public schools.

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.