Mathematics – Master of Education (Secondary education)

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The Master of Education (MEd) in Mathematics follows the Bachelor of Education (BEd) and complements your teacher education Lehramt Gymnasium. After earning your MEd, you can be admitted to the teacher traineeship (“Referendariat”).

Mathematics is one of the oldest sciences and plays an indispensable role in many fields of modern science (e.g. physics, computer science, engineering, economics). It is divided into the two major areas of pure and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics includes the areas of algebra, analysis, geometry, topology and number theory, while applied mathematics includes numerics, optimisation and stochastics. In pure mathematics you will deal with abstract structures and their internal relationships. The aim here is to derive the greatest possible variety of statements from a few assumptions. Applied mathematics not only seeks solutions to technical questions, it also provides the instruments needed to tackle issues in the natural or engineering sciences, medicine, economics and the social sciences with quantitative methods. In addition to subject-related content you will have classes in didactics and education.

Overview

Degree Master of Education (Secondary education)
Programme start Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.7. | 29.11. - 15.1.
Admission restrictions no

Why study Mathematics in the University of Konstanz?

In order to help your transition from school mathematics to mathematics at university, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a four-week preparatory course before the start of the semester in which you can refresh, expand and deepen your existing knowledge. At the same time you can get to know co-students and become acquainted with your new home environment.

You will benefit from the short distances within our campus. You can attend lectures and seminars consecutively and do not need to plan in long travel routes. If by chance some of the classes in your subjects do happen to overlap, the department is always here to help you organise your studies. Moreover, you will study in small groups. Our teaching staff cultivates an open-door policy, so that you can seek advice at any time without having to wait for appointments during special consultation hours.

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

Once you have earned the degree Master of Education you can apply for the Referendariat (18 months of teacher traineeship) in Baden-Württemberg (and under certain conditions in other federal states, too). At the end of the Referendariat you will take the 'Staatsexamen' (state examination). Having passed this state examination, you may apply to work at a public school in Baden-Württemberg (and, in certain circumstances, in other federal states).

You will find further career perspectives in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Here, alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester & Summer semester

Academic structure

The master’s programme usually takes four semesters to complete. Graduates are awarded the academic degree of “Master of Education”. You will be taking two major subjects as well as classes in educational science including a practical teaching semester. A total of 120 ECTS credits (cr) is required.

You can find an overview of teacher education here.

Erweiterungsfach (additional subject)
If you are enrolled in a Master of Education programme, you may opt to study an Erweiterungsfach (additional subject) as a separate master's programme. You can start taking courses in your additional subject during your Bachelor of Education programme and even complete the relevant coursework and performance assessments. These may be recognised once you start your Master of Education programme. Please consult the director of the departmental administration first.

You can study one of these as an additional subject:

  • Chemistry (90 ECTS-Credits)
  • Computer Science (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • German (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • English (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • French (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • History (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Italian (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Latin (90 or 120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Philosophy/ Ethics (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Physics (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Russian (120 ECTS-Credits)
  • Spanish (120 ECTS-Credits)

    The following subjects are not available for study as additional subjects: biology, political science, sport, economics.

  • Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

    Internship and study abroad

    Internships

    You will complete a practical teaching semester (12 weeks) during the master's programme either in Germany or abroad.

    Study abroad

    We recommend that you spend at least a few months abroad to acquire language skills and intercultural competencies that supplement your study programme. The International Office will be happy to support you in this.

    Impressions from students and lecturers

    Requirements

    What interests and skills should I have?

    You should really enjoy the subject and have a definite desire to understand relationships in the minutest detail. For this you will need endurance and determination. Whereas in school the main focus is on exercising various solution methods, during your studies you will learn to perform proofs and to understand and tackle problems. A good level of frustration tolerance, logical thinking and a systematic approach to understanding (recognising and ordering relationships) are useful in order to master the challenges involved.

    As a teacher you need a variety of skills and competences. You should of course be fascinated by the contents of your subject, and at the same time enjoy sharing your knowledge with your young students. You will need to be able to develop teaching concepts, sometimes with your teacher colleagues, and you will need to demonstrate a high level of educational skills in your daily work with children and adolescents. In addition to this, you will need a variety of social competencies. These include communication skills, conflict ability, resilience and the ability to inspire and motivate. These skills will also help you when interacting with parents. You are basically responsible for creating a positive learning environment which enables your school students to develop and become well-equipped for the challenges of the future.

    Language skills

    Required German language skills
    International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

    Language(s) of instruction

    The language usually used in class is German. According to prior agreement, other languages may be used, too.

    Admission requirements

    We will publish the admission requirements soon.

    Fees

    Semester fee

    All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

    Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
    Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

    Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

    Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
    All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

    Application and application documents

    The Master of Education in Mathematics has no admission restrictions.

    An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.7. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.1. (summer semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

    Application documents

    You will find an overview of the required application documents in your application for admission, which you will receive at the end of your online application.

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