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Faculty of Physics and AstronomyPhysics – Degree programme component in the Master of Education

Students in the Physics academic programme focus on natural processes that are accessible to experimental exploration, measurement, and mathematical representation, and which are subject to universal laws.

Information about the Master of Education

The Master of Education is a degree preparing for a future teaching job. In the section "Become a teacher" you will find all the information about the course of the complete teacher training programme from the choice of the subject, the bachelor’s and master’s phase to the teaching practice.
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Facts & Formalities

DegreeMaster of Education
Type of programmeConsecutive
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study4 semesters
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureApplication for Master of Education
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.

Course Content

The degree programme component in physics to be taught in German secondary schools (Gymnasium) aims to align students’ specialist subject skills with research-based didactic principles, and thereby encourage critical reflection on their own professional practice. The course equips students with the skills and knowledge they require to analyse practice-related issues, and solve problems. They are able to use contemporary media for didactic purposes.  

Graduates of the degree programme component are able to develop experiments independently, and are confident and capable when using physics instruments and relevant electronic data processing equipment. In preparation for the practical semester in a school, students also gain initial first-hand experience of teaching and planning lessons. 

Students become familiar with the specialist subject knowledge to be taught as part of the physics syllabus at German secondary schools. They are prepared for the state examination for teachers, whereby selected content is used as a basis via which they become familiar with the didactic methods, concepts and solutions used to teach pupils efficiently and successfully, and aid their learning. 

A concluding colloquium gives graduates the opportunity to illustrate their knowledge of the most important working methods, concepts and thought processes involved in physics. Graduates are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of experimental physics and mathematical approaches to resolving problems within the field. Graduates hereby demonstrate their ability to draw connections between specialist didactic knowledge and topics from within the field of physics, as taught in schools. They demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of teaching and learning physics.

Course Structure

The degree programme is divided into two parts; one focussing on specialist subject knowledge, and the other on specialised didactics. The recommended course of study: 

  • 1. semester: blended module – Physics in the Everyday, Beginner’s Lab, Methodology for Physics Teaching, and Fundamental Didactics for Physics. 
  • 2. semester: Beginner's Lab
  • 3. semester: Advanced Lab, Demonstration Lab, Specialised Didactics for Physics 
  • 4. semester: Master’s Colloquium 

A detailed description of modules can be found in the module handbook.