As a rule, entry to a Master’s programme requires a first degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree) with a focus on a particular subject area. During the Master’s programme, students acquire further in-depth academic qualifications, and if they wish to become a teacher, the entrance requirements for admission to the preparatory training period in a school setting organised by the state government (‘Referendariat’).
If students are aiming to become a teacher, all subjects already studied at Bachelor level are continued on the Master of Education (M.Ed.). Variations in the study structure for the different types of schools are reflected in the Master's programme.
All variants of the Master of Education programme require students to take a module in German as a Second Language, irrespective of the subject/learning area chosen. Likewise, one practical semester is a compulsory part of all types of these degree programmes.
The (first) Master’s degree is a qualification for the teaching profession in secondary and comprehensive schools (HRSGe). However, in contrast to the Master’s Degree in Primary Education with Special and Inclusive Education, it does not automatically allow access to the additional Master’s for the teaching profession in special and inclusive education. This study path is possible only if the following conditions are met: The chosen subjects covered in the first Master’s should include two of the following: English Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Protestant Theology, German Studies, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Social Sciences or Sports Science, of which German Studies or Mathematics must be included as one of the subjects.