Economics – Bachelor of Education (Secondary education)

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Our Economics Bachelor of Education (secondary education) study programme provides future teachers the professional qualifications to teach economics in secondary education at a German Gymnasium.

The study of economics will provide you with the essential knowledge, methods and theoretical background in the areas of economics and business administration. Students will learn how to explain the basic concepts of modern economic theory and be able to follow economic policy discussions.

Overview

Degree Bachelor of Education (Secondary education)
Programme start Winter semester
Period of study 6 semesters
Application period 9.5. - 15.7.
Admission restrictions yes
Number of places 10

Why study Economics in the University of Konstanz?

  • Preparatory courses in mathematics
  • Interdisciplinary studies
  • Support with studying abroad
  • Courses taught in English

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

The teacher education programme (Gymnasium) at the University of Konstanz prepares you for a career as a teacher in the state of Baden-Württemberg. When selecting your subjects, it is important that you remember that your future employment opportunities will depend on the combination of subjects that you will be qualified to teach. Normally, the bachelor’s study programme can be completed in six semesters. You will then continue with a master’s study programme (4 semesters). This is followed by a Referendariat (teacher traineeship) lasting 18 months at a school in Baden-Württemberg. Once you successfully complete this traineeship, you are qualified to start working as a secondary school teacher at a German Gymnasium, preferably at a school in Baden-Württemberg. However, you may also apply to work in other German states as long as you have the relevant prerequisites, which includes an acceptable combination of subjects for the state that you want to work in.

Check out our Interview series #dreamjob - starting a career. for additional information from our alumni about starting your career.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

You will always study two majors. You can choose them from any of the available subjects at the University of Konstanz. However, some subject combinations will lead to increased workloads in terms of organizing and carrying out your studies. We therefore recommend that you consult our Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) before submitting your application. It will normally take you six semesters to complete the bachelor's study programme, which you will complete with a bachelor’s thesis. You will then need to apply for admission to the master’s programme that generally requires four semesters of study. The bachelor’s programme generally does not allow for a three subject combination. You may be able to add a third teaching subject during your master’s studies.

The teacher education programme is structured as follows:

  • Subject-specific studies: Completing academic studies in both teaching subjects
  • Subject-specific didactics: Acquiring subject-specific theories and methods for teaching the subject matter
  • Educational science: Acquiring educational and other qualifications relevant to a teaching position
  • Practical experience: Completing a three-week orientation internship during your bachelor's programme and a 12-week practical teaching semester during your master’s studies.


The following illustration presents a sample study programme structure (in German).


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

Mandatory main subject


Internship and study abroad

Internships

You will complete a three-week orientation internship during your bachelor's programme, and a 12-week practical teaching semester during your master’s studies.

Study abroad

We highly recommend completing a period of study abroad, and the department will support you in planning your studies abroad. You also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of programmes, such as Erasmus+, to spend a semester abroad.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

To study economics, you should be interested in thinking about and understanding economic contexts. You should be able to both think analytically and apply theory when analyzing complex contexts and interdependencies. A good working knowledge of mathematics and English will be helpful.

You will need a variety of skills and competences as a teacher. You should, of course, have a keen interest in your teaching subject, and at the same time enjoy sharing your knowledge with others. In addition to developing teaching concepts, both on your own and with your teacher colleagues, you will need to demonstrate a high level of pedagogical skill in your daily work with children and young people. You should also be able to draw on a range of social competencies. These include communication and conflict resolution skills, resilience and the ability to inspire and motivate. These skills will also help you when interacting with parents. As a teacher, you are essentially responsible for creating a positive learning environment for your school students so they can develop into adults who can meet the challenges of the future.

Language skills

Required foreign language skills

No additional proof of foreign language proficiency is required when applying to our teacher education programme in economics.

German language skills
International applicants will need to submit documentation of their German language skills at the level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 or higher. Alternatively, you may submit other recognized language tests or recognized school certificates. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit officially recognized documentation of your German language proficiency along with your application.

Language(s) of instruction

The languages of instruction in the bachelor’s programme are German and English.

Admission requirements

The prerequisite for admission to the university is the German Abitur (German general higher education entrance qualification) or a recognized equivalent higher education entrance qualification.

Read the admission regulations to learn more about the selection process.

Mandatory online study orientation test

You must complete an online study orientation test (in German) to be able to participate in the teacher education programme. The test will help you decide whether or not teaching and working with children and/or young people is right for you. Please submit documentation of completing this test along with your application documents.

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

This study programme has admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.7. (winter 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

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

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