Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Study teaching

A teacher training degree at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) opens the door to a socially important and varied career. As a teacher, you will support young people in their development, impart knowledge and play an active role in shaping the future of our society.

Note

You can find all the details, application information and current regulations on the official website of the Professional School of Education (PSE).

Find out more now

Studying to become a teacher? What does that involve?

The teacher training programme in the State of Berlin is clearly structured and provides a step-by-step pathway into the profession:

  • Bachelor’s degree (3 years)
    → academic foundations + initial practical experience
  • Master of Education (2 years)
    → specialisation + practical placement
  • Teacher training placement (18 months)
    → practical school training with state examination

The programme is modular in structure. You earn credit points (ECTS), with one point corresponding to approximately 25–30 hours of work. From the outset, the programme combines subject-specific knowledge, educational science and practical experience through school placements.

You can find an overview of all teacher training programmes as well as other degree programmes at Humboldt-Universität in thecentral study programmes.

Teaching careers in Berlin

During your studies, you will choose a school type:

  • Primary school (Years 1–6)
  • Integrated secondary school & Gymnasium (Years 7–13)
  • Vocational school

In all these career paths, it is possible to specialise inspecial educational needs.

An overview of the course structure

In the Bachelor’s programme, you will combine several subjects:

  • Two subjects (e.g. Mathematics and German)
  • Educational sciences (e.g. pedagogy, didactics)
  • Topics such as:
    • Inclusion
    • Language education / German as a second language
    • School placements

Qualification:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Important: The Bachelor’s degree also qualifies graduates for employment outside of teaching.

The primary school teacher training programme has its own structure:

  • Three subjects are usually combined:
    • German
    • Mathematics
    • a third subject (e.g. general studies, PE or theology)
  • Supplemented by:
    • Primary school education
    • Educational sciences
    • Inclusion and language education
    • School placements

Special features:

  • Strong focus on early education and child development
  • Option to specialise in special educational needs

Qualification:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The Master’s programme builds directly on the Bachelor’s degree:

  • In-depth study of your subjects
  • Practical placement at a school
  • Continuation of educational studies

Qualification:

  • Master of Education

Important: This qualification is a prerequisite for the teaching internship.

Special study options

  • For graduates of other degree programmes
  • Entry into the teaching profession without a traditional Bachelor’s degree in Education
  • Programmes for various subjects and school types

From the 2026/27 winter semester:

  • Study + paid work at a school
  • Particularly suitable for students who wish to combine work and study

Aim: More practical experience, financial security and early integration into everyday school life.

The Professional School of Education (PSE)

The Professional School of Education is the central body responsible for teacher training at HU.

Its responsibilities:

  • Support and advice during studies
  • Promoting exchange and networking
  • Further development of teacher training
  • Linking research and practice

The PSE is your central point of contact for all matters relating to teacher training. Find out more now on the PSE website and see if teacher training is right for you.

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course catalogue

You can find the annotated course catalogue listing the current courses on Agnes. 

Academic advising

If you have any questions about specific course content, specialisations or similar matters, the subject-specific academic advisory service at the relevant faculty or department will be happy to assist you.