Teaching Engineering in Vocational Schools (MEd)

Teaching Engineering in Vocational Schools builds on the contents of the Bachelor's degree programme of the same name. The standard duration of studies is four semesters.

This degree programme emphasises the secondary teaching subject (Zweitfach) and vocational education. You can choose to focus on different areas of your chosen specialisation. The concept of Universitätsschulen – schools which work closely with universities to train teachers – promotes a strong focus on the different concepts used in professional practice. In this context, great emphasis is placed on consideration of the specialist didactics of the subject and personal experience at a vocational school in the local area.

This degree programme is equivalent to the first State Examination in teaching (Lehramt) for vocational schools with proof of a vocational placement lasting a minimum of one year or relevant vocational training. To achieve the 'Laufbahnbefähigung' (qualification for certain public service positions in Germany), candidates must pass teacher training (Referendariat) at a vocational school and the second state examination.

Students of the Master's degree programme can specialise in one of the following areas:

• Metal technology
• Electrical engineering and information technology
• Possible second subjects: mathematics, physics, computer science, sport, German, English, protestant religious education, electrical engineering and information technology, metal technology, ethics, and German as professional language.

Other second subjects may be approved upon application.

Students can choose from a range of specialisation modules in their main subject.

Education science: Teaching in vocational schools is centred around didactics – the theory of teaching and learning. This is complemented by seminars on professional education, advanced seminars, and placements at schools. Professional education and further training are also covered, and students learn research methodology.

Second subject: Students must complete 45 ECTS credits in their chosen second subject (mathematics, physics, computer science, sport, German, English, protestant religious education, electrical engineering and information technology, metal technology, ethics, or German as professional language). The study plan must be organised according to the regulations of the subject; more information is available on the degree programme website.

This degree programme consists of the following modules:

• Elective modules in the chosen subject
• Teaching methodology II
• Vocational education didactics
• Practical school studies
• Empirical research in vocational education
• Basic and initial training
• School subject (additional subject) incl. teaching methodology
• Master's thesis

The Master's thesis is intended to show that students are capable of independently dealing with a problem from their field using scientific methods within a set period. Students have six months to complete the thesis. 20 ECTS credits are awarded for the Master's thesis.

120 ECTS credits are required to successfully complete the Master's degree programme.

Study guide

There are a wide range of academic and educational institutions in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and students benefit from the results of the close collaboration between them. This led to the innovative concept of Universitätsschulen at FAU which is based on training in didactics for all students of the Master's degree programme in close collaboration with Studienseminar Nordbayern, various vocational schools and the Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts.

Lecturers are always up-to-date with current developments in their subject which is ensured by effective networking and collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, Energie Campus Nürnberg and long-established partners from industry.

The Master of Education (MEd) is an internationally recognised academic degree which qualifies graduates for the teaching profession. Only students who have achieved the Master's degree (MEd) can start their teacher training (Referendariat) which, on successful completion, entitles them to teach at a vocational school.

It also qualifies graduates for doctoral studies in Germany and abroad as well as research and teaching positions in higher education.

Applicants require a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Engineering in Vocational Schools. Applicants may also be considered if they have a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree or Diplom in one of the following related subjects: mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation engineering or electronic engineering and information technology. It may also be possible to make a lateral entry with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. The Master's degree programme will then take one or two semesters longer as students will be required to take additional courses in education science and in their second subject.

An above average Bachelor's degree in Teaching Engineering in Vocational Schools or a related subject from a university in Germany or abroad with 120 ECTS credits and a grade of at least 2.5 is required for admission.

a) Consecutive degree programme for the following Bachelor's degree

Teaching Engineering in Vocational Schools

b) Related Bachelor's degrees/admission to the Master's degree programme possible with additional courses

• Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology
• International Production Engineering and Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics

For the winter semester please submit your application by 15 July; for the summer semester please submit your application by 15 January

Application via the online application portal campo. More information on the application procedure is available here.