Geosciences for Teaching (Additional studies)
Geosciences for Teaching (Additional studies)

The additional qualification Geosciences for Teaching offers a unique opportunity for teaching degree students studying primary or secondary education to pursue an additional qualification. In this additional qualification, students explore the topics of resources, climate change, natural disasters, groundwater protection and geoenergy, and consider the subject knowledge, teaching methods and practical aspects of geosciences.
- Degree
- Certificate (Additional studies)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 2
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Mathematics, Natural sciences
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Keywords
- Geography, geology, geosciences, Climate Research, Teaching Degree, mineralogy, Sustainability, paleontology
What is the degree program about?
The additional qualification Geosciences for Teaching is a qualification for students pursuing teaching degree programs in secondary education (Gymnasium or Realschule) with an intake of 15 students each winter semester for the subjects geography, chemistry, mathematics, biology or physics or alternatively for students pursuing teaching degree programs in primary education (Grundschule) or middle school (Mittelschule).
In Geosciences for Teaching, students learn the geoscientific content of the Bavarian curriculum focusing on current societal and political challenges, including resources, climate change, natural disasters and geoenergy, as well as studying subject knowledge, teaching methods and practical aspects of geosciences. The main focus of the additional studies program is preparing teaching degree students for the alternative curriculum in geology for secondary education in Bavaria (Gymnasium).
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The additional qualification lasts two semesters and is worth 10 ECTS credits per semester.
- First semester (winter semester): Students acquire fundamental subject knowledge in seminars and tutorials.
- Second semester (summer semester): Students learn teaching skills and methods in field exercises and seminars.
Courses are taught at GeoZentrum Nordbayern.
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- Students who wish to study Geosciences for Teaching should be fascinated by the complexity of our planetary system
- and intrigued by the interaction between humans and the environment.
- They should be curious about identifying rocks independently in the field and understanding our landscape in a geological perspective.
- Students need to be motivated to teach geoscientific knowledge at a suitable level for school students.
- They should also enjoy linking theoretical and practical content.
As this is an additional qualification, students must also be enrolled for a teaching degree in secondary education (Gymnasium or Realschule) in the subjects chemistry, mathematics, biology or physics or be studying for a teaching degree in primary education (Grundschule) or middle school (Mittelschule) as a prerequisite. Additional prior knowledge is not required.
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Students who choose to study this additional qualification may have a greater chance of being employed by a school.
It is important to be aware that the State Institute for School Quality and Educational Research (ISB) introduced the alternative curriculum in geology for the final years at Bavarian secondary schools (Gymnasium) in 2004 The alternative curriculum allows students to choose between geography and geology in year 12. Students who choose to work in Bavarian schools are well prepared to teach geology with this additional qualification. Geosciences in teaching also qualifies students to teach adults in vocational training or in public sector work such as in museums or as a park ranger. -
As this is an additional studies program, students must also be enrolled for a teaching degree in secondary education (Gymnasium or Realschule) in the subjects chemistry, mathematics, biology or physics or be studying for a teaching degree in primary education (Grundschule) or middle school (Mittelschule) as a prerequisite.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.