The degree programme in Sports includes natural science, humanities and social science disciplines of Sports Science, sports practice and subject didactics. A specific feature of this degree programme is the career-oriented component in coping with performance requirements in the theory and practice of sports relevant to schools, which are linked to didactic and methodological tasks. The didactic degree programme aims to familiarise students with school-related objectives, problems and issues as well as conceptual considerations. At its core, it is about developing competences in the preparation, planning, implementation and review of physical education lessons from secondary level 1 onwards, guided by scientific criteria and reflected upon.
You complete the teacher training programme at the University of Jena with the First State Examination. The standard period of study|regular programme length is ten semesters in total, during which various types of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials) are offered for the individual modules. The teacher training programme is based on the Jena model, which is characterised by a school placement semesterExternal link in the fifth or sixth semester.
You will complete the degree programme in two subjects of your choice, including subject didactics. Your pedagogical qualification takes place in the educational sciences de. A total of 300 credit points (ECTS)|ECTS credits (1 ECTS = 30 hours of attendance, preparation and follow-up work|follow-up activity, study and assessed coursework and examinations) must be completed.
Further information on the structure of the teacher training course in Jena can be obtained from the Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research.
Why study in Jena?
Many years of experience: The Institute of Sports Science de has its roots in the state gymnasium with university gymnasium built in 1929 and thus has many years of experience in the training of sports teachers and in sports science research. Experienced teaching staff and modern training concepts ensure a targeted course of study and are the best requirements for the demands of school.
Good evaluations: A good relationship between teaching staff and students, committed and motivated teaching, innovative, modern and renowned research as well as being embedded in an attractive environment in many respects are our hallmarks. Last but not least, the consistently high student numbers in recent years are proof of Jena's attractiveness. This has been further enhanced by the opening of the Mehrfelderhalle in 2007.
Outstanding facilities: In addition to numerous university-owned sports facilities, the municipal sports facilities of Kommunale Immobilien Jena are also used to provide the best possible study conditions. For example, we use the athletics hall in the winter semester and the modern sports swimming pool »Schwimmparadies Jena«, which opened in 2023, for swimming training. Directly adjacent to the premises is the Kernberg Stadium, a modern athletics facility that also opened in 2023 and provides the best conditions for training.
Short distances, the modern ambience and the well-equipped attachments at the Jena institute make every athlete's heart beat faster. All in one place with a feel-good factor - at Seidelstraße 20.
General education: The typical route into school practice is via the preparatory service (traineeship). During this phase, you develop your practical teaching skills on the basis of your degree. Secondary school teachers have very good employment prospects.
Adult education: Outside of the school system, there are opportunities for you to work as a teacher in the subject) area|field of adult education.
The teaching degree completed in Thuringia is recognised|to credit in all other federal states upon formal request to the respective Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. You can apply to the Ministries of Education and Cultural Affairs of other federal states both for the preparatory service (Referendariat) and for employment in the teaching profession (after completing the second state examination). You can obtain more detailed information on this from the respective Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.
Passing the admission test|aptitute test and a medical certificatepdf, 441 kb · de confirming medical fitness are admission requirements for studying Sports. Information on the admission test|aptitute test can be found here de.
You should have a resilient physical and mental constitution, enjoy physical activity and exercise and be highly motivated to work with children and young people. A wealth of ideas, creativity and the ability to improvise are also useful, so that you can optimally organise your studies and make them an experience.
Admission requirements
University entrance qualification
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Suitability assessment
Passing the aptitude test and a medical certificate confirming medical fitness are prerequisites for admission to a degree course in sport.
Initial internship
In Jena, the teacher training course includes an introductory internship lasting 240 hours. You should reflect on your educational experience in dealing with children and young people in order to review your career aspirations and make a conscious decision. It makes sense to complete the introductory internship before starting your studies, but it can also be completed before registering for the internship semester (before the start of the third semester). You can also have work you have already done with children and young people recognized.
Additional application documents for international students
CV
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
University entrance qualification certificate
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
University degree certificate / previous periods of study
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
Proof of German proficiency
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education, at least level 2 (DSH-2)
Goethe Certificate, C2 (GDS)
German Language Diploma, Level II of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)
TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
Telc German C1 University certificate (at least with the grade “satisfactory”)
German exam as part of the assessment test at a Studienkolleg
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
Translation of international application documents
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
APS certificate
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
University entrance examination
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
Iran (university entrance examination or proof of a foundation year if the school-leaving certificate was obtained before 2019)
Republic of Korea/South Korea (Scholastic Ability Test)
The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.
Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt Fürstengraben 1 07743 Jena
Office hours:
You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
