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Geography

Studierende arbeiten gemeinsam am Computer
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
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Key facts
Degree
First State Exam Regular School
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
10 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
300
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 305,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Science
Institute of Geography
Application & Deadlines
Notice

The Secondary School Teacher Training (Regelschule) programme has been increased from 270 credit points to 300 credit points as of the winter semester 2024/25 . If you enrol|to matriculate for the winter semester, you will study according to new study and Examination Regulations de. You will complete the specialised study programme in two of your chosen subjects, including subject didactics. Your pedagogical qualification will take place in the educational sciences. You can find more information here de.

Programme content

Geography as a subject deals with natural science as well as social science and Economics and Business Administration-Focus: Business Analytics. Physical Geography, which is orientated towards the natural sciences, examines the structure and dynamics of our physical environment. Human Geography, which is orientated towards the social sciences, deals with the relationship between humans and the environment: the structure and dynamics of societies, economies and the spatial nature of human activity. In addition, you will deal with current geographical issues such as globalisation, urban development, economic development, ecological topics as well as worldwide connections between the environment, culture, resource management, sustainability, global environmental changes and environmental conflicts. You will learn to understand, didactically develop and reflect on the systematics, core ideas and concepts of the subject in an application-oriented way. Please note the general information on the teacher training programme (course structure, requirements, prospects, preparatory work placement, school placement semester).

Structure

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 five-monthExternal link school placement semesterExternal link in the fifth or sixth semester.

You will study 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?

A speciality and strength of Geography in Jena lies in the combination of natural and social science content and methods with innovative didactic teaching. Since its foundation in 1992, the Institute of Geography at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena has established itself as one of the most important German-speaking institutes in Europe.

What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

  • General education: The typical route into school practice is via the preparatory service (traineeship). In this phase, you will further develop your practical teaching skills on the basis of your degree.

  • 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.

Downloads and links for the degree programme

From winter semester 2024/25:

Until summer semester 2024:

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • a particular interest in modern geographical issues
  • a willingness to work in both the natural and social sciences in exercises, premises/field work as well as self-employed individuals|study trips and excursions
  • good verbal expression and argumentation skills
  • analytical thinking
  • willingness to deal with complex systems
  • not afraid of a high reading workload

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.

  • Initial internship

    In Jena, the teacher training course includes an introductory internship de 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.

Contacts

Academic Advisory Service - Lisa Sophia Feige

Room 233
Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

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

Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research

Room E010
Semmelweisstr. 12
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Zentrum für Lehrerbildung und Bildungsforschung
Semmelweisstr. 12
07743 Jena

Student Tutor for Teacher Training

Room StuRa-Arbeitsraum
Carl-Zeiß-Straße 3
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Student Council for Geography

Room 121
Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
ATTENTION:
In the period 11.08.-12.09.2025, the information desk is open for very urgent personal matters on Monday 10 am - 12 noon and Thursday 1 pm - 3 pm.
The information desk will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday!
Please use the ServiceDesk for your concerns. Thank you very much.

Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65) - outside the above-mentioned period:

Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link