Physics

What is matter made of? What does the experiment with the Magdeburg hemispheres show us? And which didactic strategy is best suited to teaching certain physical topics? If you are interested in these questions, then you have come to the right place!

Experiment zur Mechanik

Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Experiment zur Mechanik
This page has been machine translated.

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
€ 333,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institution
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy

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

Physics is in every movement, it is everywhere and surrounds us! This natural science reveals what lies behind numerous everyday phenomena. The focus is on exploring the interrelationships of nature, its individual building blocks and the forces at work. And the enthusiasm for this starts at school!

Teaching is an exciting, demanding and important profession. Given the lack of pupils interested in science, this is particularly true for Physics teachers. However, the profession also presents everyday challenges. The well-coordinated content of the degree programme provides targeted preparation for this. The Physics teaching degree programme offers a solid technical background in all Physics topics relevant to schools and provides the necessary insight into modern Physics research. However, as the best physicists do not necessarily have to be the best physics teachers, the specialised courses are accompanied by extensive subject didactics - which includes everything from planning a physics lesson to a detailed internship on physics experiments in schools. The focus is practical, including support during the school placement semester from an experienced teacher.

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.

The programme focuses on the following areas:

  • Didactic content: in addition to general didactics and pedagogy, all topics relating to the subject-specific didactics of Physics such as student perceptions, use of media, interest in Physics lessons and much more on the theoretical background, but also practical implementation such as setting up, carrying out and evaluating school experiments as well as initial teaching experience of your own
  • Experimental physics content: Modules on mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, optics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, atomic physics
  • Theoretical content: Modules on theoretical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics
  • Elective content: Theory of relativity, Astronomy, electronics, renewable energies and much more.
  • Internships: Fundamental experiments from all sub-areas in the basic practical course

By the way: To make it easier for you to start your studies, an optional preliminary Mathematics course is also offered before the beginning of lecture period. Participation is strongly recommended for all students.

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?

  • Optimal study conditions: The Faculty of Physics and Astronomy de offers an excellent student-teacher ratio with close contact to the teaching staff and intensive support through preliminary courses, tutorials and exam preparation. To ensure that our first-year students feel at home and find their way around right from the start, the faculty de organises introductory days de with a wide range of tenders and information on the organisation of studies and the university's facilities|institution| de (structural) unit.
  • Preparatory work placement before the programme start|start of studies
  • Schoolplacement semester: Optimum practical relevance through teaching during your studies. The school placement semester can even be completed at a school abroad.
  • Further teaching experience from as early as the 3rd semester through participation in the student laboratory
  • Special courses (offered): lectures tailored to the teaching profession in all advanced subject areas and close integration of theoretical Physics with school-related and didactic content
  • Elective modules such as Electronics, Astronomy, Computer Science, Renewable Energies, Theory of Relativity, etc.
  • Astronomy can be studied alongside Physics and leads to the first state examination in a third teaching subject.
  • Excellent education: The faculty consistently prov|to register for|to take good places in teaching evaluations. Why? Because the quality of teaching is among the very best in Germany.
  • Active student representatives: Our active student representatives stand up for the interests of the students and offer an extremely attractive extracurricular programme.

A look behind the scenes

  • Jena model: early practical relevance in the degree programme

    Teaching as early as the 3rd year of study|academic year? The early school placement semester motivates you for your future career and focuses your further studies. Valuable experience with school classes, teachers and parents included.

    Symbolbild Praxissemester
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
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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 develop your practical teaching skills on the basis of your degree. In view of the current shortage of teachers in Physics, graduates of the Physics teaching degree programme are more sought after than ever. The recruitment opportunities are accordingly excellent throughout Germany. In Thuringia, there is such an acute need for regular school physics teachers that the excellent opportunities here will not change in the foreseeable future.
  • Adult education: Outside of the school system, opportunities are open to you in the adult education subject area|field as a teacher of Physics or often related subjects.
  • Should your career aspirations change during the course of your studies, you will be able to switch to typical professional fields for physicists thanks to your qualifications.

The teaching qualification 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 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?

  • Motivation to work with children and young people in your future career
  • Very good knowledge of the German language
  • Interest in scientific issues
  • Solid knowledge of school maths
  • Enjoy puzzling, thinking and experimenting
  • Ability to work in a team is a great advantage

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 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)
    • China (GaoKao)

Contacts

Academic Advisory Service - Prof. Dr. H. Cartarius

Max-Wien-Platz 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy

Max-Wien-Platz 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

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

State Examination Office for Teacher Training

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Internship Office (school placement semester)

Semmelweisstr. 12
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research

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

Link to download vCard
vCard

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

Link to download vCard
vCard

Student Council for Physics

Max-Wien-Platz 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
vCard

Central Student Advisory Service

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

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Mobile phone
+49 3641 9-411111
Link to download vCard
vCard

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. 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).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

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

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
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

Link to download vCard
vCard