Social science

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Key facts
Degree
First State Exam High 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 Social and Behavioral Sciences
Institute of Political Science
Institute of Sociology
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

The Social science teaching specialisation is a combination of Political Science, Sociology and Economics. You will deal with basic economic and sociological knowledge and acquire an understanding of the elementary connections between politics and economics. The central subject of this degree programme is Political Science with the core areas of political theory and history of ideas, domestic politics and Germany's political system, international relations and foreign policy, comparative politics and didactics of politics. (Subject) areas|fields of Sociology are family, youth, socialisation, social structure, social change and work, industry and organisation. Economics deals with the theories of economic development of the market and competition and the main features of economic policy. The knowledge and skills acquired in the Civic Education programme will enable you to discuss, assess and communicate theoretical problems of politics as well as issues of domestic and foreign policy scientifically and to sensitise students to the everyday relevance of political issues. 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.

As a future teacher, you will study two subjects on an equal footing at the University of Jena and round off your pedagogical profile with an accompanying Educational Science programme. 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 earned.

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?

The Civic Education teacher training programme at Friedrich Schiller University Jena is characterised by both academic standards and clear practical relevance. It combines a broad discipline-based qualification with sound political didactics training.

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

What are we looking for in prospective students?

Elementary political and historical knowledge, which can be acquired as part of school education in History and Social Sciences, is particularly useful for first-year students. Prospective students can use the online self-testExternal link to check whether they have sufficient knowledge.

In addition, an interest in political issues, good verbal skills and the willingness to cope with a high reading level are expected.

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.

  • Language requirements

    Studying Social Studies requires a good knowledge of English.

    Sufficient reading ability in English is a prerequisite for participation in specialization modules (POL 310LA - POL 350LA) as well as in the Master's modules (POL 710-760) and must be documented separately. The corresponding proof must be provided by successfully completing the B2 placement test at the FSU Language Center.

  • 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 - Ilka Maria Hameister

Room 445
Carl-Zeiß-Straße 3
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

Central Student Advisory Service

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

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

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