Professional training in Social Education (B.A.)

The University of Lüneburg has qualified teachers for positions in vocational schools since 1996/1997. Students can choose between two disciplines: Social Education and Business Education.

The program in Social education aims to provide students with sociological and practical proficiency in teaching-learning processes as part of their professional training.  The discipline is distinguished by its academic, social didactic and social political expertise. Competence in the academic, didactic, and political dimensions of social education characterizes the program.  These qualities allow students entry into the many branches of social work.  In addition to these particular concentrations, students also take courses in a general field, such as German, English, Mathematics, Politics, Sport or Protestant Religion.

In addition, students complete a five-week practical internship at a vocational school as part of their Bachelor degree at Leuphana, usually at the end of the third semester.  After completing a Bachelor’s degree in six semesters, students of Social Education have the opportunity to enter the job market outside the school system and could for example begin consulting work either independently or within a government agency or for a social organization.  You can also work in the areas of social care, education and training.

Students, who go on after the Bachelor’s degree to successfully complete the four semesters Master’s program, earn entry into the preparatory phase of teaching (Referendariat) at a vocational school.  Students wishing to teach at a vocational school must demonstrate a completed apprenticeship in social work or other relevant practical experience in a profession, in addition to their Master’s degree. 

You may find further information about the consecutive Master’s program, “Teacher Education for Vocational Schools with specialization in Social Education” on the web pages of the Graduate School (see links at the foot of the page).  You can also find further detailed information concerning the various degree programs in teacher education at Leuphana on the pages of the student organization for education students, whose link can be found at the foot of the page.

Self-Assessment Career Counselling for Teachers (CCT)

Applicants for the Bachelor in teacher education are asked to participate in an internet self-assessment, in order to gain a realistic view of the content, work procedures and responsibilities of the teaching occupation and to reflect on their own suitability for the job.  The results of the self-assessment have no influence on the screening of applicants for teacher education.  Further information about the composition of the self-assessment and your participation can be found through the links below.