Politics and Society for teaching degree programs

Degree
State Examination
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
7 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No

The subject Politics and Society offered in the context of the LehramtPlus program teaches methods and theories in the academic disciplines of political science, sociology, history, economics and the didactics of political education. Thus, the program prepares students for the teaching practice in the school subject Politics and Society as well as for an extracurricular professional activity, e.g. in foundations or state institutions for political education and political consulting.

The program in detail

The interdisciplinary orientation of the subject Politics and Society in the LehramtPlus program in line with the participating social sciences becomes clear when looking at the curriculum. Seminars deepen selected partial aspects of the respective discipline, which can only be touched upon briefly in the introductory lectures. On the other hand, they give an insight into and overview of the broad academic discourse in the subjects of political science, sociology, history, economics and the didactics of political education.

This can be exemplified by the field of political education. The basic module Didactics of Political Education introduces the basic methods of the subject. In the further course of studies, such basic knowledge is supplemented by an advanced module on the Didactics of Political Education. The range of advanced modules varies in terms of their thematic design. The following exemplary aspects can be mentioned here: Democracy education, prevention of extremism, and media and methods of political education.

This broad theoretical approach is accompanied by numerous practical components, so that future teachers can test and apply their acquired knowledge in the classroom.

Structure

Semesters I-III

The first three semesters are characterized by introductory courses in the political science sub-disciplines of Comparative Government, International Politics and the above-mentioned Didactics of Political Education. Sociology, the Introduction to Sociological Theory and Modern History are also reflected in this phase of the program. The Introduction to Quantitative Methods of Empirical Social Research is also worth mentioning, as it provides interdisciplinary knowledge for the academic discussion of a wide range of research questions.

Semesters IV-VI

While the subject Political Science deepens students’ knowledge of economic policy, the political system and social structure of the Federal Republic of Germany in this part of the program, the required elective courses in Sociology and History offer a wide range of options for choice. In the fourth semester, students also gain insights into the third political science sub-discipline of Political Theory and Philosophy.

At the end of the sixth semester, students submit their Bachelor's thesis and obtain the academic title of Bachelor of Education.

Semesters VII-IX

Similar to the preceding semesters, the semesters VII to IX before graduation are also characterized by a high degree of choice and professionalization options according to the students' interests. The advanced module Didactics of Political Education is also included in this phase.

With the first State Examination (erstes Staatsexamen), students obtain the qualification for their practical teacher training (Referendariat); in addition, they have the possibility to complete a Master's degree.

Module plan

The module plans/program structure plans for each school type can be accessed on the website of the Center for Teacher Education (in German).

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others. 

"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.

More ranking results

Studying abroad

Both the GOETHE Institute and the Bavarian Teachers' Association (BLLV) as well as other associations offer the possibility of completing teacher training abroad. In this special form of internship, students not only acquire didactic skills, but also gain insights into school and political education work outside Germany.

Practical connection

During the course of studies, students complete the usual internships at schools and educational institutions. In addition, voluntary internships are gladly supported by the program’s expertise and existing contacts.

In addition, study field trips offer the opportunity to gain an insight into operations at political actors and institutions.

Career possibilities and professional fields

Degree programs suitable for teaching professions are initially those with a clear professional qualification. They are oriented towards the first State Examination and, in connection with this, towards admission to the practical teacher training (Referendariat). The KU Eichstätt offers the teaching degree program in Politics and Society for the following school types: Gymnasium (academic secondary school qualifying for university), Realschule (intermediate secondary school offering an expanded general education), Mittelschule (secondary school offering a general education and basic workforce preparation) and elementary school.

In addition to the State Examination, students of Politics and Society at the KU Eichstätt can also acquire a Bachelor or Master of Education. This second academic degree opens up additional career perspectives for students outside of school contexts, for example in administration as well as in extracurricular educational fields. Graduates of the degree program will find career options and further development opportunities especially in state, church and independent institutions, but also in trade unions, foundations affiliated with political parties, in federal and state offices for political education, publishing houses and the media. The contents of the program qualify graduates for a position within the above-mentioned areas.

What students say about the program

Schmidt_Lisa

"The fact that the program is anchored in several academic disciplines, the study program in Politics and Society for teaching professions has the advantage of offering a broad spectrum of continuing education opportunities. The didactic training teaches students that teaching politics and society means more than just…

"The fact that the program is anchored in several academic disciplines, the study program in Politics and Society for teaching professions has the advantage of offering a broad spectrum of continuing education opportunities. The didactic training teaches students that teaching politics and society means more than just institutional studies and approaches the question of how pupils can be made aware of their competence to judge and act as well as their maturity and other skills relevant for democracy together with the prospective teachers. This is done in the context of very personal supervision and small seminar groups that enable intensive work.”

- Lisa Schmidt(semester 7)

The KU

Sommerresidenz Luftbild

Campus

Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.

Studierende vor der Zentralbibliothek

What sets the KU apart

Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.

It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.

Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?

No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.

At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.

As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.

This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.

Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation. 

Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?

With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.

A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.

Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.

The location

Ortsschild Eichstätt
University town of Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg
Willibaldsburg
Bootsfahrer auf der Altmühl
Canoeing on the Altmühl river
[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten
Relaxing and celebrating in beer gardens

Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities. 

The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.

More on the study location Eichstätt

Advisory Service

Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!

David Guevara
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt

Application

Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01 - Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No

The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.

Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!

Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.