Teacher education
Degree programmes
If you’re considering enrolling in a teacher education degree programme, the University of Cologne is an excellent choice.
Taking responsibility
Teachers hold a great deal of responsibility for the world of today and tomorrow. By working with children and young people, teachers play a significant role in shaping our society.
The University of Cologne is an excellent choice if you would like a teacher education degree. You will be optimally prepared to teach in an environment that's in tune with the times, throughout your entire career.
More about the degree programme
During my teacher education degree programme in Cologne, having the opportunity to examine original documents and other source materials from the High Middle Ages in the archives during a seminar, was really impressive. But my most significant experience was my internship at a secondary school in Cologne.
Teachers shape generations
As a teacher, you are more than just a source of knowledge – you are a role model, a confidant and a guide for young people.
Your commitment actively shapes future generations and the society of tomorrow.
Teachers shape the future
Our world is changing at a rapid pace. In the teacher education degree programmes at the University of Cologne, you will learn how to prepare children, teenagers and young adults today for the world of tomorrow. A future that is constantly changing.
This makes it all the more important for you to learn the competencies and tools you’ll need as a teacher to recognize social, technological, and climate-related developments at an early stage, and to tackle these challenges using innovative teaching methods.
In addition to imparting specialized knowledge in the classroom, it is also important to accompany your future pupils on their way to becoming responsible citizens, and to empower them to investigate topics for themselves and shape their own opportunities.
You will be equipped to constantly acquire new knowledge. To that end, you will learn specific scientific methods during your studies.
Sound like a lot? It is indeed a demanding programme. But throughout your studies at the University of Cologne, you’ll get all the help you need – we offer additional support beyond your coursework.
We need teachers who can inspire their pupils and encourage creative thinking. We are committed to equipping today's students to take on this task in a practical, problem-oriented, and competent manner.
The top reasons to choose the University of Cologne
Individualized advice and support
From the start of your studies to your transition to teacher traineeship (Referendariat) – the advisory services in the teacher education degree programme will offer you individual support.
Staying healthy during your studies and in the workplace
The demands of the teaching profession are high. You will learn to cope with stress during your time at the University of Cologne.
Thanks to our tailored support for student teachers, you will develop the resilience and flexibility you need to meet professional challenges head on from day one.
Understanding the future
By being in close proximity to specialized, cutting-edge research and research-based teaching and learning, you will develop a fundamental investigative approach during your studies.
This will make it easier for you, as a teacher, to acquire knowledge on stand-alone topics, to keep your curricula up-to-date in the face of a changing future, and to help shape the rapidly evolving world.
Practice meets theory
Your degree programme is closely linked with school practice and offers insights into everyday school life. At the same time, you have the opportunity to reflect on typical educational and subject-related situations that might arise in everyday professional practice by drawing on current theories.
This will help you build confidence for your future work.
Experience and innovation
The University of Cologne has a long history of teacher education, resulting in excellent expertise, particularly when it comes to combining different subjects and disciplines.
In addition, there is a strong commitment to adopting innovative formats, new teaching and learning opportunities, and practical forms of study – for example, at the Inclusive University School training and research school.
A strong combination of disciplines and subjects
You can study all five types of schools in NRW and choose from 1,000 subject combinations.
Different departments, professorships, and disciplines are also involved in the University of Cologne’s teacher education degree programmes.
This mirrors the conditions found in schools, where different expertise, pedagogical flair, and strong personalities are required.
Regional and international networks
You will benefit from a close collaboration between the University of Cologne and its two partner universities, from over 800 schools in the Cologne training region during your practical semester and 100 partner schools and institutions worldwide for school internships and semesters abroad - customized for student teachers.
Equivalent professional qualification
You study both the subject and teaching methodology in equal measure – to your advantage: you will acquire professional and pedagogical skills that will give you a balanced qualification and expand your career options beyond the teaching profession.
Fit for a digital world
During your teacher education programme, you will acquire the necessary skills to shape learning processes in an increasingly digitalized world.
This includes building confidence in the use of online tools, adopting a critical approach to artificial intelligence, and equipping your students with the skills to use digital media reflectively.
Cologne: a colourful and vibrant cosmopolitan city
Making friends during your studies is easy.
The cultural and social life in the city is the perfect complement to student life, ensuring a nice balance between your studies and your free time.
Teachers of specialized teaching methodology often work in close cooperation with schools, giving students ongoing insight into the current educational landscape.