First state examination

Teaching degree for secondary schools with special needs education

Shape a future in which you as a teacher create equal educational opportunities for all! On the secondary school teaching degree course with special needs education, you have the choice: gain the qualification to teach at secondary schools as well as special schools with a focus on learning - or choose to teach at secondary schools only.

Teaching degree for secondary schools with special needs education

Good to know!

This degree program is a university degree under the auspices of Leipzig University, leads to civil service status and offers future security. Start your career as a teacher and become part of an inclusive, diverse educational landscape.

The choice is yours: opt for the

  • "2in1 degree course" and acquire the qualification to teach at secondary schools as well as special schools with a focus on learning - or
  • choose the teaching degree for secondary schools only.

The "2in1 degree" opens many doors for you to support pupils individually!

Study details

The most important facts at a glance:

Faculty

Social Sciences

Location Görlitz and/or Zittau (depending on subject combination)
Degree First state examination
Duration 10 semesters
Lecture language German
ECTS points 300
Enrollment for the winter semester
Start of studies planned for WS 2025/2026
Admission restriction probably no NC and waiting semester
Admission requirements General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or a professional qualification that enables you to apply to study at a university; phoniatric certificate (= medical assessment of voice, speech and language)
Compulsory pre-study work placement

for enrolment in the subject WTHS (Business, Technology, Household, Social Affairs): a relevant work placement of at least two weeks

What to expect when studying to become a secondary school teacher with special needs education

In the teacher training course, you will combine subject-specific and didactic content in two chosen subjects - mathematics, German, biology or WTHS (economics, technology, household, social studies) - with educational science, special education and practical school components. Particularly noteworthy is the content of the highly sought-after special focus on LEARNING, which will help you to provide individual support for children and young people with special learning needs.

Dare to choose science subjects such as mathematics or biology in addition to German and WTHS! The focus is also on didactics and how you can make these subjects understandable and accessible to all pupils in inclusive lessons.

You will gain practical experience at schools in extensive practical school studies, which will provide you with valuable insights into everyday working life and optimally prepare you for your teaching career. (Further information: Becoming a teacher in Saxony)

You will complete your studies with the First State Examination and will be ideally prepared for the preparatory service and subsequent practical work.

Career opportunities

Professional areas where you can get started

Employment as a teacher in a secondary school

As a teacher at a secondary school, you accompany children and young people during an important phase of their development. You impart knowledge, promote individual strengths and support social learning processes. The day-to-day work is varied: from exciting lessons to designing joint projects, the job offers many opportunities to work creatively and responsibly. Anyone who enjoys working with young people and is interested in educational challenges will find a fulfilling and future-proof job here.

Employment as a teacher at a special school

Working as a teacher at special schools at secondary level (and possibly also at primary level) opens up a varied and responsible field of activity that goes beyond traditional teaching. The focus here is not only on teaching subject-specific content, but above all on providing individual support and guidance to young people with different learning and life circumstances. With pedagogical sensitivity, creative approaches and interdisciplinary cooperation, you will design educational pathways that go far beyond standardized curricula.

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Always get the latest information!

The new teacher training course for secondary schools with special needs education is expected to start at our university in fall 2025. You will find detailed information here on this page shortly.

Are you interested in the course? Then simply fill in our contact form - that way you'll always be well informed!

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Studying in the wild east?

Studying with us is different. Above all, better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.

There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz, the wild east, is unique.

Financing

From BAföG and scholarships to loans and housing benefits, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

Financing abroad

Funding for studying abroad

Jobs and career

You can finance your studies more easily with a part-time job or a job at the university. We offer students various opportunities for this, including a job after their studies:

Job exchange

career service

Job offers at the university

Your contact persons

Prof. Dr. phil.
Martin Goldfriedrich
Faculty of Social Sciences
02826 Görlitz
Furtstrasse 2
Building G I, Room 2.19
+49 3581 374-4952
Zentrale Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Department of Studies and International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055
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