Quereinstieg Physik - Secondary-school teaching degree: (Master of Education major)

In order to counteract the acute shortage of teachers in the subjects of computer science and physics, the universities in Baden-Württemberg have been requested by the ministry to allow access to the Master of Education in the subjects of computer science and physics even with a Bachelor's degree without teacher training-related elements. Mathematics is considered a suitable second subject. The target group is therefore graduates with a Bachelor of Science in one of the subjects Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics who wish to complete a Master of Education in their first subject with one of the two remaining subjects as a second subject.

Therefore, the University of Tübingen offers the three subject combinations Computer Science-Mathematics, Computer Science-Physics and Mathematics-Physics for this lateral entry. The achievements of this degree programme are designed in such a way that graduates of the programme, in combination with the achievements acquired in their Bachelor of Science degree programme, essentially acquire the competences to be acquired in a regular consecutive teacher training programme.

This degree programme is free of admission, i.e. you will receive a place on the programme if you meet the admission requirements. An application is nevertheless required to check these prerequisites. You can begin your studies in either the winter or summer semester.

Applicants need a Bachelor of Science degree without teaching-related components in one of the subjects Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with a minimum grade of 2.5 at the University of Tübingen or a comparable degree.

For a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science, the following prerequisites are also required for the second subject:

• for the second subject Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Computer Science 1: Analysis (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science 2: Linear Algebra (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science 3: Advanced Topics (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for Computer Science 4: Numerics or Stochastics (6 CP; depending on choice)
• for the second subject Physics
  • two of the three modules Mathematics for Computer Science 1-3 (9 CP each)
  • Physics Basic Course 1 (12 CP)
  • Physics Basic Course 2 (12 CP)

For a B.Sc. degree in mathematics, the following prerequisites are also required for the second subject:

• for the second subject Computer Science
  • Analysis (9 CP)
  • Practical Computer Science 1: Declarative Programming (9 CP)
  • Practical Computer Science 2: Imperative and Object-Oriented Programming (9 CP)
• for the second subject Physics
  • Analysis (MAT-10-01) + Linear Algebra (min. 12 CP)
  • Physics basic course 1 (12 CP)
  • Physics basic course 2 (12 CP)

For a B.Sc. degree in physics, the following prerequisites are also required in the second subject:

• for the second subject Computer Science
  • Mathematics for physicists 1 (9 CP)
  • Practical Computer Science 1: Declarative Programming (9 CP)
  • Practical Computer Science 2: Imperative and Object-Oriented Programming (9 CP)
• for the second subject Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1 (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2 (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for physicists 3 (9 CP)
  • Mathematics for Physicists 4 (6 CP)

The language of study and examination is German. Individual courses may be held in English. A good knowledge of English is expected for the study of literature. Therefore, knowledge of English is required. However, formal proof of English language skills is not required. German language skills to the extent of DSH-2 (Testdaf4) are required for foreign students.

International applicants *without* a German-language university entrance qualification must provide proof of German language proficiency in accordance with the university´s matriculation regulations (see also information on proof of linguistic study ability / DSH language test).

The programme is a scientific teacher training programme for one of the three subject combinations Computer Science-Mathematics, Computer Science-Physics or Mathematics-Physics. It requires a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the three subjects Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics. In the second subject in subject science and in both subjects in subject didactics the scientific foundations and methodological competence are laid, which are necessary to be able to teach the two subjects. In the subject didactics part and in the educational science part of the study programme, competences related to the professional field are also taught.

Students of mathematics acquire mathematical thinking patterns such as structuring problems, creating chains of reasoning and finally proving mathematical theorems. They learn about central questions and techniques for solving them in mathematical areas relevant to school. The subject and subject didactics training prepares students for the design of learning and educational processes in mathematics.

Students of physics learn to recognise physical problems and to present them didactically and technically correctly. This includes comprehensive knowledge of theoretical models, experimental knowledge and a fundamental understanding of the interrelationships of various sub-fields with reference to everyday phenomena.

Students of computer science learn the different ways of seeing and working in computer science from engineering approaches such as analysing and constructing, mathematical procedures for gaining knowledge such as formalising and proving, to social science and empirical methods such as experimenting and simulating.

The educational science programme (BWS) within the framework of the Master's programme Lateral Entry
(computer science, physics and mathematics) prepares graduates for a scientifically sound and professional activity in schools and teaching.

An overview and timetables can be found on the website of the Quereinstieg M. Ed. Informatik.

Successful completion of the degree programme is a prerequisite for admission to the traineeship and thus for obtaining the teaching qualification at the secondary schools.

The Master of Education Lateral Entry offers the opportunity to take up a Master's degree in teaching with a Bachelor's degree without teaching-related components.

The study prerequisites of the students will be individually very different. This requires individual counselling of each student with regard to the structure and composition of his or her studies. The study plans in the module handbook therefore only serve as an initial orientation.

For further information, students can contact the relevant subject advisors and the Dean of Studies.

The degree programme is clearly structured and essentially consists of compulsory modules with limited elective options. The 120 credit points are distributed as follows among the second subject, subject didactics and educational sciences:

• Second subject: 45 CP
• Subject didactics (1st + 2nd subject): 21 CP
• Educational sciences: 23 CP
• Practical school semester: 16 CP
• Master's thesis: 15 CP

The departments of Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics run a large number of student exchange programmes with partner universities in various European countries. It is not possible to specify a specific time frame for a part of the study at a foreign university for this degree programme, as the study design will be too individual and different. This can only be planned in a personal counselling interview with the study advisor.

Further information can be found under Study Abroad.

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

In the winter semester 2023/24, approximately 800 students will be studying at the Department of Mathematics:

The module handbook describes the objectives and structure of a degree programme. You will find more detailed information on the type and scope of all modules as well as their courses, requirements and examinations in the module handbook of the M.Ed. Lateral Entry degree programme. A typical study plan in the module handbook helps you to plan your studies. The module handbook and the examination regulations help you to understand the framework conditions of your degree programme and to select the right modules/courses.

The study and examination regulations for the QM.Ed. Lateral Entry (computer science - physics - mathematics) contain legally binding regulations for the study programme. Among other things, they specify which modules must be completed and which examinations must be taken in order to successfully complete the degree programme. The study and examination regulations also regulate how often examinations can be repeated, which deadlines apply to the examinations of a degree programme and how the final grade is calculated. The examination regulations and the module handbook help you to understand the framework conditions of your degree programme and to select the right modules and courses.

Teacher at secondary schools for the subject combinations computer science and mathematics, computer science and physics or mathematics and physics

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

At the faculties of mathematics, computer science and physics there is, after consultation with a lecturer, the possibility of a doctorate at one of the work areas of the faculties after obtaining the Master's degree. Information on doctoral studies can be found on the doctoral page of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Here you can find all information about the Alumni Association Tübingen.