Teacher Training Programm - studying to become a teacher

The primary goal of the teacher training studies is the scientific preparation for the teaching profession in secondary schools and higher education. Students are qualified to responsibly achieve the teaching objectives of the Austrian education system. In addition, they receive a qualification in the area of adult education. The teacher training studies must be combined of at least two subjects. The faculty for technical sciences offers the subjects computer science and computer management as well as mathematics.

 

What will I learn during the course?

Depending on which subjects are chosen, the studies encompass between 160 and 200 hours a week per semester. The studies are divided into specialized studies, subject-related didactic training, pedagogic training, teaching practice, interdisciplinary project studies and the electives. Two of the following subjects must be selected: German, English, French, Italian, Slovenian, history, social studies and political education, geography and economics, computer science and computer management and mathematics.

A combination of any two subjects is possible. During the studies, a 12-week long teaching practice must also be completed, as well as a yearlong teaching internship on completion of the program. The last stage of the studies involves writing a diploma thesis and taking the final examination for the degree.

 

What makes studying at the University of Klagenfurt unique?

Relatively small numbers of students make personal contact between professors and students possible. This has a positive impact on the quality of education. The presence of didactics experts also ensures a high standard. The University of Klagenfurt is also the location of three Austrian Educational Competence Centres (AECC), for the teaching of German, the teaching of mathematics and for curriculum planning and school development. Students can expand on their specialist qualification by making use of optional extras that are specific to teacher training and therefore increase their professional opportunities, e.g. in the areas of German as a foreign language, e-learning, political education, etc.

 

What are my career options after finishing the teacher training studies?

Alongside teacher training for secondary schools and higher education, this course also qualifies graduates for other areas of occupation, for example in adult education, informal learning or the media. Graduates’ chances in the job market can be increased by the acquisition of extra qualifications, and in certain subjects, there is already a lack of adequately trained teachers, creating a high demand.