Specialization in Vision
Summary
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Teacher Training
6 semesters
Winter semester
German
What is it about?
Would you like to know how you can empower children with visual impairments and blindness to lead independent lives?
What approaches and strategies (touch, listening, etc.) do blind and visually impaired students need in inclusive classrooms?
What role does technology from Braille displays to digital learning platforms play in supporting students who are visually impaired or blind?
Interest sparked?
In this degree program, students work with topics such as:
- fundamentals of visual development, visual impairments, and blindness
- physiological and functional assessment of visual perception
- support for individuals with visual impairments and blindness, e.g., use of assistive technologies, Braille
- pedagogical and didactic strategies for (inclusive) instruction of students with visual impairments or blindness
- working in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with parents and extracurricular institutions
Specialization in Vision can be studied in the following school types at TU Dortmund University:
Focus depending on type of school
- individual support for blind and visually impaired children throughout their school years
- adaptation of teaching materials, advice on and assistance with assistive devices
- advice and support for mainstream school teachers
- creation of an accessible learning environment in inclusive schools
- raising awareness among the school community about inclusion and accessibility
- focus on practical and career-oriented methods
- development of skills for participation in the workforce
- career-related assistive technology counseling
- individual support for people who become visually impaired or blind during their academic or professional careers
- close collaboration with businesses, trainers, and integration services
- early intervention for visual impairments
- visual diagnostics
- individualized support strategies for learning in inclusive classrooms
- specific strategies for literacy development and basic math skills
- counseling on assistive devices
Suitable for you?
- understanding of diversity
- curiosity about designing inclusive environments
- openness to assistive technologies and the reduction of barriers
- willingness to develop your own professional role
- enjoyment of communication and teamwork
- interest in human vision, including medical and psychological aspects
- vision assessment and identification of support needs
- designing instuctional programs and providing individualized support
- providing counseling services both within and outside of school, including in early intervention programs
- interdisciplinary collaboration
What can I expect during my studies?
The program is organized into a series of modules designed to build on one another throughout your studies. Students are encouraged to follow the recommended study plan, which outlines the modules assigned to each semester.
Study Plan of the Specialization in Vision in LA GyGe (German only)
Study Plan of the Specialization in Vision in LA BK (German only)
Study Plan of the Specialization in Vision in LA SP (German only)
The structure of each module can be reviewed in the module manual. It provides detailed information on all modules offered within the degree program, including course content, examination formats and requirements, as well as requirements for participation.
Module Manual of the Specialization in Vision in LA GyGe (German only)
Module Manual of the Specialization in Vision in LA BK (German only)
Module Manual of the Specialization in Vision in LA SP (German only)
The following applies to Teacher training for vocational schools and Teacher training for the German secondary schools 'Gymnasium und Gesamtschule':
Studying a special education subject is only possible with annual special permission from the ministry. Due to the limited career opportunities, we recommend that prospective students attend a consultation at DoKoLL.
During your Bachelor’s degree program, you complete two internships:
1. Aptitude and Orientation Internship (EOP)
- recommended in your 2nd or 3rd semester
- at a school that matches your chosen teaching degree
- at least 25 days internship experience
In this internship, you gain your first in-depth insights into the tasks and professional requirements of being a teacher.
2. Professional Field Internship (BfP)
- recommended in your 4th or 5th semester
- at least four weeks long
- usually completed outside of a school setting
This internship gives you the chance to explore career paths beyond teaching.
More information about the hands-on experience (German only)
What’s next after graduation?
You complete your Bachelor’s degree program with either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), earning your first degree that qualifies you for professional work. However, this degree alone does not qualify you to teach at schools—you need to continue with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) for that. With a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, you can work in various educational and non-educational fields. Your career opportunities then largely depend on the type of school program you studied and the combination of subjects you have chosen.
Recruitment opportunities NRW (German only)
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in teacher education, students are required to complete the corresponding Master’s program before entering the preparatory teaching internship (Referendariat).
Other program with related areas of study:
Social media & more:
Who can help me?
Departmental Advisory Service
For general questions about degree programs and studying at TU Dortmund University, you can contact the Central Student Advisory Service for support:
E-mail: zsb@tu-dortmund.de
Information hotline for initial inquiries: +49 231 755 2345
Do you have questions about the type of school, subject selection, program structure, or the application process?
The DoKoLL (Dortmund Competence Center for Teacher Education & Research) offers advisory services to help you find the path that best fits your goals in teacher education.
What does everyday student life actually look like? And what do students say about their degree program? For a student perspective, you can contact the student representatives (Fachschaft) of the subject.
Website of the 'Fachschaft RehaWiss' (German only)
Important Information
Good to know!
- Semester contribution Summer semester 2026: 321,00 €
- Studierendenwerk Dortmund: Student residences and BAföG
- International Office: Options for going abroad
