Social Pedagogy
Summary
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Teacher Training
6 semesters
Winter semester
German
restricted admission (NC)
none
Educational Sciences and Psychology
What is it about?
You’re interested in social pedagogy?
You’d like to work on social-pedagogical topics together with young adults as they prepare for their careers?
You’re excited about a degree program that helps you grow step by step?
Interest sparked?
In this degree program, students work with topics such as:
- fundamentals of early childhood education and the fundamentals of youth welfare (such as participation)
- methodical and didactic principles of teaching with regard to social-pedagogical topics (for example, learning through case
studies) - historical and systematic foundations of social pedagogy (for example, origins of social work and laws such as the SGB VIII)
- methodological and practical competences in social-pedagogical fields of action (for example, forms of conversation guidance and
pedagogical relations) - theories and research approaches as well as concepts of social pedagogy (for example, everyday-life orientation)
Social Pedagogy can be studied in the following school type at TU Dortmund University:
Why study Teacher Training Social Pedagogy?
„As a new student, I’ve already noticed how easily scientific insights and debates translate into everyday practice. The topics we cover feel approachable and genuinely useful in daily life, which makes the subject truly fascinating!“
„I really enjoy being part of a relatively small program because you get to know everyone so quickly. It makes a huge difference in seminars, too—it leads to great discussions, group work, and projects.“
Suitable for you?
- enthusiasm
- motivation
- curiosity
- tolerance
- exchanging ideas
- social contexts
- working in a team
- working with people
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.
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.
For teacher training for vocational schools, a minimum of 52 weeks of practical training is required, of which 26 weeks must be completed before registering for the Master's thesis, and the full amount before starting the preparatory teaching internship (Referendariat). Relevant prior vocational training can be fully or partially recognized.
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).
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 Sozialpädagogik' (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
