Lehrerin mit Brille und Zopf zeigt mit ausgestrecktem Arm auf einen Schüler, der im Klassenzimmer an einem Tisch sitzt und die Hand hebt.

Grundschulkinder sitzen an Tischen in einem Klassenzimmer und schreiben oder zeichnen auf Papier, zwischen ihnen ein lächelnder Lehrer.

The application deadline runs until August 31!

Apply now

Primary School Teaching – Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Teach primary school children – creatively, across subjects, and with an educational role.

Where it all begins: Become a primary school teacher!

If you are passionate about working with children and a colorful, bustling classroom makes your heart sing, primary school teaching is the right choice for you.

At primary schools, you teach grades 1–4 (in some federal states 1–6). You support your students in their very first learning steps, assist in their socialization, and help them acquire basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

This way, you lay the foundation for their educational careers and can strengthen their development.

With the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching at Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF), we prepare you for this beautiful and challenging task. Our master’s program consists of three subjects and two learning areas:

General pedagogy: Bildung, Erziehung, Gesellschaft (Education and Society)
Your first teaching subject
Your second teaching subject
Additionally, in the first and second semesters, you choose two learning areas. If German is not one of your subjects, this includes the learning area German (or German as a Second and Foreign Language, i.e., DaZ/DaF), and if Math is not one of your subjects, this includes the learning area Math.

With a mix of social science fundamentals, subject-didactic expertise, and extensive school practice, you will be optimally qualified for primary school teaching. We provide you with everything you need to support children in the best possible way. Curious? Then discover here what your studies will look like!

The degree program at a glance

Degree

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Duration

4 semesters (= 2 years)

Study start

Fall semester (= September)

Languages

German

Application period

May 15 to August 15

Tuition fees

None, but a semester fee is payable each semester

Type of course

Full time

Semester abroad

Optional

Internship

Mandatory

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about applying, admission, and deadlines

Let’s go

Course content: What this degree program is all about

The content of your subjects, for example:
- Language didactics in the subject of German
- Scientific-technical learning in the subject of Integrated Primary Science and Social Studies
- Philosophy of Europe in school in the subject of Philosophy
- Sports didactic aspects of primary school sports in the subject of Sports
The content of the subject "Bildung, Erziehung, Gesellschaft (Education and Society)", for example:
- Educating, learning, and teaching in primary school
- Social inequality and academic success
- (Inter)disciplinary perspectives on childhood
The content of your learning areas, for example:
- Assessing the language proficiency of DaZ/DaF learners in the learning area German as a Second and Foreign Language
- Anti-stress training and movement games in the learning area Movement and Health
- Forms of playful acquisition and teaching in the learning area Performing Arts
Practical experience at school:
- What does the daily life of a primary school teacher look like?
- How do you prepare and reflect on lessons?
- What role does parent work play in primary school?

Checklist: Is this degree program right for you?

You want to support children in their first learning steps.
Standing in front of a class does not bother you (primary school can sometimes get loud).
You enjoy creating creative teaching materials and planning lessons.
From your perspective, learning happens through discovery and practice, not through rote memorization.
You like working with children and can imagine advising their parents.
You have no interest in numerical grades and would prefer to give verbal assessments.
You are willing to work across subjects rather than focusing on just two.
It is important to you to always have a contact person for questions and problems during your studies.
You are prepared to complete a relatively long educational path to achieve your goal.
You are looking for a secure and fulfilling job.
You are super organized.

Apply now

Look ahead: Do your dream subjects suit this type of school?

If you want to become a teacher, you can easily plan your studies with the interactive Subject Combination Tool: try out which subjects and types of school you can combine. You'll immediately see which bachelor's and subsequent master's degree programs you need to complete for your chosen type of school, as well as which subjects (your future teaching subjects) you should select when applying. Be sure to check the notes below your selection.

For more details, just click the tiles: both the degree programs and your individual subjects will take you straight to all the information on admission, content, and course structure.

And if you'd like to discuss your subject combination with others, that's no problem either. You can share the link to it at any time. For example, with friends, your family, teachers, or – if you still have questions – Student Guidance and Counseling Service. Please note: all information is provided without guarantee.

Your subject combination for teacher training

Select the type of school and subjects – the order doesn’t matter. If an option is greyed out, you cannot combine it with your choice in the teacher training programme. If you want to choose a different type of school, you can find all the possible school types and subjects available at EUF on our general teacher training page.

Type of school

Subject 1

Subject 2

Your studies

Bachelor‘s degree program

B.A.
B.A. Educational Sciences

Your path to becoming a teacher: Choose from 27 subjects.
- 6 semesters (= 3 years)
- Fall semester (= September)
- German
- Semester abroad: Optional
- Internship: Mandatory

Master‘s degree program

M.Ed.
M.Ed. Primary School Teaching

Teach primary school children – creatively, across subjects, and with an important pedagogical role.
- 4 semesters (= 2 years)
- Fall semester (= September)
- German
- Semester abroad: Optional
- Internship: Mandatory

Programs (your selected subjects)

German

Opening up access to language, literature, and media.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Danish

Improve your Danish and bring the language, culture, and literature to life.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
- Admission free
- Entry requirements:
  Language certificate
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
English

Improve your English speaking skills and bring culture into the classroom.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science, Vocational School: Industrial and Technical Sciences
- Admission free
- Entry requirements:
  Language certificate
- Stay abroad:
  Mandatory
Protestant Religion

Connect questions of faith to school and society.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
- Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Protestant Theology
Catholic Religion

Incorporate faith, tradition, and diversity into your teaching.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
- Name in the B.A. Educational Sciences: Catholic Theology
Art

Develop your own aesthetic approaches and incorporate them into your teaching.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
- Admission free
- Entry requirements:
  Aptitude test prior application
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
- Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Art and Visual Media
Mathematics

Make mathematical concepts understandable and accessible.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science, Vocational School: Industrial and Technical Sciences
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Music

Explore music through listening, creating, and sharing.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission free
- Entry requirements:
  Aptitude test prior application
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Philosophy

Ask big questions and encourage others to think.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Integrated Primary Science and Social Studies

Structure social studies lessons around children’s questions and everyday experiences.
- Primary School, Special Education
- Admission restricted
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Sports

Move people and design impactful sportseducation.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
- Admission free
- Entry requirements:
  Aptitute test prior application
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Technology

Think about technology in practical, creative, and socially relevant ways.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission free
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
Textile Studies

Explore clothing, textiles, and fashion as culture and design.
- Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
- Admission restricted
- Stay abroad:
  Optional
- Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Textile and Fashion

Apply

Want to study more than two subjects?

Learn more

Overview: These are the subjects available at EUF

Click through or filter by your preferred school type.

eine Lehrkraft und ein lächelndes Mädchen das im Unterricht am Tisch arbeitet

Education and Society

Learn the fundamentals of educational science to support your teaching.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional
Special features:
Mandatory subject in the general education teacher training program

Bunte Häuser entlang der bekannten 'Nyhavn' in Kopenhagen, Dänermark.

Danish

Improve your Danish and bring the language, culture, and literature to life.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
Admission free
Entry requirements:
Language certificate
Stay abroad:
Optional

Ein Stapel von Büchern steht mit einer Tasse Kaffee auf einem Wohnzimmertisch. Im Hintergrund ist eine junge Person am Lesen.

German

Opening up access to language, literature, and media.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional

Eine Weitaufnahme einer Shakespeare Statue aus Stratford-Upon-Avon

English

Improve your English speaking skills and bring culture into the classroom.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science, Vocational School: Industrial and Technical Sciences
Admission free
Entry requirements:
Language certificate
Stay abroad:
Mandatory

zeigt drei Studierende mit Rucksack am betreten der Campelle der Europa-Universität Flensburg

Protestant Religion

Connect questions of faith to school and society.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional
Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Protestant Theology

eine Gruppe studierender sitzt in der Bibliothek an einem Tisch und diskutiert

Catholic Religion

Incorporate faith, tradition, and diversity into your teaching.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional
Name in the B.A. Educational Sciences: Catholic Theology

zeigt zwei junge Menschen an einer Staffelei, während eines Kunst Seminars. Der vordere Arm ist leicht verschwommen und skizziert eine Figur.

Art

Develop your own aesthetic approaches and incorporate them into your teaching.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
Admission free
Entry requirements:
Aptitude test prior application
Stay abroad:
Optional
Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Art and Visual Media

Eine schwarze Tafel mit Mathematischen Formeln.

Mathematics

Make mathematical concepts understandable and accessible.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science, Vocational School: Industrial and Technical Sciences
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional

zeigt eine Person mit rotem T-Shirt von hinten, der Gitarrenhals ist links oben zu sehen.

Music

Explore music through listening, creating, and sharing.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission free
Entry requirements:
Aptitude test prior application
Stay abroad:
Optional

eine gemischte Gruppe Studierender sitzt an einem Tisch und diskutiert Fachliteratur

Philosophy

Ask big questions and encourage others to think.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional

zeigt eine Studierende der Uni Flensburg vorlesend aus einem Tierbuch und einem Kind

Integrated Primary Science and Social Studies

Structure social studies lessons around children’s questions and everyday experiences.

Primary School, Special Education
Admission restricted
Stay abroad:
Optional

zeigt drei junge Menschen in Sport Kleidung, sie sitzen redend auf einem Sportplatz

Sports

Move people and design impactful sportseducation.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Secondary School, Special Education, Vocational School: Nutrition and Domestic Science
Admission free
Entry requirements:
Aptitute test prior application
Stay abroad:
Optional

Eine Lehrkraft sitzt mit jungen Schülerinnen und Schülern an einem Tisch und erklärt Technik mit Automodell

Technology

Think about technology in practical, creative, and socially relevant ways.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission free
Stay abroad:
Optional

eine junge Designerin zeichnet an einem braunen Schreibtisch an einem Modekonzept mit Bleistift

Textile Studies

Explore clothing, textiles, and fashion as culture and design.

Primary School, Comprehensive School, Special Education
Admission restricted
Stay abroad:
Optional
Name in B.A. Educational Sciences: Textile and Fashion

You can find a comprehensive overview of all the modules for teacher training programs at the EUF here.

Course structure: Your path through the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching

1. Semester	2. Semester	3. Semester	4. Semester
Module 1: Erziehen – Lernen – Unterrichten in der Grundschule		Module 2: Master's theory-practice module: accompanying seminar	Module 3: Soziale Ungleichheit und Schulerfolg
Your first teaching subject			Module 4: (Inter-) Disziplinäre Perspektiven auf Kindheit
Your first learning area	Your second learning area	Practical semester	Master's thesis (elective concentration)
Your second teaching subject			Master's thesis (elective concentration)

This is what your studies will look like – semester by semester

1st and 2nd semester: Deepen your subject knowledge

In the first and second semesters of your master’s program, you continue studying the teaching subjects you studied in your bachelor’s.

You move from the basics to in-depth knowledge, and above all, you learn how to teach this knowledge to children.
In the subject Bildung, Erziehung, Gesellschaft (Education and Society), you deal with topics such as teaching, education, and learning, as well as schools in the context of society.

In addition, you attend courses in your two learning areas. There are two requirements here: You must take the learning area German or German as a Second and Foreign Language if you are not already studying German as a subject, and you must choose Mathematics if you are not studying it as a subject. Apart from that, you can choose from the following learning areas:

Aesthetic-Cultural Learning Area
Movement and Health
Performing Arts
Nutrition
European Education in Primary School
Frisian Language and Frisian Minority
Global Learning
Natural Phenomena in Primary School
Low German
Dealing with Normative Questions

More about learning areas

3rd semester: Your practical semester

In the third semester, you deepen your teaching subjects and gain practical experience in daily school life. The practical phase is accompanied by a seminar, allowing you to discuss your experiences with fellow students and lecturers and continue your professional development.

If you want to gain international experience, now is a good time for a semester abroad.

4th semester: Your master’s thesis

In the fourth semester, you write your master’s thesis on a topic from one of your three subjects. At the same time, you deepen your knowledge in courses related to your two teaching subjects in order to be optimally prepared for the school-based teacher training phase (Referendariat).

Want to know all the details?

Eine Grafik, in der eine Person mit kurzen dunklen Haaren ein Puzzlestück in ein bisher dreiteiliges Puzzle einsetzt, vor blauem Hintergrund. Hinter dem Puzzle ist ein Zahnrad zu sehen.

The key documents for the degree program explain the specific content, goals, legal requirements, and exams of the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching.

Study regulations & module catalogue Study regulations & module catalogue

Off into the world: Your semester abroad

If you want to expand your theoretical and practical experience from your bachelor’s and the first semesters of your master’s and test it in a completely different environment, studying abroad or completing a practical phase abroad is an excellent option.

This way, you can experience that schools do not operate the same way everywhere as they do in Germany. At EUF, we make it easy for you to choose this adventure: You receive organizational support from our International Center, financial assistance through the Erasmus+ program, and a predefined time frame so that your master’s studies normally do not take any longer. Worldwide, you have access to nearly 90 partner universities; as a free mover, you even have an even wider selection.

However, the semester abroad is not mandatory. If you prefer to stay, you can simply take additional courses in your subjects.

Learn more

Help and advice: Where to find support

Do you have questions about the content of the program?

Zwei Personen sitzen nebeneinander an einem Tisch, vor ihnen liegen mehrere Zettel

Academic advising for your general education subject

If you have questions about your general education subject, feel free to contact that subject’s academic advisor.

Subject-specific questions Subject-specific questions

You can find us here:

Europa-Universität Flensburg
Auf dem Campus 1
24943 Flensburg
Germany

Start campus tour Start campus tour

Do you have general questions about studying at Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF)? Are you unsure which degree program suits you best?

mehre Menschen stehen im Kreis und halten sich an den Händen

International Center (IC)

The International Center looks after international students and helps with questions about stays abroad.

We'll take you by the hand! We'll take you by the hand!

Patrick Will

Patrick, who is part of the IC team, is responsible for FIT@EUF, a project that supports the integration of international talent into EUF and the job market in Germany. He’d be happy to answer your questions and help you find the degree program that’s right for you.

Find the degree program that suits you best! Find the degree program that suits you best!

Student feedback: What they say about the program

Admission requirements: What you need to study M.Ed. Primary School Teaching

At a glance

You need a qualified bachelor’s degree, such as the B.A. in Educational Sciences at EUF or an equivalent degree from another university.
Your subject combination must be suitable for the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching – you must have studied at least one of the subjects German, English, Mathematics, or Integrated Primary Science and Social Studies, for example.
- In each of your two subjects, you must have earned at least 50 credit points.
Additionally, you should have 35 credit points in educational sciences or other education-related disciplines (e.g., psychology or philosophy).
You must also have basic qualifications in the following areas:
- Working with heterogeneity and inclusion
- Fundamentals of diagnostic assessment
- Continuous language education
- Teaching media literacy
You should be able to demonstrate at least six weeks of practical experience at a school.
You should have a good command of German.
If you study English as a subject, you must complete a minimum three-month stay abroad by the end of your studies. More information can be found in Section 5 of the FPO English and on the Study Abroad page.

For those who want to know exactly what they need to do

Check admission requirements

Teacher training in Flensburg (the Flensburg Model): Not your average teacher education degree program

If you want to teach in a primary school, the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching program at EUF is the best way to start.

Here, you get more out of your studies:

In-depth knowledge of the subjects you’d like to teach and the skills to teach them – closely integrated
Practical tips for good teaching and sustainable education (pedagogy, psychology, didactics, and educational sciences)
More freedom to combine subjects than at other universities
Intensive practical experience from the start: During the master’s, you’ll spend a full semester in a school, for example
Opportunity for an international experience: Discover the fact that schools can function differently in other countries
We are the only university in Schleswig-Holstein where you can obtain teaching qualifications for all types of schools

What we want

Our goal is to prepare you for everything that awaits you in everyday school life. With up-to-date theoretical knowledge and practical experience, you’ll gradually learn to overcome challenges creatively and independently. We teach you all the skills you need and always keep them current.

Understanding the school system

At EUF, you can obtain a teaching qualification for the following types of school:

General education school teaching (Master of Education, M.Ed.)
Vocational school teaching (Master of Education, M.Ed.)
- Nutrition and Domestic Science
- Industrial/Technical Sciences

With this variety, we’re unique in Schleswig-Holstein!

Any questions?

If you’re thinking that this is a lot to take in, don’t worry. Our Student Guidance and Counseling Service can help with any questions about the Bachelor of Arts in Educational Science and the Master of Education in Teaching.

Check office hours

Learn more about teacher training in Flensburg

Career prospects: What happens after graduation?

The master’s degree for primary school teaching opens up several opportunities for you. Most graduates go on to the school-based teacher training phase (Referendariat) and then teach at primary schools. However, you can also pursue a non-school career in fields such as education, social services, business, associations, or public service, or even earn a PhD.

If you want to become a primary school teacher, an exciting and varied professional life with an attractive starting salary awaits you – in Schleswig-Holstein, this falls under salary grade A13. One thing we can promise you: It will definitely not be boring.

Your tasks in daily school life:

You pass on your knowledge.
You grade and evaluate exams.
You are there for the children when they have questions or problems.
You serve as a contact person for parents and guardians.
You organize projects, class trips, and celebrations for your students.
You attend conferences.

Your path into the teaching profession:

After completing a qualifying bachelor’s degree, you earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.), such as this program.
This is followed by the school-based teacher training phase (Referendariat): You work for one and a half years in a primary school and gain important practical skills.
Once you have passed your exams, you are ready to start your career at a primary school. Hooray!
As a teacher, you continue your professional development throughout your career, strengthening your subject-specific and pedagogical skills.

More info about becoming a teacher

More info about continuing professional development

Doctorate

With a master’s degree in Primary School Teaching, you have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. This will earn you the academic degree of doctor in a specific field of study.

Doctoral studies at EUF

Apply now

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why should I study the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching at EUF?

At EUF, you’ll find a unique program that qualifies you for primary school teaching.

You gain in-depth knowledge in your teaching subjects as well as in education and pedagogy in general.
You complete a full semester of practical training at a school and reflect on your experiences in a supportive accompanying seminar.
You have the option to study abroad for a semester.
You can choose from a wide variety of subjects.

What distinguishes primary school teaching?

Primary school teaching is characterized by its young target group (usually grades 1–4), greater responsibility in educational tasks, and more parent-teacher interaction. The focus is on the playful acquisition of basic skills such as reading and writing. Playing, crafting, and field trips are part of daily teaching, and you often work across subjects.

Do I have to complete a semester abroad for the M.Ed. Teaching at Primary Schools?

No, the semester abroad is optional. However, we recommend it because it allows you to make exciting connections, gain new experiences, learn about a different culture, and improve your skills, such as in languages or problem-solving. You don’t have to organize this alone – the EUF International Center supports you every step of the way. This great experience is also funded through the Erasmus+ program. If you decide against studying abroad, you simply take additional courses at EUF in the 3rd semester.

Do I have to become a teacher with the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching?

No, you can also pursue a PhD or enter the non-school job market. Typical career fields include education, social services, business, associations, or public service. Depending on your language skills, working in the international job market is also an option.

What are the application requirements for the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching?

To be admitted, you need a qualified bachelor’s degree with a suitable subject combination for primary school teaching.
You must have at least 50 credit points in each of your two teaching subjects, as well as 35 credit points in educational sciences or related disciplines.
Basic knowledge in the areas of heterogeneity and inclusion, diagnostic assessment, continuous language education, and media literacy is also required.
You should also have practical experience in the form of at least six weeks of school internship.
Good German language skills are required.
If you study English as a subject, you must complete a minimum three-month stay abroad by the end of your studies.
You can find the exact requirements on the application page of the degree program.

Which learning areas must I take in the program, and which can I choose freely?

You must take the learning area German (or German as a Second and Foreign Language) if you are not already studying German as a subject, and Mathematics if you are not studying it as a subject.

In addition, you can choose from the following learning areas:

Aesthetic-cultural Learning Area
Movement and Health
Performing Arts
Nutrition
European Education in Primary School
Frisian Language and Frisian Minority
Global Learning
Natural Phenomena in Primary School
Low German
Dealing with Normative Questions

Explore learning areas

Does Europa-Universität Flensburg have good reviews?

EUF has a rating of approximately 4 out of 5 stars on Studycheck. 93 percent of students would recommend EUF to others.

Does the M.Ed. Primary School Teaching degree program have good reviews?

The program is rated 3.3 out of 5 stars on Studycheck. 90 percent of the respondents recommend it.

Who can help me with questions about my studies?

Your contacts for questions and problems are the academic advisors of your subjects, as well as the International Center, with Patrick Will being responsible for FIT@EUF, a project that supports the integration of international talent into EUF and the job market in Germany. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your studies.

You can also get further information from the Zentrum für Lehrer*innen-Bildung (ZfL). The ZfL handles all matters related to teacher education.

What is it like to study at EUF?

EUF is a small, friendly university in northern Germany with a green campus and many international students.

There are free language courses, a sports center, a swimming pool, and various student organizations (political, environmental, intercultural, religious, etc.). In the evenings, there are often themed events, such as movie and game nights, theater performances, or barbecues.

You can reach several beaches by bus, as Flensburg is located on the Flensburg Firth. The Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and Denmark are not far away. Hamburg is only two hours away by train.

Are there tuition fees at EUF?

No, you do not have to pay tuition fees at EUF, but you have to pay a semester fee each semester.

Not the right fit for you? Here are some other degree programs.

Overview of all degree programs

Browse degree programs

Additional links

Zwei cartoonartig gezeichnete Personen stehen Rücken an Rücken nebeneinander. Die linke Person legt die Hand schützend vor die Augen, als wenn sie etwas sucht; die rechte Person hat eine große Lupe in der Hand.

Institute for Educational Sciences Institute for Educational Sciences