Leibniz University Hannover Studies Degree Programmes General Overview
Social Studies and Science as subject in the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools

Social Studies and Science as subject in the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools
(Master of Education)

An experiment with magnifying glasses and containers filled with water is carried out. © Jan Heiko Wohltmann
© Jan Heiko Wohltmann

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semesters
Course Start
Winter semester
Language of Instruction
German
Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C2
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Special Requirements

Special pedagogical internship, taking into account the special needs education and the subject of instruction and a special pedagogical internship of at least four weeks each, must have been completed (compulsory).

Admission
Unrestricted admission
International

Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.

Short Description

Social Studies and Science is offered as a second subject (or supplementary teaching subject) within the master’s degree programme Special Needs Education for Schools. As first subject Special Needs Education is studied.

After completing the master’s degree, students qualify for Special Needs Education for Schools with Social Studies and Science as their second subject.

The subject of Social Studies and Science is understood as a general academic orientation subject at the primary stage that involves the exploration of phenomena in natural science and social issues. As a result, it encourages students to think in perspectives, rather than according to disciplines. The aim is to compare and contrast children’s experiences and scientific truths. The Social Studies and Science and Inclusive Education Section focuses children’s individual impressions on phenomena and issues from their immediate surroundings in various learning conditions in order to develop and initiate learning and educational processes, facilitating the continued development of these young perspectives in a professional way.

Further information on the website of the programme Social Studies and Science

Course Content

  • Lesson planning, implementation and reflection
  • Professional perspectives in social studies and science
  • Scientific research in social studies and science
Course Structure

Social Studies and Science is studied as a teaching subject in the Special Needs Education degree programme (MEd). In the Master’s degree programme in Special Needs Education for Schools, the subject of Social Studies and Science encompasses the specialist perspectives of Social Studies and Science (natural, social and historical perspectives). In this connection, there is a close cooperation with the relevant teaching methodologies. At the end of the degree programme, students learn how to plan, implement and reflect on lessons in Social Studies and Science. Examples of such activities include project days at primary schools, where standalone lessons are tested and reflected on.

 

Semester

Module

Thematic area 1

Thematic area 2

Thematic area 3

1

Module I: Specialist Perspectives of Social Studies and Science

I.1: Natural Science Perspectives of Social Studies and Science: Living Nature (Chemistry)

I.2: Natural Science Perspectives of Social Studies and Science: Living Nature (Biology)

I.3: Natural Science Perspectives of Social Studies and Science: Inanimate Nature (Physics/Technology)

2

Module II: Specialist Perspectives of Social Studies and Science

II.1: Historical Perspectives of Social Studies and Science (Time and History)

II.2: Social and Cultural Science Perspectives of Social Studies and Science (Society and Politics)

II.3: Spatial Perspectives of Social Studies and Science (Space)

3

Module III: Research Project


Module IV: Teaching in Social Studies and Science

III.1: Research Seminar


IV.1: Lesson Planning in Social Studies and Science, taking into account Special Needs Education Specialisations

III.2: Research Project

 

4

Module IV: Teaching in Social Studies and Science

 

IV.2: Analysis and Creation of Teaching Material

 

Recommended Abilities

Students in this degree programme are expected to demonstrate an interest in special needs education action contexts. They should also be keen to work for and with people with disabilities and in problematic life situations. Key competencies such as cooperative and communicative skills, the willingness to work in a team and to reflect on their own work experience play a central role.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this degree programme are entitled to embark on the preparatory phase of teacher training at a special school and/or integrative/inclusive school. In addition, graduates may also embark on an academic career, e.g. by pursuing a doctorate.

Former students work at schools and colleges, in continuing education and training. Apart from working in schools, Job opportunities can be in the area of special education work in early intervention, counseling, as well as disability, integration and family support.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master''s degree programmes with unrestricted admission, all applicants who fulfil the admission requirements will be admitted a university place. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students (application in a higher semester)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

 

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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building