Special Needs Education (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
This Special Needs Education programme provides the fundamentals of inclusive education, psychology, and counseling. You can choose two areas of focus, such as vision, learning, language, or physical and motor development, at the only institution in Germany offering the full range of options.
Please choose
- Major Field
- Primary school
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
Students will obtain knowledge in general primary school pedagogy, in educational sciences, language training as well as in three primary school Fields of Study or two Fields of Study and two Fields of Special Needs Education. This knowledge includes the fundamentals of science, didactics, developmental psychology, learning theory and epistemology. Specialized knowledge will also be acquired in one of the three Fields of Study. In addition, students will expand their skills with a subject-related or pedagogical supplement. By examining the relevant scholarly literature and current research, they will learn about and reflect on central theories, principles and methods of primary-school pedagogy and didactics.
One central objective is that students are able to plan, design, accompany, analyze and evaluate the learning and development processes of children in terms of their subject, learning theory and development psychology; and that they can do this in a context of inclusion that takes into account heterogeneity (for example, inter- and socio-culturality, level of development, gender aspects and German as a second language.) The successful conclusion of this course qualifies graduates for supporting activities in schools and school-related fields as well as those concerning the learning processes of children.
It is also the prerequisite for admission to the Master’s programme ‘Primary School Teaching', suitable for students who wish to enter the teaching profession.
General structure of the primary school teacher training programme
You will study this subject as one of three subjects, each worth 42 ECTS credits in subject-specific and subject-didactic content. In addition:
- Specialization in one of the three fields of study (10 CP)
The selection of the Field of Study in which the specialization is completed will be made at the latest by the end of the third semester of study. If you select a subject in Special Needs Education, you must complete your specialization in this. - General primary school pedagogy (8 CP)
- Subject-related or profession-related supplementation (10 CP)
In the subject-related or profession-related supplementation, modules amounting to a total of 10 CP must be completed. These can be from the offerings of the General Elective Modules of other fields or central institutions as well as from the field Education at Primary Schools. Achievements already made at other universities, in particular at the UdK, can be credited by the examination committee.
If you select a subject in Special Needs Education, your subject-related or profession-related supplementation is already integrated into the respective subject. - Educational sciences (11 CP)
Module 1: School as a pedagogical area of activity (11 CP)
If you select a subject in Special Needs Education:
Module 2: School as a pedagogical area of activity (Special Needs Education) (11 CP)
Both include an internship exploring occupational fields (6 weeks). - Language training (5 CP)
- Final module (10 CP)
- For the subject of Special Needs Education, two subject areas of Special Needs Education must be selected.
- Subject areas with one emphasis:
- Sight
Mental development
Hearing and communication
Physical and motor development - Subject areas with two emphases:
- Learning / emotional and social development
Language / emotional and social development - Modules with the selection of two subject areas with one emphasis:
- Mandatory Modules (52 CP)
Module 1 Foundations of special-needs and inclusive pedagogy 9 CP Module 2 Psychological foundations 5 CP Module 3 Introduction to subject area I 5 CP Module 4 Introduction to subject area II 5 CP Module 5 Theoretical foundations and current issues of subject area I 5 CP Module 6 Theoretical foundations and current issue of subject area II 5 CP Module 7 Didactic foundations of the subject areas 6 CP Module 8 Diagnostic foundations 7 CP Module 9 Counselling and cooperation 5 CP - Elective Modules (10 CP)
- Two modules must be selected:
Module 10.1 Interdisciplinary expansion 5 CP Module 10.2 Severe and multiple disabilities
5 CP Module 10.3 Media pedagogy and multimedia instructional design, taking into consideration the special learning prerequisites of pupils with disabilities 5 CP Module 10.4 Rehabilitation techniques 5 CP Module 10.5 Augmentative and alternative communication 5 CP Module 10.6 Communication with sensory impairment 5 CP Module 10.7 In-depth special-needs-educational diagnostics 5 CP Module 10.8 Free specialisation in Special Needs Education 5 CP - Modules with the selection of one or both subject areas with two emphases (62 CP):
Module 1 Foundations of special-needs and inclusive pedagogy 9 CP Module 2 Psychological foundations 5 CP Module 3 Introduction to subject are I 5 CP Module 4/6a Introduction to subject area IIa and the theoretical foundations 7 CP Module 4/6b Introduction to subject IIb and the theoretical foundations 7 CP Module 5 Theoretical foundations and current issues of subject area I 5 CP Module 7a Didactic foundations of the subject areas 9 CP Module 8a Diagnostic foundations 5 CP Module 9 Counselling and cooperation 5 CP Module 10.8 Free specialization in Special Needs Education 5 CP
Special features
In all classes, attention is paid to the most recent research on primary-school didactics. The bulk of instruction occurs at the 'Primary School Workshop', a place where students encounter modern primary-school pedagogy and acquire knowledge and skills through self-determined, independent learning and study. Guided by theory and reflecting on theory, students not only design their own projects, but also accompany the learning process of primary-school pupils under learning-workshop conditions.
In the classes, theoretical positions and theories are observed and evaluated in practical activities. As part of the instruction, students are incorporated into research projects, are intensively prepared for internships and just as intensively supervised in schools. At office hours and in supplementary counselling sessions during the operating hours of the 'Primary School Workshop', the staff of the Primary School Pedagogy Division actively supervise the preparation of instructional and practical events. Students and instructors also make use of this close practical contact in numerous Berlin schools.
As a student, you should enjoy working with children and young people with disabilities or at risk of disability, be flexible, and have strong communication and cooperation skills. An interest in educational work in a classroom setting, with small groups and individual students, as well as in counseling tasks, is an advantage. Previous experience in special education and/or inclusive education is not mandatory, but is definitely recommended in order to determine for yourself whether this work is a long-term career option for you. Keep in mind that special education teachers increasingly work in inclusive contexts in a variety of professional settings.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
This degree qualifies for support roles in schools, like teaching assistant or school integration assistant.
To become a teacher, a Master's degree, followed by an induction service as a trainee teacher (Referendariat) and a final examination (state examination) are required after completing the Bachelor's degree.
Primary school teacher training consultation
Anne Becker and Elias Boike will answer interdisciplinary questions about primary school teacher training at HU.
Course Advisory Service
Assisgned by last name: A–Hd: Stefanie Müller He–Z:Dr.in Judith Riegert
Recognition of credits
Natalie Jankowski
Contact information for the faculty
Department of Education Studies
Institutsgeb?ude, Geschwister-Scholl-Stra?e 7, 10117 Berlin