Mathematics Teaching Degree Complementary Subject
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
The Master of Education complementary subject is a third major academic subject that you can optionally study in addition to your first two major subjects. The prerequisite for enrollment is a completed bachelor's degree. It is up to you to decide when you start the extension subject - parallel to your two major subjects, at a later date or even later. The degree program is designed as a full-time program. You should therefore bear in mind that combining your studies with a third subject will require more time. Individual planning is important so that the complementary subject can be easily combined with your two major subjects or a professional activity. Your individual study plan may therefore differ from the one shown below.
In the complementary subject, you will study the complete subject knowledge of your chosen subject, i.e. all subject content that is otherwise covered in the bachelor's and master's degree programs. You do not have to complete educational science and school practice again, as these are already covered.
The study of the complementary subject, including the master's thesis, comprises 120 credit points (CP) according to ECTS. You can choose whether or not to write a master's thesis: with a master's thesis, you will graduate with a Master of Education complementary subject. Without a master's thesis, you will receive a certificate (105 CP). With this certificate, you are still entitled to teach your complementary subject at all grade levels. It is up to you to decide during your studies whether you write the master's thesis and thus obtain the master's degree or complete your studies without a master's thesis. Even if you have already received the certificate, you can still decide to write a master's thesis.
Mathematics is everywhere - it is found in the laws of nature, technological advancements, modern computer algorithms, and even in everyday decisions. In the Master of Education Mathematics complementary subject, you’ll gain a broad foundation in core mathematical fields such as analysis, algebra and geometry, as well as stochastics, applied mathematics and numerical mathematics. You will learn to analyze abstract problems, identify structures, and develop appropriate solution strategies.
Key Program Features
- • Zentrum für Lehrkräftebildung (ZLB) as a central point of contact for student teachers for interdisciplinary topics
- school internships and teacher training as well as an interface to institutions involved in teacher training • diverse subject combinations • additional practical relevance through student and teaching-learning labs • research-oriented teaching • contacts with EUCOR universities enable stays abroad
- e.g. in Basel or Strasbourg
Career Opportunities
After studying to become a secondary school teacher, there are various career options open to you. Of course, the most obvious path is to work as a teacher at a school. Once you have completed your master's degree, you can apply for an 18-month prepatory service (Referendariat). During this time, you will be employed as a trainee teacher at a school and receive a salary. You will be intensively prepared for your future work as a teacher and gain practical experience in the classroom. After successfully completing your traineeship, you will usually be taken on as a teacher. As a teacher, you can become a civil servant if you meet the necessary requirements such as age limits. You can find out more about the preparatory service on the website of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs.
There are also interesting alternatives to becoming a teacher. For example, you could choose to work in education administration, where you could work in school supervision, curriculum development or other administrative areas of the education system. Another option is to work in research and development. With your expertise, you could work at universities or research institutes to develop educational programs or shape educational policy. If you are interested in the field of educational technology, you could work in companies that develop educational software or operate digital learning platforms.
There are also opportunities outside the education sector. You could work in publishing houses, particularly in teaching materials companies or textbook publishers. You can also find employment in institutions whose field of activity is closely linked to school education, such as branches of ministries of education or foundations, associations and government institutions. The cultural sector or journalism as well as jobs in marketing and public relations also offer possible career prospects for teachers. Depending on your choice of subject, you can also work as an aut
Program Curriculum
In the Mathematics complementary subject your modules are:
• Linear Algebra 1+2 (18 CP)
• Analysis 1+2 (18 CP)
• Stochastics (8 CP)
• Numerics (8 CP)
• Geometry (8 CP)
• Analysis (7 CP)
• Algebra and Number Theoriy (8 CP)
• Proseminar (3 CP)
• Seminar (4 CP)
• Elective Module (8 CP)
• Teaching Methodology (15 CP)
• Master's Thesis, if applicable (15 CP)
You can find an overview of all available modules in the module handbook.
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program Secondary School Teaching Degree - Complementary Subject are based on the current admission regulations:
• bachelor's degree
a successfully completed bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in the bachelor's degree program Secondary School Teaching Degree (or a degree program with essentially the same content). The course of study in the teaching-related bachelor's degree program must include study components of two major subjects, subject-specifc didactics, educational sciences and practical school studies. The program must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
• orientation internship
an orientation internship of at least three weeks at a secondary school, vocational school, Gemeinschaftsschule, Hauptschule, Realschule or Werkrealschule.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: September 30
- Language German
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
