English B.A., Vocational School Teacher

 

Linguistics and literary studies are at the center of this subject, as opposed to the acquisition and application of the foreign language. Good English skills are much more required and advanced in language exercises.

Linguistics focuses on the structure and function of language, above all the English language, with linguistic theories, langauge development and aquisition, and computer linguistics.

In literary studies, primary texts from different genres and periods in American and English literature are analyzed using theories and models and considered within their contexts. Other areas in the subject include cultural studies, and English pedagogy, which deal with the basics of teaching English as a foreign language and theories in creating lessons.

Just as in school, students should have fun reading and having critical discussions during their studies. Furthemore they must also possess preparedness for examining difficult theoretical texts and composing longer texts in the form of homework and papers.

 

Degree Content

The program is laid out in three basic modules, which introduce students to the fundamentals of linguistic and literary studies and language practice. Three further modules follow, which advanced the basic knowledge in example areas. There are also two independent modules on cultural studies and pedagogy.

Study Abroad
Studying English as an instructional subject includes an at least three month study abroad in an English speaking country.  Proof of one's stay abroad must be submitted by the time certificates are handed out.  The details of the study abroad can be cleared up with the departmental student advising. If a student is studying two of the instructional subjects English, French, or Spanish, one study abroad is sufficient. Moveonline Exchanges database is helpful if you want an overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs.

 

Combination Possibilities

Training for vocational school teachers includes studying two subjects.  In course of study Model I, both subjects are equally studied.  In course of study Model II, one of the subjects is studied in a broader scope.
Detailed information on both course of study models

The subject English is an instructional subject and only offers combination possibilities in course of study Model I:

• Balanced combination of the instructional subjects: biology, chemistry, German, French, Catholic religious education, mathematics, physics, and Spanish.  A combination with the subjects political science and economics/political science is not possible.
• Balanced combination with the vocational subjects: electrical engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, textile technology, and economics.

 

Decision Aids

Should I become a teacher? Do I want to work as a teacher? If you are asking yourself these questions, there are a few services to help you get to know yourself:

RWTH Aachen Self Assessment
Career Counseling for Teachers
Fit für den Lehrerberuf

Suitability Experience
In the future, teaching training in NRW will include a so called “Suitability Experience,” which is recommended to be completed before the beginning of a student’s studies.  This is not a requirement for studies.  That means: it does not have to have been completed at the time of enrollment.  It can be completed during the course of study, and must be completed before the start of the teaching practice or internship (after studies).  More information is available on the Lehrerbildungszentrum page about the suitability experience and in the Ministry of Schools brochure.

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisites
New students should love English, enjoy reading and read a lot, be prepared to examine theories and models, enjoy traveling abroad, particularly in English speaking countries, and already possess good English skills.

Enrollment Prerequisite
The  RWTH Aachen "Lehramt" Self Assessment is an enrollment prerequisite for this course of study.  You will need to submit your participation certificate when you enroll, but not in order to apply.

Language Requirements:
Latin: Applicants do not need to submit proof of Latin skills in the Bachelor or Master periods.

English: Courses take place primarily in English. Thus, we recommend that students possess at least a B2 level of Common European Framework for Reference of Languages (Europäische Referenzrahmen) in English at the start of their studies.

 

Career Prospects

You can find information from the NRW Ministry of Schools about the career prospects for various fields of teaching through 2030 in the brochure Prognoses on the Job Market for Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia.

 

Master's Degree Prospects

After successfully completing the Bachelor degree, you can continue with the Master of Education (4 semesters).  With this degree, you can start your teaching practice (This phase used to be called "Refendariat" instead of "Vorbereitungsdienst".)

Since your Bachelor degree opens up various futher education possibilities, you can - depending on your subject combination - persue other Master's programs.  The respective exam board will decide whether or not you are qualified for a Master's that is not in the field of education.

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures.  The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

General Regulations:  Comprehensive Exam Regulations of RWTH Aachen Bachelor Teaching Training for Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, and Berufskollegs

Special Regulations: Subject Specific Exam Regulations (de) (The current version applies to all first year students.)

 

Faculty

Studies in English are offered by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities .