Mathematics as a school subject occupies a special position. It imparts fundamental skills that go far beyond mere arithmetic. It trains logical thinking, structured problem-solving, and the ability to abstract complex issues and transfer them to new situations. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to general education and preparing pupils for numerous professional fields in an increasingly data- and technology-oriented world. Working as a mathematics teacher opens up the opportunity to introduce young people to this way of thinking and to provide them with tools that will accompany them in their studies, profession, and everyday life.
The Master of Education in Mathematics degree program builds directly on the Bachelor of Education in Mathematics degree program. The master’s degree program completes the academic training. This is followed by a teacher traineeship at a school (Referendariat).
In the teacher education program, the subject of mathematics is combined with a second subject. JGU is the only university in Rhineland-Palatinate to offer the complete range of subjects for teaching degrees. This means you can choose your second teaching subject from 22 other subjects. While your choice of teaching subjects in the teacher education program has a major influence on later employment opportunities, it should also correspond to your personal interests.
The master’s degree program focuses on in-depth subject-specific qualifications and didactic professionalization. Students expand their knowledge in central mathematical disciplines such as analysis, algebra, geometry, stochastics, and numerics. This is not just about repeating knowledge from the bachelor’s degree, but about dealing with more complex concepts, proof methods, and current research perspectives. At the same time, the program focuses on mathematics didactics, which help you learn how to teach content effectively, plan teaching units, and design learning processes. Digital media and innovative teaching formats are also used here. In addition, modules in educational science increase your understanding of topics related to school organization, the psychology of learning, and pedagogical concepts, resulting in the design of mathematics lessons that are both technically correct and also promote learning. Practical teaching experience in schools allows you to deepen the theoretical content and reflect and adapt your teaching methods, and prepares you for independent lesson planning. The aim is to train teachers who have a sound knowledge of mathematics and didactic skills, and are prepared for the challenges of modern mathematics teaching.
In the master’s degree program, students choose an advanced lecture from the field of pure mathematics and one from applied mathematics. You also deepen your knowledge in another area of mathematics by taking a lecture and a main seminar. At the same time, you acquire the subject-specific didactic skills needed for planning and implementing mathematics lessons.
Further details on the study content and structure of the program of study can be found in the module handbook and in the examination regulations, which can be downloaded from our download center for mathematics.
Three weeks before the beginning of the lecture period, we offer bridging courses in mathematics to help all new students in the department refresh their school mathematics and to ease their transition from school to university. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the university and get to know fellow students who are also just starting their studies.
The Learning Workshop is a service offered by our faculty that builds on this idea: During the lecture period, students can work on the weekly exercises together and support each other. There are also tutors present on site who can offer advice and assistance.
The application deadline for the winter semester always ends on September 1st; the application deadline for the summer semester always ends on March 1st.
If you have general questions about studying and applying to JGU, you can find the right contact person for your question at the Student Advisory Center.
Further information can be found in the official degree description for this degree program:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/choosing-your-degree-program/courses-offered/mathematics-med/
