Special Needs Education with a focus on Sign Language Pedagogy/Hearing and Communication (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
The Special Needs Education with Focus on Sign Language Pedagogy and Hearing & Communication programme provides you with a foundation in education, sociology, language development, support concepts and skills in German sign language.
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)
The Bachelor's thesis is written within the framework of the final module of one of the studied subjects of free choice. If you study a subject in Special Needs Education, the final module is to be chosen from its modules. Module 1 Foundations of sign-language and audio education 9 CP Module 2 Communication and language training 10 CP Module 3 Basis module German Sign Language (DGS) 10 CP Module 4 Advance Module German Sign Language (DGS) 10 CP Module 5 Medical and pedaudiological foundations 5 CP Module 6 Sociological and historical foundations and didactics in heterogeneous learning groups 8 CP Module 7 Learning and support approaches 10 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.
Knowledge of German Sign Language (DGS) is recommended (but not a mandatory requirement). Approximately 100 DGS hours of previous knowledge would be an ideal prerequisite for a successful start.
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
Dr. Sylvia Wolff
Recognition of credits
Contact information for the faculty
Department of Education Studies
Institutsgeb?ude, Geschwister-Scholl-Stra?e 7, 10117 Berlin