In Germany the professional education is organised as an education in a professional enterprise (in agriculture: on a farm) by a master or professional trainer (Ausbilder) and on the other side a professional school for profession oriented theoretical and general education taught by professional teachers (one to two days a week).

For becoming a professional trainer (Ausbilder), a number of additional courses can be taken at university by students of agricultural studies.

Non-University Higher Education (Fachhochschulen)

 There is no possibility for students of Fachhochschulen to enter directly a career as a professional teacher. The only way is to switch to university where thy can transfer quite a number of credits from Fachhochschule.

 Depending on the regulation in the specific state (Land), the curriculum for the professional teacher training is organised as a complete integrated study programme (I), as a postgraduate course for graduates of the agricultural studies (II) or as a part of the special training course for state officers (Referendariat, III).

Admission Requirements

- Fachabitur (special higher education exam)
or
Abitur (general higher education exam)
and
- practical training of twelve months and a professional examination (Praktikantenprüfung).

Integrated Study Programme (I):
 
 In this programme, agricultural and educational studies, practical teaching training and studies of a second subject from the field of general education (i.e. mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, German, English, physical education) are combined. The length of studies is supposed to be also nine semesters, but due to the difficulties of combining different subjects, usually the students take a little longer. 

 About half of the courses are in the field of the first subject, agriculture or horticulture, about 38% in the second subject and about 12 % in educational sciences, evenly distributed over all semesters.

 The contents of the agricultural or horticultural part are a condensed image of the original agricultural study programme. There is also after about four semesters of basic studies (Grundstudium) the mid-examination (Zwischenprüfung) in all three subjects, and after nine semesters the final examination, which is the erste Staatsprüfung (first state examination) for professional teachers. This examination is regulated by the state government and not by the university. 

 The first state examination is the prerequisite for the special training course (Referendariat) of two years in professional schools.

 The integrated study programme (I) is offered at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and at the Technische Universität München.

Postgraduate Course (II)

 This course starts from the level of graduates of the regular agricultural study programmes(Diplom-Agraringenieur). It concentrates on the educational sciences and practical teaching training. This postgraduate course is offered at the Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen. 

Special Training Course (III)

 The special teaching training course in some states (Länder) is part of the special training course for state officers (Referendariat). Depending on the state concerned it consists of a six to twelve months theoretical and practical teaching training at an educational institute and in professional schools. 

Practical Training
 The practical training required for professional agricultural teachers as for all state officers is twelve months on farms and a professional examination (Praktikantenprüfung).

Contributory Research Work
 The students have to write an examination thesis (wissenschaftliche Hausarbeit, Staatsexamensarbeit) as part of their first state examination. This examination thesis has to be finished within three months. It is a treatise of an actual scientific topic, but because of the limited time period allowed it cannot consist of a truly experimental study.

European Dimension
 Since quite a number of students choose foreign languages as a second subject in the integrated study programme there is a good potential for exchange and foreign experience. This is, however, somewhat limited due to the different state regulations which make it even more difficult to evaluate and to credit foreign courses.

Grade / Title of Diploma / Degree
 The graduates, who have passed the state examination, do not have a special degree. They are candidates for the post of a professional teacher. 

Further Study
 For the professional teacher training studies, there are no follow-up programmes such as postgraduate courses.

 The only follow-up is the special training course of two years for teachers (Referendariat), which is a practical and theoretical teaching training at professional schools and leads to the second state examination, the prerequisite for a career in the professional school system. 

Usually, graduates of this study programme cannot immediately register in doctoral programmes. 

Employment Market
 Due to the reduction of the importance of agriculture and the percentage of people working in agriculture and horticulture, the number of positions in professional agricultural schools is declining. However, there is still some demand, especially for the general education subjects and in connection with education of disabled people.

Addresses of Universities

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät
Invalidenstr. 42
10115 Berlin
Tel.: 030/ 28972208  Fax: 030/ 28972203

Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen 
Fachbereich Agrarwissenschaften und Umweltsicherung
Bismarckstr. 24
35390 Giessen
Tel.: 0641 / 7029670  Fax: 0641 / 702969

Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan
Fakultät für Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau
85350 Freising
Tel.: 08161 / 713258  Fax: 08161 / 713900

 For the special teaching training courses (III) contact the ministries of agriculture of the states concerned.