Tuition-free Ethics - Teacher Education Academic Secondary Education [Gymnasium] Programs in Germany: Application Deadlines (2026/27)

Studying ethics for teaching at secondary schools means reflecting on the big questions in life with students: What is justice? How should we act? What makes a good life? As an ethics teacher, you create a space in which young people learn to reflect on moral judgments, consider different perspectives, and justify their own positions. The subject, which is offered in most federal states as an alternative to religious education, is becoming increasingly important in an increasingly pluralistic and secular society. Classes cover classical philosophical theories from Aristotle to Kant as well as current debates on climate justice, artificial intelligence, euthanasia, and the use of social media. The program combines philosophy with related disciplines such as religious studies, sociology, and psychology, and places great emphasis on applied ethics and teaching methodology. Students learn to communicate complex philosophical ideas in an understandable way and to moderate discussions without imposing their own opinions. Since ethics is a growing field with increasing demand, employment opportunities are very good in many places. If you enjoy philosophical thinking, like to discuss ideas, and want to help young people find their moral bearings in a complex world, teaching ethics is a profession of particular social relevance.