International Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Program overview The Master’s programme is practice-oriented and centers on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Its primary aim is to equip students with the skills needed to design, develop and evaluate vocational education processes. Teaching covers subject-specific didactics, curriculum and media development, management approaches for VET institutions, and international perspectives on TVET.

What to expect Coursework blends theoretical foundations with applied learning: you will study learning technologies, comparative international TVET systems, and methods for managing and assessing vocational education programmes. The degree also includes a professional practical studies component to connect classroom learning with real-world VET practice. You further tailor your studies through a specialisation module (three of four options) and complete a research-based Master’s thesis.

Modules and programme structure (requirements)

• Didactics and Methodology of Technical and Vocational Education and Training
• Structures and Theories of Technical and Vocational Education and Training
• Learning and Teaching Using Learning Technologies
• International Comparative Technical and Vocational Education and Training
• Management and Evaluation of International Technical and Vocational Education and Training
• Curriculum and Media Development
• Professional Practical Studies
• WP Specialisation module — choose three of the following four:
  • WP1 Organisational and Human Resource Development
  • WP2 Vocational Training for Sustainable Development
  • WP3 Methods of In-Company Education
  • WP4 Further specialisation module (Research Methods)
• Master’s thesis

This structure offers a combination of specialised didactics, management and evaluation training, applied practical experience, and an opportunity to specialise or deepen research skills before completing the thesis.

This full-time master's programme is taught entirely on campus at the University of Magdeburg and is offered with flexible language options — you can study in German or complete the degree entirely in English. Teaching is interactive and varied, using lectures, seminars, excursions and project work so you regularly apply theory to real-world contexts. If you enter the programme without prior professional experience, it begins with a compulsory practice semester to build hands-on skills and workplace familiarity.

The curriculum balances classroom-based learning with applied experiences. Key themes covered across modules include theoretical foundations of technical and vocational education and training, practice-oriented project work, and field experiences that expose you to institutional and workplace settings. Through this mix of methods you will develop competencies in instructional design, critical reflection on TVET systems, collaborative problem-solving, and the practical implementation of training concepts in diverse environments.

Because the cohort size is kept deliberately small (minimum intake of 15 students per year), you can expect close interaction with faculty, greater opportunity for discussion-led seminars, and tailored supervision during projects and the practice semester. This structure supports graduates who are prepared to work as reflective practitioners, curriculum developers, trainers and researchers in international TVET contexts.

Program requirements and key facts:

• Study location: entirely at the University of Magdeburg
• Language of instruction: German or fully English-taught option available
• Compulsory practice semester at the start for applicants without prior work experience
• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, excursions and project work
• Minimum annual intake: 15 students

Graduates are prepared for roles designing, managing and evaluating vocational education and training programmes in public institutions, private training providers, enterprises and NGOs. Typical career paths include curriculum developer, VET manager or coordinator, in-company trainer, HR/training specialist, consultant for vocational education and international TVET projects. The combination of practical placements, management content and research methods also supports transition to academic research or further doctoral studies in education and TVET-related fields.