Overview The MA in International Education and Global Learning prepares educators to teach and lead in increasingly multicultural and transnational classrooms. Over an intensive one-year, English-taught programme you will examine contemporary global education trends and policies while developing practical pedagogical strategies for diverse, multilingual learning environments. The curriculum balances critical analysis with hands-on learning through case studies, seminars and placements that connect theory to practice.
Structure and international experience Teaching is delivered in flexible and hybrid formats to suit working professionals, combining classroom seminars with applied internships—some of which take place abroad. A compulsory six-week placement at one of the programme’s partner institutions gives you supervised, real-world experience in an international setting. This compact structure is designed to maintain academic rigour while enhancing professional relevance and employability.
Who this programme is for This MA is aimed at education professionals and aspiring leaders who want an international outlook on teaching, curriculum development and policy. It helps you adopt innovative approaches for multinational and multilingual classrooms and equips you to engage with international exchange and development activities.
Career prospects Graduates typically move into roles such as:
Program requirements (core programme elements)
This programme is structured around two complementary module areas plus a final Master’s thesis. The first module area (Research and Practice of International Education) delivers the theoretical and methodological backbone through seminars such as “Concepts of Learning and Leadership in International Comparison” and “Engaging International Education Research Methods and Design.” These prepare you to analyse international education systems, develop comparative leadership perspectives, and design empirical studies. Practical application is emphasised via a Field Atelier that links classroom reflection with an on-site placement experience.
The second module area (Connective Aspects of International Education) lets you tailor your studies by selecting one or two of three thematic modules that explore intercultural learning, multilingualism, and global perspectives on sustainable development. This elective breadth helps you situate pedagogical practice within cultural and policy contexts and build competencies in language-sensitive and sustainability-oriented approaches to education. If your prior higher education was not conducted in German, you may also take a German as a Foreign Language course at the Language Centre to support everyday life and professional integration in Germany.
Practical, international experience is a core element: during the second semester you normally complete a six-week placement at one of the programme’s partner institutions while participating in the Field Atelier seminar, which fosters academic reflection on placement experiences. On request, the university can accept an equivalent placement within Germany. The programme concludes with an independent Master’s thesis written in English; alongside this you participate in a Research Atelier to develop research design, methodology, and writing skills.
Key learning outcomes include an ability to critically compare international learning and leadership concepts, design and conduct education research, apply theory to practice in international placements, and integrate intercultural, multilingual, and sustainability perspectives into educational practice.
Requirements and core components
This master’s programme requires a completed undergraduate degree and specific subject-related credits and experience in education or the social sciences. Your final grade must meet the stated minimum or you can alternatively show you ranked among the top half of your graduating class. Grades will be converted automatically during the application process.
You must also demonstrate subject-specific coursework and international experience in education or social sciences, plus sufficient English ability. If your first degree has fewer than the fullest ECTS credit total, there are clearly defined ways to make up the shortfall with additional university credits or relevant professional experience after your first degree.
Degree-credit requirements (your completed prior degree must meet one of the following):
Winter Semester (International)
The application round starts in early November. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you checkour application pagescloser to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).
Summer Semester (International)
30 November 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 November 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles in international and bilingual schools, educational development organisations and agencies, and curriculum design and educational consultancy. The programme's combination of theoretical grounding and a compulsory international placement also suits candidates for educational policy development, advisory positions, and teacher leadership or professional development roles.
Alumni may also pursue roles in international exchange organisations and NGOs working on education, or continue into research/PhD pathways focused on international education, intercultural learning and multilingualism. The practical orientation and partner-network placements help graduates transition directly into international and cross-cultural education settings.
IB University of Applied Sciences for Health and Social Sciences — Berlin
University of Education Freiburg — Freiburg im Breisgau
University of Augsburg — Augsburg
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg — Magdeburg