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Mathematics Teaching Qualification - Bachelor's study program

Information for prospective students

Course content, study program structure, and the application process – guidance and information on the Bachelor's study program in Mathematics Teaching Qualification at the University of Stuttgart.

Is Mathematics Teaching Qualification right for you? Come and find out!

Do you have a sense of what the Bachelor’s degree program in Mathematics Teaching Qualification entails? With our expectations check, you can quickly and easily check whether your expectations of the study program are realistic.

Do the expectation check now and discover whether the course meets your expectations!

The expectations check focuses on the technical aspects of your studies, not the educational science aspects. Information and decision-making aids to help you decide whether a career as a teacher is right for you can be obtained, for example, from the career counseling service for teachers [de].

Expectation Check

Do you have a sense of what the Bachelor’s study program in Mathematics Teaching Qualification entails?

Statement 1 / 9

In the Mathematics study program, I primarily learn to apply established solution methods and algorithms, and to work confidently with complex formulas.

This statement is largely false

Simply memorizing or calculating mechanically is not sufficient. This is because mathematicians face a wide range of challenges. During my studies, I gain a deeper understanding and learn systematic fundamentals, enabling me not only to apply methods but also to understand, verify, adapt, or even develop them myself.

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Image: Robin Lang

Statement 2 / 9

As a prospective teacher, I only need to know the school curriculum; additional mathematical knowledge contributes little to my teaching.

This statement is largely false

As a teacher, you need a thorough understanding of your subject in order to convey it creatively and accurately, or to respond to any questions critically and correctly. Nothing is more embarrassing than standing in front of a class without a deep knowledge of the subject-matter. Even basic school mathematics can only be fully understood from a higher-level perspective.

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Statement 3 / 9

Good grades in mathematics at school do not guarantee success in university-level mathematics.

This statement is largely true

School grades are only a rough indicator, nothing more. School mathematics is limited to basic techniques, rules, and formulas, but offers little in terms of systematic structure or logical connections. Therefore, in addition to the basic skills learned at school, you need creativity, diligence, perseverance, and tenacity to successfully study mathematics.

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Statement 4 / 9

Mathematics is a purely conceptual construct and also has many applications for everyday problems.

This statement is largely true

Mathematics is the key to understanding complex phenomena and a prerequisite for the success of technical developments; this holds true even when its effects are internal and not visible on the surface. For example, electromagnetic waves (Maxwell, 1865) and relativity (Einstein, 1915) were initially only mathematical theories, yet today we use them in everyday life (Wi-Fi, GPS).

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Statement 5 / 9

Hardly anyone can understand modern mathematics. For practical applications, it is overly abstract and unnecessarily complicated.

This statement is largely false

Abstraction and generality do not make problems more complicated; on the contrary, when used correctly, they make complex things simple. A general principle is often easier to grasp and explain than the many exceptions to the rule. This fundamental principle links theory and application: They are not opposites, but complement each other. Those who master both are able to work more efficiently.

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Statement 6 / 9

Studying mathematics requires diligence and commitment, as well as great perseverance and tenacity; therefore, the dropout rates are very high.

This statement is largely true

Based on school mathematics, the university-level study of mathematics is often misjudged. Beyond basic techniques, you need precision and the ability to think abstractly. These skills can only develop through a lot of independent work, strong motivation, and a genuine enjoyment of mathematics! Not everyone is prepared to do this.

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Statement 7 / 9

Mathematical research is largely complete, the most important results have been known for centuries, and computers handle almost all of the work.

This statement is largely false

Mathematics is a valuable cultural heritage, but not dusty in a museum – it is a living science. Both within and beyond mathematics, new questions constantly arise, leading to new theories and improved methods. Computers are an important tool, but they must first be programmed - and that requires mathematics.

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Statement 8 / 9

Mathematics is very abstract and places little emphasis on beauty.

This statement is largely false

In many areas, mathematics is extremely elegant. Computer-based methods are often visualized through appealing computer graphics. In nearly all subfields, visual illustrations help to clarify relationships and summarize them concisely. Chains of reasoning in calculations can also be aesthetically pleasing.

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Statement 9 / 9

In mathematics studies, you don’t work alone; teamwork also plays an important role.

This statement is largely true

Complex issues are only fully understood when you engage with them attentively on your own. However, the studies do not consist solely of individual work. Many tasks are easier when solved together, discussed, and worked on in team projects. Later in your career, problem-solving is only possible through discussions with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.

» Analysis

Image: Robin Lang

It's your choice

0 out of 9 of your expectations turned out to be fairly accurate.

The goal here wasn’t to answer everything correctly, but to gain a better understanding of the study program. You now need to determine whether your understanding of the study program is accurate or where you need more information.

My skills

The following traits are useful for studying mathematics:

Abstract, logical thinking and enjoyment of problem-solving
Ambition and creativity in solving complex problems
A precise and meticulous approach to work

My interests

If you can answer "Yes" to some of the following statements, then mathematics could be the right field of study for you:

I find it appealing to describe and study natural and technological phenomena mathematically.
I am captivated by puzzles, and I am only satisfied once I have patiently, carefully, and systematically found one or all solutions.
I am not afraid to use computers for mathematical investigations or to do programming.
I enjoyed mathematics at school, and I know that it involves much more than just calculating.
I enjoy teaching mathematics and want to help others understand mathematical concepts.
I enjoy teaching and working with young people.

Are you curious about the Mathematics study program?

What exactly is mathematics – and what does it look like at university?

The Department of Mathematics provides answers to these questions through seven selected problems with detailed solutions. These problems demonstrate:

What mathematics means beyond school
What topics to expect in your studies
How thinking and working are different at university

The seven example mathematics problems [de]

Mathematics Teaching Qualification - Bachelor's study program

Is Mathematics Teaching Qualification right for you? Come and find out!

Expectation Check

Statement 1 / 9

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It's your choice

My skills

My interests

Are you curious about the Mathematics study program?

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