Bachelor’s Program in Teacher Education (B.Ed.) for Gymnasium
General information on the Teacher Education programs (B.Ed.)
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
(first subject 70, second subject 70, Education Sciences 19, bachelor's thesis 6)Language of instruction: depends on the subjects chosen
Language requirements: depend on the subjects chosen
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: depends on the subjects chosen
Semester fee: EUR 194 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education (B.Ed.) for Gymnasium consists of two equally weighted subjects, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.
Teaching Methodology covers the practice-oriented aspects of teaching: How can I teach students skills and subject-specific content? Which content-related, methodological, or social arrangements in the classroom promote the learning process? Per subject, you take one seminar in Teaching Methodology.
The Bachelor of Education program at the University of Mannheim prepares students for a teaching career right from the start and places a focus on teaching linguistically and culturally diverse groups of pupils.
Courses in Education Sciences cover the basic scientific principles behind teaching and learning, and are complemented by the practical experiences gained during the first school placement (Orientierungspraktikum).
You will gain practical experience during the three-week first school placement. In accompanying courses, you will also reflect on key aspects of career orientation.
Why study the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education for Gymnasium at the University of Mannheim is a teacher-oriented program from the start. The program focuses on linguistic and cultural heterogeneity in the classroom and on current topics, such as the digitalization of teaching and learning. Students are already dealing with current opportunities and tasks that will await them as teachers. Additionally, Service Learning seminars, which connect theory at the university with practice at a school, and the structured integration of teaching practice elements ensure a high degree of practical orientation. At the University of Mannheim, you can also volunteer and gain practical experience in one of the numerous student organizations in the area of education.
You want to go international? Of course, you can spend a semester abroad or gain practical experience abroad as a student of a Teacher Education program.
At the University of Mannheim, you will benefit from top notch study conditions and spend time on a unique campus with a baroque palace.
Career opportunities
Most students in the bachelor's and master's program in Teacher Education aim to become teachers at a Gymnasium or a vocational school. To work as a teacher, you must complete a Referendariat after completing the master's program in Teacher Education for Gymnasium. In Baden-Württemberg, you are guaranteed a placement for the Referendariat. With your teacher education program, however, you can also start a Referendariat in all other federal states. Depending on the combination of subjects, individual qualifications and interests, other activities are also possible after teacher training, for example in adult education, in textbook publishing houses, and at independent educational institutions.
Those who decide against a career in teaching during their bachelor's program can also pursue other master's programs – which in turn offer a wide range of career prospects.Required interests and skills
Students of Teacher Education should
- like working with young people and understand their problems,
- enjoy presenting and explaining things,
- be confident,
- be enthusiastic about their subjects and the job, and be able to pass this enthusiasm on to others,
- be able to accept criticism and reflect on themselves,
- communicate in a clear and understandable manner.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.Studying abroad
In the teacher education programs, there are diverse and exciting opportunities for studying abroad. The University of Mannheim is part of a global network and is partners with about 450 universities worldwide. The International Office can help you plan a period of study abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fifth subject-specific semester. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School. Coursework and examinations completed abroad can usually be recognized so that the period of study does not have to be extended.Internships
All students of bachelor's programs in Teacher Education in Baden-Württemberg complete their first school placement (Orientierungspraktikum) during the program. The placement lasts for three weeks, and gives students the chance to gain initial practical experience during their studies.Students at the University of Mannheim attend a block seminar while completing their placement. Both the placement and the seminar usually take place during the semester break before the third semester begins (June/July).
Students can either do their placement at a secondary school (Gymnasium) or a vocational school. The Center for Teacher Education and Educational Innovation can answer your questions on the application process and the format of the placement.
Continuing education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Studium Generale
Are you interested in IT or communication trainings or theater, music, or drawing courses? Studium Generale has a vast range of courses available to all.Further study
Master’s program in Teacher Education for Gymnasium(M.Ed.)
You can also pursue a different master's program – the master’s program depends on the subjects chosen.
Application and selection
At the University of Mannheim, a traditional numerus clausus (within the meaning of a minimum grade required for admission) does not exist. In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
There are different criteria for each subject studied in the Teacher Education programs, please check the information for the different subjects. The following criteria are relevant for all subjects:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in individual subjects taught at school,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.
German language proficiency
If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.Selection statutes
Under “Application and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.
Scholarships and funding
The university offers various funding opportunities. Around 200 Mannheim students receive scholarships every year, which are intended to give them the freedom to focus on their academic achievements or to continue their voluntary work alongside their studies. Find out more about the funding opportunities and feel free to apply, for example, for the Deutschland Scholarship, the Opportunity Mannheim Scholarship or the Elite Sports Scholarship Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region.Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Subjects to study
In the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education for Gymnasium, you study two subjects. If you want to study an additional subject, you can study a third subject as extension subject . We are happy to provide tips on subject combinations – because a good subject combination can be helpful when starting your career.
Study Art and Music at our partner institutions
We offer the subjects Art and Music In cooperation with the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Karlsruhe and Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts.
Contact

Sarah Kern, M.A.
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 286
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m. – Office consultation hours
Wed 10–12 a.m. – Online consultation hours
Please book an appointment for the consultation hours via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/virtual-office-hours/

Laura Grabarek, M.A.
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m. – Office consultation hours
Wed 10–12 a.m. – Online consultation hours
Please book an appointment for the consultation hours via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/office-hours-teacher-education-programs/

Admissions Office
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim
Web: www.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/before-your-studies/applying/contacting-the-admissions-office