Students stand and sit in groups in the corridor of the Ehrenhof West.

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics

Ein Porträt von Lena Stabel. Sie hat braune, schulterlange Haare und trägt einen hellen Wollpullover.

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of its beautiful campus and the choice of subjects. The seminars and courses in Philosophy/Ethics and German are very interesting and diverse. In some cases, students are even involved in deciding on the subjects to be taught and may suggests topics that they are interested in! I like the practical orientation of the modules in Education Sciences that are constantly being enhanced, so for example by means of service-learning courses. These allow me to gain practical experience and further develop as a future teacher.

Lena Stabel, student in the program in Teacher Education: German, Philosophy/Ethics / Credit: Jula Jacob

The master’s program in Teacher Education offers a multitude of opportunities in both subjects to freely choose your own specializations and organize your studies in a flexible and individual manner within the program’s given structure. The modules in Education Sciences cover a wide range of topics so you feel very well prepared for a teaching position. The University Library provides a great learning environment, which also contributes to the students’ academic success. Besides, the City of Mannheim is the perfect place for students. The university is located right in the heart of the city so you can easily combine living and studying.

Katharina Wolpert, student in the program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics, Mathematics / Credit: Nils Picksak
  • Program facts and information

    Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

    Standard period of study: 6 semesters (= 3 years)

    ECTS credits: 180
    (70 in Philosophy and Ethics, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)

    Language of instruction: German

    Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in English, a Latinum or Graecum language certificate (may be obtained later if required).
    You can prove your language proficiency if you have taken this subject in school or by taking a language test. For more details, please refer to the information sheet on proofs of language proficiency.​​​​​​​
    If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.

    Program start: Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    School: School of Humanities

    Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

  • Program overview

    Students of the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics study Philosophy, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.

    Philosophy addresses the general basic concepts of human thoughts and behavior, and questions truth and perception, the good life, morality and justice, and social and cultural practices. By studying Philosophy and Ethics, you will become familiar with historical, and contemporary, philosophical positions. The modules teach you systematic skills such as reasoning and arguing, and show you how to analyze complex problems and develop structured solutions.

    You address the following questions in modules on Teaching Methodology: Which methods can I use to teach pupils about a subject and to develop their skills? Which challenges come with teaching multicultural and multilingual groups?

    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).

    Structure of the bachelor's program in Teacher Education (in German)

  • Why study Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics at the University of Mannheim?

    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 students.

    The compact size of the program at the Department of Philosophy means that you are guaranteed personal support from the academic advisor, program manager, and teachers. Our students value the ability to work and discuss topics in small groups.

  • Career opportunities

    After completing the program, graduates have a wide range of further education and career options. The traditional career path is working as a school teacher. If you want to become a teacher, you need to pursue a master's program in Teacher Education (Lehramt Gymnasium) to be admitted to the preparatory service (Referendariat). You are then allowed to teach at secondary or vocational schools. Please note that you can only teach at secondary schools if you study the subject combination History and Political Science as well as Economics and Business Administration.

    Graduates of the program also have interesting career options outside of the school sector. You can become, for example, a (scientific) journalist, artist or speaker, or work in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility at a company or non-profit organization.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of Philosophy should

    • be interested in contemporary social questions, and be curious about the subject,
    • read frequently,
    • be capable of analytical and critical thinking,
    • like debating and be able to argue well,
    • not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • enjoy writing academic texts.

    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.

    Sample course schedule
    These courses are studied in the first semester.

  • 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.

    Continuing education services in academics

    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!

    Language courses at the University of Mannheim

    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.

    Current Studium Generale program

  • Further study

    The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:

    Master’s program in Teacher Education (M.Ed.)

    Master’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy (M.A.) (If you chose Philosophy and Economics and Business Administration as your two main subjects for the Bachelor of Education program.)

  • 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!

    In our selection process for the Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics, we take the following criteria into account:

    • the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
    • the grades achieved in German, English, Mathematics, and a foreign language,
    • 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.

    Application

    • The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.

Contact

Sarah Kern, M.A.

Sarah Kern, M.A.

Program Manager for Teacher Education Programs
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 286
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Tue 10–12 a.m. – Online consultation hours
&
Wed 10–12 a.m. – Office 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.

Laura Grabarek, M.A.

Program Manager for Teacher Education Programs
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 286
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Tue 10–12 a.m. – Online consultation hours
Wed 10–12 a.m. – Office 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

Admissions Office

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