Study English for Teacher Education

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: English

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Number of credits: 180 ECTS credits
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
Program language: English, German
Faculty: School of Humanities
Reminder for application deadline
Studierende sitzen an einem Tisch im Learning Center und tauschen sich aus.
  • Additional program facts and information

    Language proficiency
    In addition to German language proficiency (see “Application and selection”), you must demonstrate proficiency in English and one additional language. To prove your level of proficiency, you can submit the grades you achieved in English classes taken during the final years of German upper secondary education, or take a language test, which you may, if necessary, also complete during your degree program (read more about proof of language proficiency). 

    Program start
    Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    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 650

    Possible master’s programs

  • Program overview

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

    Modules in English comprise topics such as British and American literature, culture, and linguistics. During modules on Literary Studies you will look at different genres and theories, and read and analyze the works of English-speaking authors, from Shakespeare and Jane Austen to Toni Morrison. Courses on cultural topics focus on regional, cultural, and historical facets of the British and American cultural areas. Linguistics modules teach you about the development and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures. Furthermore,, you will learn about language acquisition and multilingualism. The program also concentrates on improving your level of language proficiency.

    In the field of Teaching Methodology, you will engage with the practical foundations of teaching English.

    • How can I teach pupils vocabulary and grammar, as well as skills and subject-specific content?
    • Which content-related, methodological, or social approaches support effective teaching and learning?
    • Which media can be used in the classroom?

    Across subjects, you will also explore the demands of teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.

    In Education Sciences, you will learn about the scientific principles behind teaching and learning, which will be complemented by the practical experiences gained during your first school placement.

    Distribution of ECTS credits
    You will complete 70 ECTS credits in English, 70 ECTS credits in your second subject, 19 ECTS credits in Education Sciences, 15 ECTS credits in Teaching Methodology, and 6 ECTS credits in your bachelor's thesis.

  • Why study Teacher Education: English at the University of Mannheim?

    Focus on heterogeneity in the classroom
    The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education in Mannheim prepares students for a teaching career right from the start, putting a spotlight on teaching linguistically and culturally diverse groups of pupils.

    A broad and diverse range of courses
    Our students particularly value the broad and varied range of courses available at the Department of English Studies, which cover the basic principles of Linguistics and Literary Studies, broadens the perspective to include various media, and also addresses current issues.

    International focus
    With 450 partner universities and students from 100 countries, Mannheim is one of the most international universities in the country and provides students with an inspiring learning environment that facilitates excellent teaching and research.

    Working in small groups and good student-teacher ratio
    Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work interactively in small groups and the favorable student-teacher ratio. The program managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have about organizing your studies. Academic advisors and teachers at the relevant department will help you with any questions about the program.

  • Career opportunities

    After graduation, you will have a wide range of continuing education and career opportunities. The traditional career path is working as a school teacher. If you want to become a teacher, you must also complete a master's degree in Teacher Education (M.Ed.) to be eligible for the preparatory service. After completing the preparatory service, you will be qualified to teach at secondary schools (Gymnasium) or vocational schools.

    Alternatively, you can build on the skills you have acquired by studying a master’s program in a literary, cultural, or linguistic field. After graduation, you will then, for example, be qualified to work in the cultural sector, publishing, the advertising industry, human resources, or adult education.

  • Studying abroad and internships

    Studying abroad
    In the Teacher Education programs, studying abroad is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend that you do. You have a wide range of exciting opportunities for studying abroad, as the university is part of a global network and partners with about 450 partner universities. The perfect time for students to go abroad is the fifth subject-specific semester. Coursework and examinations completed abroad can usually be recognized so that your period of study does not need to be extended. The International Office will be happy to support you in planning your stay abroad.

    Internships
    All students of bachelor's programs in Teacher Education in Baden-Württemberg complete their first school placement during the program. The placement lasts for three weeks and gives you the chance to gain initial practical experience during your 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). You can complete your first school placement at a secondary school 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.

  • Interests and skills

    If you wish to study Teacher Education, you should

    • like working with young people and understand their problems,
    • enjoy presenting and explaining things,
    • be confident,
    • be enthusiastic about your subjects and teaching and be able to pass this enthusiasm on to others,
    • be able to accept criticism and reflect on yourself,
    • communicate in a clear and understandable manner.

    If you wish to study English, you should

    • have an interest in the academic study of British and American literature, languages, and cultures,
    • ideally, have a very good level of proficiency in English at the start of the program,
    • be interested in working with complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • enjoy reading (usually in English),
    • engaging in critical thinking and discussions, and
    • writing academic texts.
  • Financing and funding

    Scholarships
    The University of Mannheim offers various scholarships. This funding enables you to focus on your academic achievements and continue your voluntary work alongside your studies. 
    Scholarship overview 
    Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students

    Financial aid for students 
    The Studierendenwerk is the first place to contact if you have any questions on how to finance your studies. They will give you advice on BAföG and tell you about other funding options.
    Go to the Studierendenwerk

  • Application and selection

    Important information on the awarding of study places

    • For your application to be successful, you must apply in due time and form and fulfill the admission requirements for your chosen program of study.
    • If a program of study is selective, the selection criteria set out in the relevant selection statutes apply in addition to the admission requirements. The University of Mannheim does not apply a numerus clausus system (grade-point average for admission to certain programs of study).
    • All of our bachelor's programs require German language skills. If you do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German at C1 level

    The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: English is currently selective. The following selection criteria are taken into account:

    • grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
    • the grades achieved in German, English, Mathematics, and a subject relating to Social Science, as well as
    • relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.

    Application period

    • Selective programs: from 1 June until 15 July
    • Non-selective programs: from 1 June until 31 August

Program structure

Semester 1

  • English
  • Lecture: Introduction to Literary Studies
  • Lecture: Introduction to Linguistics
  • Exercise course: Foundation Course
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Bildungspsychologie

Semester 2

  • English
  • Introductory seminar: Literary Studies UK
  • Introductory seminar: Linguistics – Variation and Change
  • Lecture: Phonetics and exercise course Phonetics UK or US
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • First school placement with accompanying seminar
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Lecture: Sprachlich-kulturelle Heterogenität

Semester 3

  • English
  • Introductory seminar: Literary Studies US
  • Exercise course: Intermediate Translation
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Pädagogische Psychologie
  • Lecture: Aspekte der Bildungsforschung und Schulpädagogik

Semester 4

  • English
  • Introductory seminar: Linguistics – Form and Function
  • Exercise course: Intermediate Essay Writing
  • Seminar: Area Studies UK
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Seminar: Themen der pädagogischen Psychologie
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – English
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – Subject 2

Semester 5

  • English
  • Advanced seminar: Linguistics
  • Seminar: Area Studies US
  • Subject 2

Semester 6

  • English
  • Advanced seminar: Literary Studies
  • Subject 2
  • Bachelor’s thesis

Course names are listed in the original language.

Portrait of Nils Roßnagel. He is wearing a dark blue coat with a matching sweater and has short dark brown hair.

Taking up your studies at the University of Mannheim is a great choice due to the fantastic campus and the familiar atmosphere that exists among students and teachers. The English, History, and Political Science departments offer exciting and highly varied courses each semester. In addition, with more than 450 partner universities around the world, the University of Mannheim offers students the unique opportunity to spend part of their studies abroad.

Nils Roßnagel, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: English, History, Political Science
Alessa Bürkle has long blonde hair and is smiling. She is wearing a gray knitted cardigan and a black top.

Beautiful stuccoed ceilings, dedicated teachers, and a (very) pleasant atmosphere amongst students and professors are what make the Teacher Education program at the University of Mannheim a really great experience. Throughout my bachelor’s degree, I always felt in good hands and well guided even when I wasn’t in Mannheim during my semester abroad. During the three years I spent at the University of Mannheim, I learned a lot, I met wonderful people, and got to know the diverse facets of the city. I can recommend studying here to anyone.

Alessa Bürkle, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: English and Spanish
Felicia Bischoff has long brown hair. She is wearing a black T-shirt with the University of Mannheim logo and the print of the departmental student committee for Language and Literature.

The University of Mannheim offers a lot of opportunities, especially for language enthusiasts like me. The teachers of foreign language skills courses are all native speakers; thus they are authentic role models from whom you can learn a lot. In addition to that, the global international network of the University of Mannheim offers many options to go a semester abroad. This is something I also benefited from.

Felicia Bischoff, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: English and French

Contact

Porträtfoto von Laura Grabarek. Sie hat blonde Haare und trägt einen beigen Blazer.

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. – 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/
University building L1 in front of a blue sky

Admissions Office