Study History for Teacher Education

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: History

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Number of credits: 180 ECTS credits
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
Program language: 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 need to provide a Latinum language certificate and demonstrate proficiency in English and one additional language. To prove your level of proficiency, you can submit the grades you achieved in 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: History study History, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences, and Teaching Methodology.

    During modules in History, you analyze cultural systems and historical developments in society. In Mannheim, the program focuses on cultures and societies in Europe and America, but also on economic, legal, and social history. In the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education, you will gain an overview of all historical periods from antiquity to the present day.

    In the field of Teaching Methodology, you will deal with questions such as: 

    • Which methods can I use to teach pupils about a subject and develop their skills?
    • Which media can be used in the classroom?

    In interdisciplinary classes, you explore the challenges that come with teaching multicultural and multilingual groups.

    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 History, 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: History 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.

    Numerous collaborations
    The Department of History collaborates with a number of international higher education institutions and cultural establishments, which students of the program can benefit from. 

    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.

    Please note: If you study the subject combination History and Political Science or the subject Economics and Business Administration, you can only teach at secondary schools.

    Alternatively, a degree in History qualifies you for careers in museums, archives, or science journalism.

  • 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 History, you should

    • be interested in history—from antiquity to the present day,
    • enjoy interpreting sources such as texts, eyewitness accounts, or visual sources,
    • be interested in working with complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • enjoy reading (in German and 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

    This program of study is currently not selective.

    Application period

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

    The earlier you apply, the earlier you will hear back from us. This will make the start of your studies less stressful.

Program structure

Semester 1

  • History
  • Lecture: Einführung in die Geschichtswissenschaft
  • Introductory seminar: Neuzeit
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Bildungspsychologie

Semester 2

  • History
  • Lecture and introductory seminar: Altertum
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • First school placement with accompanying seminar
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Lecture: Sprachlich-kulturelle Heterogenität

Semester 3

  • History
  • Lecture and introductory seminar: Mittelalter
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Pädagogische Psychologie
  • Lecture: Aspekte der Bildungsforschung und Schulpädagogik

Semester 4

  • History
  • One of the following:
  • Exercise course: Einführung in die historische Theorie
  • Exercise course: Archiv- und Quellenkunde
  • Advanced seminar: Neuzeit
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Seminar: Themen der pädagogischen Psychologie
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – History
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – Subject 2

Semester 5

  • History
  • Lecture: Neuzeit
  • Advanced seminar: Altertum
  • Subject 2

Semester 6

  • History
  • Advanced seminar: Mittelalter
  • Exercise course with field trip
  • 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 History, English, 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: History, English, Political Science
Katharina Ganz hat blonde lange Haare. Sie trägt ein graues Top und eine Kette, an dem ein Ring hängt.

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of the subjects on offer and its location. Not only do we study in a palace building, we also have all important facilities on campus. I particularly like that you can choose your own specializations in English and American Studies and History. This means that you attend a variety of courses that you’re interested in and can get involved in, and don’t just have lectures on your schedule.

Katharina Ganz, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: History, English

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