Study Philosophy for Teacher Education

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics

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
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  • Additional program facts and information

    Language proficiency
    In addition to German language skills (see “Application and selection”), you need to provide proof of the Latinum or Graecum certificate as well as English language proficiency. 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: 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 as well as 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.

    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 to 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 Philosophy/Ethics, 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: Philosophy/Ethics 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.

    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.

    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 nonprofit organization.

  • 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 Philosophy, you should

    • have an interest in contemporary social issues and a general curiosity,
    • enjoy reading,
    • be capable of analytical and critical thinking,,
    • enjoy debating,
    • working with complex texts, theories, and methods, 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: Philosophy/Ethics is currently selective. The following selection criteria are taken into account:

    • grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
    • the grades achieved in English, German, Mathematics, and the foreign language you continued to study 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

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Exercise course: Philosophisches Denken und Argumentieren
  • Lecture: Geschichte der Philosophie
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Bildungspsychologie

Semester 2

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Exercise course: Lesen und Schreiben philosophischer Texte
  • Exercise course: Formale Logik
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • First school placement with an accompanying seminar
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Lecture: Sprachlich-kulturelle Heterogenität

Semester 3

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Lecture: Theoretische Philosophie
  • Exercise course: Allgemeine Ethik
  • Introductory seminar: Praktische Philosophie
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Lecture: Einführung Pädagogische Psychologie
  • Lecture: Aspekte der Bildungsforschung und Schulpädagogik

Semester 4

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Lecture: Angewandte Ethik und Politische Philosophie
  • Introductory seminar: Theoretische Philosophie
  • Subject 2
  • Education Sciences
  • Seminar: Themen der pädagogischen Psychologie
  • Teaching Methodology
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – Philosophy/Ethics
  • Seminar: Grundlagen Fachdidaktik – Subject 2

Semester 5

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Advanced seminar: Praktische oder Theoretische Philosophie
  • Advanced seminar: Philosophie nach Wahl
  • Subject 2

Semester 6

  • Philosophy/Ethics
  • Advanced seminar: Philosophie und Religion
  • Subject 2
  • Bachelor’s thesis

Course names are listed in the original language.

Portrait of Lena Stabel. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a light-colored wool sweater.

I chose the University of Mannheim because of its beautiful campus and the range of subjects it offers. The seminars in my subjects, German and Philosophy/Ethics, are both engaging and diverse—sometimes, students can even help shape the course content by suggesting topics. In the field of Education Sciences, I particularly appreciate the increasing emphasis on practical experience, for example through service-learning. This allows me, as a prospective teacher, to gain hands-on experience and continue developing my skills.

Lena Stabel, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: German, Philosophy/Ethics
A portrait of Katharina Wolpert. She has reddish-brown curly hair and is wearing a black top.

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 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, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: Mathematics and Philosophy/Ethics

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