Study Teacher Education

Language proficiency
You need to have German language skills (see “Application and selection”). Additional language requirements depend on your chosen subjects. 

Possible master’s programs

• Master’s program in Teacher Education (M.Ed.)
• You can also pursue a different master’s program—depending on your chosen subjects, a range of alternative options may be available to you.

The bachelor’s program in Teacher Education (B.Ed.) at the University of Mannheim is a degree program specifically designed for a teaching career from the very beginning. It consists of two equally weighted subjects, as well as components in Educational Sciences and Teaching Methodology. 

In Teaching Methodology, you will engage with the practical foundations of teaching by attending one didactics seminar per subject. Typical questions explored in these seminars include:

• How can I effectively teach subject-specific knowledge and skills to students?
• Which content-related, methodological, or social approaches best support the learning process?

A key feature of the Mannheim program is its interdisciplinary perspective: across subjects, you will examine the demands of teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. You will also explore current developments in the digitalization of teaching and learning.

In Educational Sciences, you will study the theoretical foundations of teaching and learning. You will complement this knowledge with practical experience during a first school placement lasting three weeks. In addition, accompanying courses provide guidance on key aspects of your potential career path.

Distribution of ECTS credits
You will complete 70 ECTS credits each in your first and in your second subject, 19 ECTS credits in Educational Sciences, 15 ECTS credits in Teaching Methodology, and 6 ECTS credits in your bachelor’s thesis

Strong practical focus
In the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education at the University of Mannheim, you will engage with the current opportunities and challenges of your future teaching profession from an early stage in your studies. Particular emphasis is placed on a strong practical focus: the theoretical knowledge you gain at the university is directly linked to real-world experience in schools through service-learning seminars. In addition, you have the opportunity to get involved in one of the many educational initiatives on a voluntary basis, allowing you to gain further hands-on experience.

Focus: Diverse classrooms
School-based practical components are an integral part of the program. This is where another key focus of the University of Mannheim comes into play: across subjects, you will explore the demands of teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. 

International focus
Teaching abroad—is it possible? Absolutely! As part of your Teacher Education program, you can choose to spend a semester abroad or complete a practical placement in another country.

Excellent conditions for studying
Last but not least, the University of Mannheim offers outstanding study conditions—along with a truly unique campus located in a Baroque palace.

Most students in the Bachelor of Education program aim to become teachers at secondary schools (Gymnasium) or vocational schools. To do so, you need to complete the master’s program in Teacher Education and subsequently the preparatory service (Referendariat). With your degree in Teacher Education, you can also enter the preparatory service in any other German federal state.

Depending on your subject combination, individual qualifications, and personal interests, a degree in Teacher Education can also open up career paths beyond the school system—for example in adult education, educational publishing, or with independent education providers.

If you decide during your bachelor’s degree not to pursue a career in teaching, you can also go on to other master’s programs, which in turn offer a wide range of alternative career opportunities.

Please note that different regulations apply to each subject within the Teacher Education program—be sure to consult the program descriptions by subject for detailed information.

For admission to the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education, the following general selection criteria apply:

• final grade of your higher education entrance qualification,
• grades in relevant school subjects, and
• additional qualifications relevant to your studies such as practical work experience or extracurricular achievements.