University and Studies: Before the Start of the Semester
Credit: Anna-Lena Heins
The University of Mannheim offers a large selection of courses that are taught in English or German as well as a wide number of language courses. Before the start of the semester, you will need to select your courses, assemble your course schedule, and register for courses.
Before you can take up your studies at the University of Mannheim, you also need to enroll as a student first.
Please note: If you participate in one of the Double Degree Programs, course selections works differently and you will receive separate information directly from the coordinator of your Double Degree. Please follow the instructions of your coordinator and only register for courses after enrollment.
Courses for Exchange Students
Course catalogue:
As an exchange student, you can select courses from our course catalogue. The list includes all courses that are offered in either German or English for exchange students. Information concerning location, time, and registration is also included. You may not only attend courses offered by your school but also several courses of other schools. These are called university-wide electives. You need to take the majority of your courses from the school to which you are coming on exchange.
Please note: If you participate in one of the Double Degree Programs, course selections works differently and you will receive separate information directly from your department. In contrast to exchange students, you will only be able to register for courses after enrollment!
Credit: Anna LogueGerman Language Courses:
At the University of Mannheim, exchange students and students of a double degree program are offered the opportunity to attend a broad range of German language and culture courses. Before the beginning of the semester, preparatory German language courses are organized as part of the International Winter Academy or the International Summer Academy, respectively.
More courses on German language and culture are offered during the semester.Types of Courses
Credit: Anna-Lena HeinsThroughout your course selection process, you have surely noticed that there are many various forms of courses offered at the university, so here is a quick overview of the different types of courses:
Lectures (Vorlesung): These courses are generally quite large and usually involve very little interaction between students and the instructor. The professor presents a specific topic for the day and the students take notes about the important points.
Proseminars and Advanced Seminars (Proseminar and Hauptseminar): Students are expected to actively participate in the course and usually have to give a presentation. Since there are much fewer students in these classes than in a lecture, the course is much more interactive and a student’s participation is usually part of their overall grade.
Exercises and Tutorials (Übung and Tutorium): These courses are oriented toward the practical aspects of a certain subject and are comprised of applying one’s knowledge to selected texts, translations, etc. Some exercises/
tutorials are offered as part of a lecture and help students to better understand and apply the material presented in the lecture. Postgraduate Seminars and Colloquia (Oberseminar and Kolloquium): These courses are usually only offered to doctoral students and to exam candidates.
Course Schedule for Exchange Students
How many courses can I attend?
There are no official regulations concerning the amount of courses you can attend. In general, you may select courses from any of the university faculties. However, the majority of courses must be within your specific field of study. Furthermore, you should speak with your home university about the number of ECTS credits that you must obtain while in Mannheim.
Am I allowed to take courses outside of my area of study?
Yes, you are. However you should choose these courses from the “University-wide electives” section. No prerequisites are necessary for the “University-wide electives” courses.
I have questions about the courses. Who can I speak with?
You can contact the departmental exchange coordinator from your specific academic department. At the beginning of each semester, the International Office and the individual departments offer information sessions where you can receive advice and assistance concerning course selection and attendance. We highly recommend that you attend these important information sessions.
Learning Agreement
What is a Learning Agreement?
The Learning Agreement is an arrangement between one of the departments at the University of Mannheim and the department of your home university. It assures that your course credits will be accepted at your home university after your return. The Learning Agreement also has a second function for students who take part in the Erasmus Program: it proves the participation of the Erasmus Program and assures the Erasmus aid.
What do I need to do?
As a first step, choose the courses you want to take at the University of Manheim and talk about your course choice with the faculty coordinator or the academic advisor of your home university. Fill out the Learning agreement and have it signed by the coordinator at your home university. As a second step, you need the signature from your departmental coordinator at the University of Mannheim. We strongly advise you to do this before or during the first two weeks of classes. For a specific deadline, however, please contact your home university.
How do I fill in the section “Receiving Institution”?
The receiving institution is the University of Mannheim. In this section, please fill in the data as below:
- Name: Universitaet Mannheim
- Erasmus code: D MANNHEI01
- Country, Country code: Germany, D
The remaining fields (faculty, contact person name, e-mail etc.) in this section refer to your departmental coordinator at the University.
Where do I get the signature of the “responsible person”?
The responsible person at the receiving institution is your departmental exchange coordinator. Regardless of whether you would like your Learning Agreement to be filled out on paper, digitally or via the Online Learning Agreement (OLA), you will find all contact details for the responsible person below:
