Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: English

Photo credit: uc graphic

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: English

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, 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, student of B.Ed. English and History / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Studying at the University of Mannheim is a dream come true for me - I get to study languages in a beautiful palace and, because of the university’s international orientation and the high number of students from around the world, I can practice speaking these languages on campus. If I had to choose where to study again, I would definitely pick Mannheim. The teachers are enthusiastic and prepare seminars on a variety of topics. This makes the program diverse and interesting.

Leunora Kalludra, student of B.Ed. English and Spanish / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

I decided to enroll in the Teacher Education program at the University of Mannheim because of the university's outstanding reputation. I also really liked the city's character. The university's international focus impresses me - it is partners with numerous universities around the world. I was able to spend a semester studying in England. The Teacher Education program is diverse and gives its students a thorough insight into the different disciplines.

Vincent Haardt, student of B.Ed. English and Political Science

I got to know the University of Mannheim during an internship. It really impressed me and I knew that I didn’t want to study anywhere else. I like my program because the content is so diverse and varied, and it gives you the opportunity to quickly develop as a trainee teacher.

Clara Goepfrich, student of B.Ed. English and German / Private photo

Program facts and information

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)

ECTS credits: approx. 180
(70 in English, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)

Language of instruction: English and German

Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level,
proficiency in English, Latinum language certificate or another modern foreign language (you can prove your proficiency at a later date, except your proficiency in German).

Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic Calendar

School: School of Humanities

Semester fee: €174.90 (more)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

Read more about the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: English (only available in German)

Brochure on the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education (only available in German)
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 teach you about 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 culture focus on regional, cultural, and historical elements of the British and American cultural areas. Linguistics modules teach you about the development and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures. As well as this, you learn about language acquisition and multilingualism. The program also concentrates on improving your level of language proficiency.

You address the practical, basic principles of foreign language lessons at school in modules on Teaching Methodology: Which methods can I use to teach pupils grammar and vocabulary? Which media can I use?

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

Classes on Education Sciences cover the basic scientific principles behind teaching and learning, and are complemented by the practical experiences gained during the first school placement (Orientierungspraktikum).
Why study Teacher Education: English at the University of Mannheim?

The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation in Germany. 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.

The Bachelor of Education program at the University of Mannheim prepares students for a teaching career right from the start and places a focus on teaching linguistically and culturally diverse groups of pupils.

Most students on the program want to become teachers after they graduate. But if you decide during your studies that teaching isn’t for you, you have the option of pursuing a master’s program in a different field. There are many career options outside of schools open to you.

Our students particularly value that the Department of English Studies provides a broad and varied range of modules. Our teachers educate them on relevant basic principles, provide exciting options to extend their knowledge, and address current topics and issues.

Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work in small groups. Academic advisors, program managers, and teachers are happy to answer your questions on the program.
Career opportunities

A bachelor’s degree in Teacher Education gives you different career options.

The traditional option is to work at a school. If you want to become a teacher, you must also complete a Master of Education to be eligible for the preparatory service. Once completed, you can teach at a Gymnasium secondary school or a vocational school in Germany.

Alternatively, you can build on the skills learned during your bachelor’s program by studying a master’s program in a literary, cultural or linguistic field. You can then work, for example, in the cultural sector, in human resources departments, or in continued or adult education.
Required interests and skills
Students of English should:
- enjoy scientifically analyzing British and American literature, languages and cultures,
- ideally, have a very good level of proficiency in English at the start of the program,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- read frequently (usually in English),
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- enjoy writing academic texts.
Students of Teacher Education should:
- like working with young people and understand their problems,
- enjoy presenting and explaining things,
- be confident,
- be enthusiastic about their subjects and the job, and be able to pass this enthusiasm on to others,
- be able to accept criticism and reflect on themselves,
- communicate in a clear and understandable manner.
Program structure

Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.

Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is well-connected internationally, and is partners with around 450 universities around the world. The International Office can help you to plan a semester of study abroad. The ideal time to study abroad is during the fifth semester of the program. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School. Credits that you obtain abroad are normally recognized by the University of Mannheim, which means that you do not have to extend the duration of your studies.

Internships
All students of bachelor's programs in Teacher Education in Baden-Württemberg complete their first school placement (Orientierungspraktikum) during the program. The placement lasts for three weeks, and gives students the chance to gain initial practical experience during their 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).

Students can either do their placement at a Gymnasium 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.

Sample course schedule
These courses are studied in the first semester.
Further study

The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:

Master’s program in Teacher Education (M.Ed.)

Master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.)

Master’s program in Language and Communication (M.A.)

Master’s program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.)

Master’s program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies (M.A.) (If you chose English and Economics or Business Administration as your two main subjects for the Bachelor of Education program.)
Application and selection
We take the following criteria into account in our selection process:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in German, English, Mathematics, and a subject relating to Social Science,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities,
- very good level of proficiency in German (C1 or better).
Selection statutes
You can find the exact requirements for the program in the selection statutes, which are only available in German.

Application
You can apply between June 1 and July 15.

Apply

Career Counselling for Teachers
Applicants are required to complete the online Career Counselling for Teachers, which is only available in German. They must then submit proof that they have completed this test with their application.

Admission to an advanced semester
If you want to apply for an advanced semester, please contact Ms. Dörr in the Admissions Office.

Learn more about the school of humanities.

Contact

Sarah Kern

Program Manager for Teacher Education Programs

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Kaiserring 14–16 – Room 612 (6th floor)
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181-2171
E-mail: lehramt(at)uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/teacher-education-programs

Consultation hour(s):
During the lecture period: Tue and Wed from 10:00 a.m.–noon (drop–in)

Photo credit: Daniela Haupt

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim

E-mail: bewerbung(at)uni-mannheim.de

Program facts and information

Program overview

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

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Further study

Application and selection

Sarah Kern

Admissions Office