Photo credit: Anna Logue

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: French

In view of its modest and easily manageable size, the Department of Romance Studies at the University of Mannheim offers excellent study conditions and a wide and most diverse range of courses. Teachers know their students very well and there is an almost family-like atmosphere. My personal highlight during my studies were the excursions we made as they created strong bonds between us students. The research areas of Romance Languages and Linguistics such as multilingualism or Romance minority languages, have encouraged me to broaden my own cultural and linguistic horizon as well as to learn even more Romance languages. In addition to that, the foreign language skills and teaching methodology courses offered as part of the Mannheim Teacher Education program were small and familiar and thus prepared me very well for working as a teacher.

Florian Braun, student in the program in Teacher Education: French, Political Science / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

Apart from the exceptional campus of the beautiful baroque palace, I very much appreciate the international orientation of the University of Mannheim. I particularly like the variety and up-to-date relevance of the seminar topics, allowing students at all times to contribute their own ideas. In addition, my excursions, for example in Romance Studies, have already taken me to Paris and Verdun, as well as to a conference in Graz.

Sophie Rudolph, student in the program in Teacher Education: French, Italian / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

Program facts and information

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
(70 in French, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)
Language of instruction: German and French
Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level,
proficiency in French, basic knowledge of a second Romance language and Latin (you can prove your proficiency at a later date, except your proficiency in German, further informations).
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic Calendar
School: School of Humanities

Semester fee: €194,30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

Further informations for prospective students in Teaching Education of the University of Mannheim
Read more about the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education
Brochure on the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education (only available in German)
Program overview

Students of the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: French study French, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.

Modules in French teach you about French literature, culture and linguistics.
During modules on Literary Studies, you will use literary theories to analyze French literature and media, focusing on the topics, language, author, period, and genre. The reading ranges from Honoré de Balzac and Albert Camus to post-colonial literature.

Courses on culture focus on regional, cultural, and historical characteristics of France and French-speaking countries. Linguistics modules teach you about the development and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures. 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: French at the University of Mannheim?

The University of Mannheim’s degree programs in Romance Studies (French, Spanish, and Italian) were among the top programs in the CHE university ranking. 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 Romance Languages teaches them important modern literary and linguistic principles. Students are taught 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 in Teacher 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 French should:
- enjoy scientifically analyzing French literature, language and culture,
- ideally, have a good level of proficiency in French at the start of the program,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- read frequently (in French, German, and 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 Language and Communication (M.A.)
Master's program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.)
Master’s program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.)
Master’s program in Culture and Economy: French Studies (M.A.) (If you chose French and Economics and Business Administration as your two main subjects for the Bachelor of Education program.)
Application and selection
Admission to the degree programs at the University of Mannheim is not selective within the meaning of a tradional numerus clausus (NC). Instead, 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 foreign language,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.
German language proficiency
If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.

Selection statutes
Under “Application and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.

Application deadline
Please note: Due to the current situation in light of coronavirus pandemic, the application deadline has changed. The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semester 2021/2022 ended on 31 July 2021.
Read more: Pages of the Admissions Office
Normally, the following deadline applies:
You can apply from 15 May to 15 July.
apply

Contact

Florian Dorner

Program Manager for Teacher Education Programs

Momentan bin ich telefonisch nur eingeschränkt erreichbar. Bitte kontaktieren Sie mich per E-Mail.

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 286
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181–2171
E-mail: lehramtuni-mannheim.de
Web: www.uni-mannheim.de/lehramt-gymnasium

Consultation hour(s):
Open consultation hours and telephone service hours are cancelled until further notice. Please contact me via e–mail.

Admissions Office

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

E-mail: bewerbunguni-mannheim.de
Web: www.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/applying/contacting-the-admissions-office

Photo credit: Anna Logue

Program facts and information

Program overview

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

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Further study

Application and selection

Florian Dorner

Admissions Office