Photo credit: Anna Logue
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
The University of Mannheim offers a lot of opportunities, especially for language enthusiasts like me. The teachers of foreign language skills courses are all native speakers; thus they are authentic role models from whom you can learn a lot. In addition to that, the global international network of the University of Mannheim offers many options to spend a semester abroad. This is something I also benefit from.
Felicia Bischoff, student of the program in Teacher Education: French, English / Photo credit: Farina Stock
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 proficiency in French, basic knowledge of a second Romance language and basic knowledge in Latin (may be acquired later on).
You can prove your language proficiency if you have taken this subject in school or by taking a language test. For more details, please refer to the information sheet on proofs of language proficiency.
If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: 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: €650Program 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.
Courses in 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).
Structure of the bachelor's program in Teacher Education (in German)
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 students. 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.
Career opportunities
After completing the program, graduates have a wide range of further education and career options. The traditional career path is working as a school teacher. If you want to become a teacher, you need to pursue a master's program in Teacher Education (Lehramt Gymnasium) to be admitted to the preparatory service (Referendariat). You are then allowed to teach at secondary or vocational schools. Please note that you can only teach at secondary schools if you study the subject combination History and Political Science as well as Economics and Business Administration.
Required interests and skills
- enjoy 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.
- 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
In the teacher education programs, there are diverse and exciting opportunities for studying abroad. The University of Mannheim is part of a global network and is partners with about 450 universities worldwide. The International Office can help you plan a period of study abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fifth subject-specific semester. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School. Coursework and examinations completed abroad can usually be recognized so that the period of study does not have to be extended.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 secondary school (Gymnasium) 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
At the University of Mannheim, a traditional numerus clausus (within the meaning of a minimum grade required for admission) does not exist. In our selection process, we take the following criteria into account:
- 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 (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
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
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The University of Mannheim is the most popular university in Germany
In the students' vote on the Studycheck.de platform, the University of Mannheim has reached the top position among all universities. This makes the University of Mannheim the most popular university in Germany.
read more about the award (in German)