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Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: German

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 German, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)

    Language of instruction: German

    Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.
    Proficiency in English and another foreign language is required as well (you can prove your proficiency in English and another foreign language at a later date).

    Program start: Fall semester (September)
    Academic Calendar

    School: School of Humanities

    Semester fee: €160.40 (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: German (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: German study German, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.

    Modules in German teach you about modern and classic German literature and linguistics. During modules on Literary Studies, you will look at different genres, theories, and the history of literature. Of course, it also involves reading lots of books by the likes of Friedrich Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich von Kleist, Franz Kafka, Feridun Zaimoglu and Juli Zeh. Linguistics modules teach you about the development and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures.

    You address the practical, basic principles of German lessons at school in modules on Teaching Methodology: Which methods can I use to teach pupils about a subject and to develop their skills? Which content, methods, and social arrangements can I use to foster my teaching in the classroom?

    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: German 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 the broad and varied range of modules available at the Department of German Studies, which cover the basic principles of Linguistics and Literary Studies, and address the latest topics in these fields. Focus is placed on different types of media, and the Department works with a range of cultural institutions in the city, such as the National Theater, Mannheim.

    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. A degree in German qualifies you to work as a journalist, editor, artist or copywriter.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of German should:

    • have an excellent command of the German language,
    • enjoy scientifically analyzing German literature, language and culture,
    • not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • read frequently (in German, and sometimes 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 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: German Studies (M.A.) (If you chose German and Economics or Business Administration as your two main subjects for the B.Ed. Teacher 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.

Contact

Sarah Kern

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
Consultation hour(s):
Tue and Wed 10 a.m.–noon, during the semester break: Tue 10 a.m.–noon (jeweils offene Sprechstunde)
Photo credit: Daniela Haupt
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim
E-mail: bewerbung(at)uni-mannheim.de
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