Credit: Anna Logue
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.
I decided to enroll at the University of Mannheim, because I desperately wanted to choose Italian as one of my subjects in the Teacher Education program. I was positively surprised by the range of linguistic seminars on offer and I learned a lot about politics, culture, and education in my subjects Italian, French, and Spanish. Multilingualism and interculturality became a very important part of my life and I am excited to soon pass on these skills as a teacher myself.
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (= 3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
(70 in Italian, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)Language of instruction: German and Italian
Language requirements: This program requires proficiency in Italian, basic knowledge of a second Romance language and Latin (may be acquired at a later point of time)
You can prove your language proficiency if you have taken this subject in school or by taking a language test.
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: EUR 204.30 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
Students of the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: Italian study Italian, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.
Modules in Italian teach you about Italian literature, culture and linguistics. During modules on Literary Studies, you will use literary theories to analyze Italian literature and media, focusing on the topics, language, author, period, and genre. The reading ranges from Giovanni Boccacio and Italo Calvino to Umberto Eco.
Courses on culture focus on Italy’s regional, cultural, and historical characteristics. 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: Italian at the University of Mannheim?
The University of Mannheim’s degree programs in Romance Studies (French, Spanish, and Italian) are 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 Germany, 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.
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 continuing or adult education.
Required interests and skills
- enjoy scientifically analyzing Italian literature, language and culture,
- ideally, have a good level of proficiency in Italian at the start of the program,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- read frequently (in Italian, 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.Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!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 (M.A.)
Master’s program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.)
Master’s program in Culture and Economy: Italian Studies (M.A.) (If you chose Italian and Economics and Business Administration as your two main subjects for the Bachelor of Education program.)
Application and selection
For most of the subjects of the Bachelor of Education for teaching at a German Gymnasium, you must prove your language proficiency as a prerequisite for studying. However, you can also catch up on foreign languages during your studies. Please see our information regarding the deadlines you need to observe and for detailed information on language certificates.
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.If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
What it's like to study and live in Mannheim
Our Program Ambassadors share their experiences at the University of Mannheim and are happy to help you.
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
