Photo credit: Anna Logue

Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of its beautiful campus and the choice of subjects The seminars and courses in Philosophy/Ethics and German are very interesting and diverse. In some cases, students are even involved in deciding on the subjects to be taught and may suggests topics that they are interested in! I like the practical orientation of the modules in Education Sciences that are constantly being enhanced, so for example by means of service-learning courses. These allow me to gain practical experience and further develop as a future teacher.

Lena Stabel, student in the program in Teacher Education: German, Philosophy/Ethics / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

The master’s program in Teacher Education offers a multitude of opportunities in both subjects to freely choose your own specializations and organize your studies in a flexible and individual manner within program’s given structure. The modules in Education Sciences cover a wide range of topics so you feel very well prepared for a teaching position. The University Library provides a great learning environment, which also contributes to the students’ academic success. Besides, the City of Mannheim is the perfect place for students. The university is located right in the heart of the city so you can easily combine living and studying.

Katharina Wolpert, student in the program in Teacher Education: Philosophy/Ethics, Mathematics / Photo credit: Nils Picksak

Program facts and information

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
(70 in Philosophy and Ethics, 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, Latinum or Graecum language certificates (can be obtained later if required, except your proficiency in German, (more 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: Philosophy/Ethics study Philosophy, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.

Philosophy addresses the general basic concepts of human thoughts and behavior, and questions truth and perception, the good life, morality and justice, and social and cultural practices. By studying Philosophy and Ethics, you will become familiar with historical, and contemporary, philosophical positions. The modules teach you systematic skills such as reasoning and arguing, and show you how to analyze complex problems and develop structured solutions.

You address the following questions in modules on Teaching Methodology: Which methods can I use to teach pupils about a subject and to develop their skills? Which challenges 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: Philosophy/Ethics 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.

The compact size of the program at the Department of Philosophy means that you are guaranteed personal support from the academic advisor, program manager, and teachers. Our students value the ability to work and discuss topics in small groups.
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.

Graduates of the program also have interesting career options outside of the school sector. You can become, for example, a (scientific) journalist, artist or speaker, or work in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility at a company or non-profit organization.
Required interests and skills
Students of Philosophy should:
- be interested in contemporary social questions, and curious about the subject,
- read frequently,
- be capable of analytical and critical thinking,
- like debating and be able to argue well,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- 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 Culture and Economy: Philosophy (M.A.) (If you chose Philosophy 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
The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semester 2022/2023 will start on 1 June and will end on 15 July 2022.
Read more: Website 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: Philosophy/Ethics at the University of Mannheim?

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Further study

Application and selection

Florian Dorner

Admissions Office