Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
(70 in Political Science, 70 in a second subject, 19 in Education Sciences, 15 in Teaching Methodology, 6 in the bachelor's thesis)
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level and proficiency in English. (You can prove your proficiency in English at a later date, further information).
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic Calendar
School: School of Social Sciences
Semester fee: €194.30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650
Students of the bachelor’s program in Teacher Education: Political Science study Political Science, a second equally-weighted subject, Education Sciences and Teaching Methodology.
Political Science involves describing and analyzing political reality. How are political decisions made? Which effects do they have? It also covers, for example, regulations governing coexistence, the distribution of power and skills, and approaches to social problems – not just in Germany, but in Europe and across the world.
In the first semester, you attend introductory courses on Political Science, methods and statistics, and the political system in the Federal Republic of Germany. In the following semesters, you attend courses in the three main areas of Political Science: international relations, comparative politics, and political sociology. Choosing an elective module enables you to specialize in one of these areas.
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?
Students in Mannheim are taught by leading political scientists. The program has repeatedly done well in national and international rankings. In particular, the high quality of the research, which has an international focus, and the study environment were praised. Take a look at the rankings here.
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.
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 Political Science or Sociology. This opens up a variety of other career options for you. Political scientists work, for example, at universities and research institutions, or in public administration. Potential employers include political institutions such as the Bundestag, state governments, political parties, foundations, trade unions and associations, PR agencies, private companies and in market and opinion research.
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. The School of Humanities is partners with over 150 universities worldwide, and, in collaboration with 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 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
This is how your course schedule for the first semester could look like.
The following degree programs are partly or fully available in English:
Master’s program in Political Science (M.A.)
Master’s program in Sociology (M.A.)
The following degree program is (mainly) taught in German:
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:
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
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
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Our Program Ambassadors are happy to help you and share their experiences at the University of Mannheim.
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)