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Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Political Science

The University of Mannheim offers excellent Teacher Education programs. As students, we receive an exceptional academic training in subject-specific topics complemented by courses in Teaching Methodology and Education Science that have a strong practical orientation, thus preparing us very well for our future daily routine as teachers. Furthermore, we have the opportunity to choose a third subject, the so-called Master of Education Extension Subject, while still in the bachelor’s program. This way, it is possible to pursue one’s own interests and even improve one’s career prospects without having to extend the duration of the program. This is the reason why the University of Mannheim is an outstanding university to study Teacher Education.

Sören Hengstberger, student in the program in Teacher Education: Political Science, Economics, and German Studies / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because of its excellent reputation in the field of Social Sciences. The University of Mannheim closely collaborates with schools and the master’s program in Teacher Education thus has been perfectly adapted to the challenges that schools face nowadays. I always felt like I was well looked after thanks to small groups in the German and Politics seminars. Since the academic approach to the subject is well combined with practical experience, you have a wide range of career opportunities, not only in teaching.

Annamaria Grossmann, graduate of the program in Teacher Education: Politics, German / Photo credit: Zoe Olsen

I’ve always been convinced that the academic training at the University of Mannheim is excellent. What I liked especially about my program was teaching in the field of Economics. In these courses, we were introduced to various economic models in a vivid manner and with a clear reference to current events. And we were always made aware of the fact that economic models cannot perfectly represent reality and thus only serve to make complex issues more easily comprehensible.

Konstantin Werner, graduate in the program in Teacher Education: Politics, Economics / Photo credit: Daniela Haupt

Taking up your studies at the University of Mannheim is a great choice due to the fantastic campus and the familiar atmosphere that exists among students and teachers. The Political Science, History, and English departments offer exciting and highly varied courses each semester. In addition, with more than 450 partner universities around the world, the University of Mannheim offers students the unique opportunity to spend part of their studies abroad.

Nils Roßnagel, student in the program in Teacher Education: Political Science, History, English / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

The program in Teacher Education at the University of Mannheim has not only educated me professionally but also personally in all respects. Theory and practice are perfectly combined and I feel ideally prepared for my future career. As students, we are surrounded by a network of advisors for subject-specific academic advice, program managers and/or academic staff members who are always happy to help with all questions and issues we may have. This way, we can fully concentrate on our studies.

Ricarda Droste, student in the program in Teacher Education: Political Science, Deutsch / Photo credit: Fotostudio klassisch-modern

  • Program facts and information

    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

    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: 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?

    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: Political Science at the University of Mannheim?

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of Political Science should:

    • be capable of analytical and critical thinking,
    • enjoy working with complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • have a good level of English proficiency,
    • find sociological questions interesting (for example: how do governments make and justify decisions?)

    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 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:

    Master’s program in Teacher Education (M.Ed.)

  • 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 final grades achieved in Mathematics and English,
    • other 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

Dr. Gledis Londo

Dr. Gledis Londo

Program Manager Political Science
University of Mannheim
School of Social Sciences
A 5, 6
Building A – Room A 418
68159 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 181–1826
Fax: +49 621 181–1997
E-mail: pol sowi.uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/en/
Consultation hour(s):
Please book an appointment:
https://www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/online-beratung/gledis-londo/
Please call me on my office number during the week or book an appointment for online consultation, emails take longer due to a very high amount of emails. Thank you!
Photo credit: Elisa Berdica
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim
E-mail: bewerbung uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/applying/contacting-the-admissions-office
Photo credit: Anna Logue
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