Bachelor's Program in Teacher Education: Political Science

I decided to enroll in the Teacher Education program at the University of Mannheim because of the university’s outstanding reputation. I also really liked the city’s character. The university’s international focus impresses me - it is partners with numerous universities around the world. I was able to spend a semester studying in England. The Teacher Education program is diverse and gives its students a thorough insight into the different disciplines.

Vincent Haardt, student of B.Ed. Political Science and English / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Program facts and information

Degree: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)

ECTS credits: approx. 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, some courses are taught in 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).

Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic Calendar

School: School of Social Sciences

Semester fee: €174.90 (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: Political Science (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: 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. According to the 2017 QS Rankings, the University of Mannheim is the best German university in the Social Sciences and Management category. 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 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
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,
- proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.
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

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(at)sowi.uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/en/

Consultation hour(s):
Mondays 11:00 a.m. – noon, Wednesdays 2–4 p.m.
Not available: October 21–31

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim

E-mail: bewerbung(at)uni-mannheim.de

Program facts and information

Program overview

Why study Teacher Education: Political Science at the University of Mannheim?

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Further study

Application and selection

Dr. Gledis Londo

Admissions Office