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.
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.
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, 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, 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.
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.
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/
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.
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:
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:
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
You can find the exact requirements for the program in the selection statutes, which are only available in German.
Application deadline
Please note: Due to the current situation in light of coronavirus pandemic, the application deadline has changed. The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semester 2021/2022 will begin on 15 June and end on 31 July 2021.
Read more: Pages of the Admissions Office
Normally, the following deadline applies:
You can apply from 15 May to 15 July.
Admission to an advanced semester
If you want to apply for an advanced semester, please contact Ms. Dörr in the Admissions Office.
