Photo credit: Anna Logue
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/
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 CalendarSchool: 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: €650Program 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?
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
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.
Required interests and skills
- 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?)
- 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
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.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:
Application and selection
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
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
Do you have questions on our programs or life in Mannheim?
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)