Das Mannheimer Barockschloss und der Ehrenhof unter blauem Himmel.

Bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Romance Studies (French, Italian, Spanish)

Program ambassador

Maja Schwerdtle mit schulterlangen braunen Haaren trägt eine hellgrüne Bluse mit Blumenmuster und lächelt freundlich in die Kamera mit dem Gebäude A1 der Universität im Hintergrund.

My name is Maja and I began my studies at the University of Mannheim in the fall/winter semester 2024/25. I am studying the bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Romance Studies with French and Business Administration. When looking for the right program, there are often a few unanswered questions. I will be happy to answer your questions and help you with any uncertainties or general questions about the University of Mannheim!

Maja, program ambassador for the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Romance Studies

Why I chose this program

The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy is interdisciplinary and teaches you to think outside the box and broaden your horizons. The program offers many opportunities for discussing interdisciplinary topics and looking at different fields. I am studying the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy with French and Business Administration.

The core subject, Romance Studies – either French, Italian or Spanish – focuses on three areas: Linguistics, Literary Studies, and language practice. In Linguistics and Literary Studies, you will learn a lot about the classics of the respective country's literature from all eras in various seminars, as well as about the function and development of language and its cultural significance. In language practice classes you discuss current topics, do comprehension exercises, and improve your speaking and writing skills. Students can choose from a variety of courses at different levels that match their current knowledge. In addition to these subject areas, you have courses in cultural studies and intercultural studies. Many students complete these modules during their semester abroad; the University of Mannheim offers an excellent selection of partner universities for this purpose.

In contrast to traditional studies in Romance Studies, the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy also provides you with a basic education in Economics. You can choose a combination major in either Business Administration or Economics. In Business Administration, we gain knowledge of the most important areas such as Marketing, Business Information Systems and Finance. If you would like to deepen your economic knowledge, you can take the specialization module in Economics or do a master's program in Business Administration after the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy.

I was already interested in other languages and cultures when I was at school. I decided to study the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy with French because of my German-French Abitur and my passion for the French language. As we take courses from both Romance Studies and Economics, the program is very varied and it never gets boring.

Studying at the University of Mannheim

  • What’s special about the program?

    Studying at the University of Mannheim campus is quite an experience. How often do you have the opportunity to study in one of the largest baroque palaces in Europe? The curriculum is excellent in all schools and the Romance Studies department enjoys a good reputation. And if you are drawn to faraway places, you can study all over the world with the University of Mannheim's study abroad programs.

  • Extracurricular activities

    Apart from studying, there is much to experience as a student in Mannheim: The departmental student committees and numerous student organizations give you the opportunity to get involved on a voluntary basis. A wide range of interests is covered, from politics and the environment to leisure activities. The departmental student committee for Linguistics and Literary Studies organizes many internal and external activities and events and advocates for the rights and interests of students at the University of Mannheim. The Institute of Sport also offers a wide range of activities – there really is something for everyone.

    But it's not just the university that has a lot to offer, Mannheim as a city is also diverse and colorful. Whether you're into a good barbecue on the Neckarwiese or a jog along the Rhine promenade, the Christmas markets at the Wasserturm and Paradeplatz, or the bars in Jungbusch and the clubs in the Quadraten, you'll find everything your heart desires in Mannheim.

After graduation

  • Further study

    The opportunities after the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy are as diverse as the students themselves.

    If you would like to deepen your knowledge in both areas after your bachelor's degree, you can continue with the master's program in Culture and Economy at the University of Mannheim or do another master’s program in linguistics, for example the master's degree in Language and Communication. However, you also have the option of completing a master's degree in your combination major. The University of Mannheim, for example, offers the Mannheim Master in Management program, an excellent master’s program in Business Administration. You can then go on to do a doctorate and start a career in academia.

  • Career opportunities

    The Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region provides you with excellent opportunities for internships and career entry positions after obtaining your bachelor's or master’s degree. The region is home to various companies and numerous cultural institutions. So far, it hasn't been difficult for me to find an internship. Of course, your personal interests also play a role, but the offer around Mannheim is great so that there really is a place for everyone.

What you need to know

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    And what are you going to do with your degree? I've heard this question a lot. The great thing about the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy and one of the main reasons why I chose this program is the variety of opportunities. You don't have to decide immediately which career field or industry you want to go into afterwards, but can reinvent yourself again and again. For example, you can work in project management, in PR agencies, in management consulting, or in international organizations.

    Why not just major in Business Administration or Economics? That's another question I hear very often. However, the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach. It highlights the links between Economics and the Humanities, which are becoming increasingly important in today's networked world.

  • Clichés

    Students of the Humanities only sit in cafés and discuss the big and small questions of life, but end up as taxi drivers.

    Drinking coffee should not be underestimated! By talking to other students, I sometimes learned things that are not covered in the lectures. However, I'm not afraid that I'll end up as a cab driver. And I don't have to: Thanks to the dual qualification, we have even more options than with a degree in just Business Administration or Economics.

Would you like to start your studies at the University of Mannheim?

Apply now!

Contact

Maja Schwerdtle mit schulterlangen braunen Haaren trägt eine hellgrüne Bluse mit Blumenmuster und lächelt freundlich in die Kamera mit dem Gebäude A1 der Universität im Hintergrund.

Uni-Scout Maja

Bachelor Kultur und Wirtschaft: Romanistik