Current English Linguistics and Literary Studies (CELLS)
Program ambassador
I'm Martina and I've been studying the bachelor’s program in Current English Linguistics and Literary Studies (CELLS) at the University of Mannheim since the fall semester 2024. I first started studying Teacher Education with the subjects English and History in the fall semester 2023 until I switched to the CELLS program one year later. This was definitely the right decision for me and I’m very happy with the program. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns!
Why I chose this program
The bachelor's program in Current English Linguistics and Literary Studies (CELLS) provides an insight into English linguistics and literary studies but also deals with the culture and society of Great Britain and the US. The lectures are almost exclusively in English, so you’re always in contact with the language. In the linguistic part of the program, you will deal with topics such as language acquisition, multilingualism, and language development. In Literary Studies, you will focus on scientifically analyzing literature from the late 20th and 21st century. Unlike a traditional English and American Studies program, CELLS provides you with intensive practical language training. In addition, the theoretical foundations are regularly discussed in the context of current issues. What particularly impressed me was the possibility to choose the direction of my studies myself to a large extent.
In addition, the “Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives” module gives you the opportunity to take courses offered by other departments and thus choose an interdisciplinary specialization. The “Career Perspectives” module provides an insight into possible career paths and prepares you for them. Above all, you will acquire practical skills that are necessary due to the increasing digitalization of the workplace.
The class sizes of the program are rather small. This allows a laid-back atmosphere between students and teachers.
Studying at the University of Mannheim
What’s special about the program?
The University of Mannheim is ideal for studying English and American Studies! Most teachers in the Department of English Studies are native speakers from Great Britain and the US. As students, we receive individual support. In addition, numerous rankings have confirmed time and time again the high quality of teaching and the excellent reputation of the humanities programs at the University of Mannheim. The new approach to traditional English and American Studies and the focus on language practice are what makes the program at the University of Mannheim special. With more than 450 partner universities, an international academic calendar, and students from all over the world, the university is also very international. This makes it easy to spend a semester abroad—an opportunity worth considering for students of English and American Studies.
The excellent reputation of the University of Mannheim, its international focus, and the outstanding advising services regarding all matters made my decision to study CELLS really easy!
Extracurricular activities
For those who want to get involved in extracurricular activities or participate in campus life outside of their studies, the University of Mannheim offers numerous student organizations, activities, and events. The departmental student committee for Linguistics and Literary Studies is the point of contact for students of the humanities. Its members advocate for our university-related interests and organize interesting events. However, you can also find students who share your enthusiasm for language and cultural exchange in student groups outside of the departmental student committee. Especially in the first few weeks of your studies, the many student organizations offer a perfect opportunity to make new contacts.
After graduation
Further study
Of course, you can continue your scientific or academic career. A master's degree in English/
American linguistics, literary studies, or cultural studies is recommended. Career opportunities
After completing your bachelor's degree, you have various professional opportunities. For example, you can work in communications and public relations (especially on an international level), advertising, or customer management. The language skills acquired also qualify graduates for careers in continuing and adult education, for example as communications trainers. For an easier transition from university to work, you should complete internships while you're still a student.
What you need to know
Language proficiency
There are various selection criteria for the CELLS program. As the program focuses on English, language proficiency is of course also taken into account. Therefore, your grades in German and English as well as any stays abroad are especially important. You can find tips on how to prove your English language proficiency in the application details. In general, you should definitely be enthusiastic about the English language!
Frequently asked questions
Endless reading. . . People who want to study CELLS should know that they will have to read a lot. Some courses have a heavy reading load. This includes both prose, such as novels like Dracula (Stoker, 1897), and complex scientific texts. These are almost exclusively in English. So, if you enjoy reading a lot, CELLS is the right choice for you!
Clichés
English and American Studies—and then a teaching job? This is not necessarily the case. People who want to become English teachers usually pursue a teacher education degree in English and American Studies. The CELLS bachelor's program focuses exclusively on English and American Studies. It offers you the opportunity to specialize in Literary Studies or Linguistics and to delve into this field with the Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives module. In contrast to an English and American Studies program, the focus of this program is on communication. However, after completing your bachelor's degree, you will also have the option to pursue a career in continuing and adult education.
Further information
Would you like to learn more about studying English at the University of Mannheim?
Have a look at the program descriptions:
Would you like to start your studies at the University of Mannheim?
Contact
Uni-Scout Martina
Program ambassador for the bachelor’s program in Current English Linguistics and Literary Studies
E-mail: cellsscout.uni-mannheim.de
Web: Departmental student committee for Linguistics and Literary Studies