Credit: Anna Logue
When I was thinking about which university I would like to study at, I looked through a study guide and came across the very good reviews of the University of Mannheim. The reviews as well as the modern orientation and the focus on cultural studies of the bachelor’s program German Studies: Language, Literature, Media convinced me to study at the University of Mannheim. I particularly like the fact that the contents always relate to current and intercultural developments and that you can specialize more and more throughout your studies.
I decided to study at the University of Mannheim because it was recommended to me by friends. I also like its international focus. I wanted to study a program that had interesting content and good career prospects. The combination of German Studies and Media and Communication Studies gives me exactly what I was looking for. I particularly liked that the lectures and seminars address the latest social or political topics or occurrences.
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: at least 180
Language of instruction: German and English
Language requirements: If you do not hold German citizenship or have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Humanities
Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The bachelor's program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media combines the study of the German language, i.e. Linguistics and Literary Studies, with Media and Communication Studies and Cultural Studies.
In modules on Literary Studies, you will look at different genres, theories, and the history of literature. Of course, you will also read a lot of books from the likes of Friedrich Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich von Kleist, Franz Kafka, Feridun Zaimoglu, and Juli Zeh. Linguistics modules teach students about the origins and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures.
Modules in Media and Communication Studies focus on the scientific analysis of communication and media. You will investigate how the Internet, certain news formats, films and series influence and change social systems and society.
Why study German Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation. German studies achieves top positions in the CHE university ranking and convinces in the categories “study organization” and “support for first-year students”. In addition, the Department of German Studies is closely connected with the Mannheim National Theater and the internationally renowned Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS) and offers its students many research-oriented points of contact.
With 450 partner universities, and students from 100 countries, Mannheim is one of the most international universities in the country, and provides students with an inspiring learning environment that facilitates excellent teaching and research.
Career opportunities
The bachelor's program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media opens up many career prospects for you: Graduates can work in the fields of journalism, editing or as cultural workers. Other professional fields include press, publishing, and content management.
The bachelor's degree also qualifies you for a master's degree in German Studies, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Media Studies or other related subjects.Required interests and skills
- be an enthusiastic reader, from the Nibelungenlied and Goethe to Helene Hegemann
- have a high level of proficiency in German and good English language skills,
- show motivation and perseverance
- have an academic interest in methods and theories
- be enthusiastic about German language and its variations (dialects/language used in instant messaging
- enjoy critical thinking and discussions
- enjoy writing academic texts
- be interested in presenting content.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog (only available in German).Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is part of a global network. The School of Humanities is partners with over 150 universities worldwide. Our team for international affairs will support you in planning a stay abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fourth or fifth subject-specific semester, but it is possible to make individual arrangements. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School.Internships
A six-week internship in Germany or abroad is integrated into the program of study. Information and contact persons for all questions relating to internships and career entry can be found on the website of the School of Humanities.Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Further study
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.)
Master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.)
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 numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
In our selection process for the Bachelor's Program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grade achieved in German,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities and achievements.
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.If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
What it's like to study and live in Mannheim
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