Study Business, Economics, and German Studies
Bachelor's Program in Culture and Economy: German Studies
Additional program facts and information
Language proficiency
You need to be proficient in German (see “Application and selection”). In addition, a good level of English proficiency is recommended.Program start
Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSemester fee: EUR 194 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Possible master’s programs
There are various master’s programs you can study after successfully completing a bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy. You can pursue a master’s degree in Culture and Economy: German Studies or focus exclusively on either humanities or Business Administration/Economics. Master's programs focusing on humanities:
Master’s programs focusing on business administration:
If you plan to continue your studies with one of the following master’s programs, you should take the corresponding optional specialization module in the bachelor’s program (see selection statutes).- Mannheim Master in Management (M.Sc.)
- Mannheim Master in Finance, Accounting and Taxation (M.Sc.)
- Mannheim Master in Operations and Supply Chain Management (M.Sc.)
Master’s program focusing on economics:
To qualify for this program, you have to take the “Vertiefung Volkswirtschaftslehre” module while studying the bachelor’s program (see selection statutes).- Master’s program in Economics (M.Sc.)
Program overview
The bachelor's program in Culture and Economy is a combined degree program that brings together different subjects and academic cultures: a core subject in cultural studies from the School of Humanities and a combination major in Economics or Business Administration. The two subjects are linked, inter alia, by language practice courses focusing on Business Administration and Economics.
Studying German Studies as your core subject, you will gain specialized knowledge of Linguistics as well as of German Literary and Media Studies. Cultural practice modules teach you journalistic skills relevant to all forms of modern media. The core subject and combination major are, for example, linked through academic discussions on topics such as literature and money, language in advertising, and economic crises in literature.
For your combination major, you can choose between Business Administration and Economics.
- If you choose Business Administration, you will attend introductory courses on finance, marketing, management, business informatics, accounting, and production. The University of Mannheim places a strong emphasis on business ethics by offering corresponding courses.
- If you choose Economics, you will not only learn the fundamentals of economics but also acquire knowledge in the fields of analysis, statistics, and micro- and macroeconomics. Another particularity of this combination major is that it also includes economic history.
Distribution of ECTS credits
You will complete at least 180 ECTS credits in English/American Studies and at least 60 ECTS credits in your combination major. Why study the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: German Studies at the University of Mannheim?
Unique combination
The combination of culture and economy in a single program is unique in Germany. Earning a double qualification in the humanities and Business Administration/Economics broadens students’ horizons. Therefore, our graduates are highly sought after on both national and international job markets. Top positions in rankings and practical relevance
The Department of German Studies at the University of Mannheim has an excellent reputation. In the CHE ranking, it has achieved very good results, in particular in the categories “study organization” and “support during the study entry phase.” The courses on cultural and media practice offer you a strong practical orientation. The university has close ties with the Mannheim National Theater and the internationally renowned Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS) resulting in even more professional and research-oriented opportunities for you.International focus
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.Working in small groups and good student-teacher ratio
Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work interactively in small groups and the favorable student-teacher ratio. The program managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have about organizing your studies. Academic advisors and teachers at the relevant department will help you with any questions about the program.Career opportunities
The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy trains you to become a sought-after all-rounder with broad cultural and economic expertise, problem-solving skills, and flexible thinking. You can analyze complex issues and develop value-based solutions. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities for you:
Fields of activity related to cultural studies and the humanities
- Marketing
- Communications, public relations
- Media, journalism
- Cultural management
Fields of activity related to economics and business administration
- Sales
- Procurement
- Customer service
- Human resources
In addition, the integrated career-oriented module Wirtschaftskommunikation equips you with high-level communication skills and builds a bridge between the two subjects. It spotlights possible career opportunities and promotes insights into interesting areas of work as well as an early practical orientation.
A degree in German Studies opens up further career options: In addition to journalism, you can work in publishing, in editorial teams for print, online, or social media content, or in education. After completing your master’s degree, you can also pursue an academic career in German Studies.
Studying abroad and internships
Studying abroad
The School of Humanities maintains collaborations with more than 150 partner universities worldwide. Our team for international affairs will support you in planning a stay abroad. The perfect time for students to go abroad is the fourth or fifth subject-specific semester, but individual arrangements are possible. Studying abroad to enhance your intercultural competencies is recommended but not mandatory when studying this program. We also offer field trips and interdisciplinary seminars in cooperation with international universities.Internships
A six-week internship in Germany or abroad is an integral part of your studies. Further information and points of contact for all questions relating to internships and career entry can be found on the website of the School of Humanities.Interests and skills
If you wish to study Culture and Economy: German Studies, you should
- enjoy reading and working independently with texts—from the Nibelungenlied and Goethe to Helene Hegemann,
- be enthusiastic about the German language and its variations (e.g., dialects, teen slang, or the language used in instant messaging),
- have a very good level of German and a good level of English proficiency,
- be curious and able to motivate yourself and have perseverance,
- be interested in scientific methods and theories,
- enjoy critical thinking and engaging in discussions,
- enjoy writing academic texts,
- be interested in presenting theses and content.
For the combination major in Business Administration, you should be enthusiastic about marketing and management as well as business ethics and have good mathematical skills.
For the combination major in Economics, you should have very good mathematical skills and be interested in statistics and politics. You should be prepared to acquire and apply a lot of new knowledge within a short period of time.
Financing and funding
Scholarships
The University of Mannheim offers various scholarships. This funding enables you to focus on your academic achievements and continue your voluntary work alongside your studies.
Scholarship overview
Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking studentsFinancial aid for students
The Studierendenwerk is the first place to contact if you have any questions on how to finance your studies. They will give you advice on BAföG and tell you about other funding options.
Go to the StudierendenwerkApplication and selection
Important information on the awarding of study places
- For your application to be successful, you must apply in due time and form and fulfill the admission requirements for your chosen program of study.
- If a program of study is selective, the selection criteria set out in the relevant selection statutes apply in addition to the admission requirements. The University of Mannheim does not apply a numerus clausus system (grade-point average for admission to certain programs of study).
- All of our bachelor's programs require German language skills. If you do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German at C1 level.
This program of study is currently not selective.
Application period
- Selective programs: from 1 June until 15 July
- Non-selective programs: from 1 June until 31 August
The earlier you apply, the earlier you will hear back from us. This will make the start of your studies less stressful.
Program structure
For your combination major, you can choose between Business Administration (Option 1) and Economics (Option 2). You will study only one of these options.
Semester 1
- German Studies
- Lecture and tutorial: Einführung in die Sprachwissenschaft
- Lecture and tutorial: Einführung in die Literaturwissenschaft
- Exercise course: Medien- und Kulturpraxis
- Business Administration
- Lecture: Finanzmathematik
- Lecture: Quantitative Methoden
- Lecture: Marketing
Semester 2
- German Studies
- Introductory seminar: Sprachwissenschaft or Literaturwissenschaft
- Lecture and tutorial: Einführung in die Kulturwissenschaft 1 + 2
- Exercise course: Medien- und Kulturpraxis
- Business Administration
-
Exercise course: Current Topics UK/
US - Lecture: Grundlagen des externen Rechnungswesens
- Lecture: Management
Semester 3
- German Studies
- Introductory seminar: Sprachwissenschaft or Literaturwissenschaft
- Lecture: Sprachwissenschaft or Neuere deutsche Literatur
- Social Skills
- Business Administration
- Exercise course: Intercultural Business Communication
- Lecture: Finanzwirtschaft
- Lecture: Produktion
Semester 4
- German Studies
- Advanced seminar: Sprachwissenschaft
- Advanced seminar: Neuere deutsche Literatur
- Exercise course: Career Skills
- Internship
- Business Administration
- Lecture: Internes Rechnungswesen
- Lecture: Wirtschaftsinformatik
Semester 5
- German Studies
- Advanced seminar: Sprachwissenschaft
- Lecture: Sprachwissenschaft or Neuere deutsche Literatur
- International Cultural Studies
-
Seminar/
lecture: Interdisziplinäre Kulturwissenschaft
- Business Administration
- Lecture: Unternehmensethik
Semester 6
- German Studies
- Advanced seminar: Neuere deutsche Literatur
- Exercise course: Business Translation
- Bachelor's thesis
- Final oral examination
Course names are listed in the original language.
Insights into studying Culture and Economy
Michelle is studying Culture and Economy at the University of Mannheim and shows her everyday life as a bachelor’s student at the School of Humanities.
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Contact

Caterina Katzer (she/her)
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m.
Open consultation hours in room 282
Wed 10–12 a.m.
Online consultation hours – please make an appointment via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/virtual-office-hours/

Dr. Angelika Konrad-Schineller
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m.
Open consultation hours in room 282
Wed 10–12 a.m.
Online consultation hours – please make an appointment via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/virtual-office-hours/

Admissions Office
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim
