For me, the bachelor’s program of Media and Communication Studies and Business Administration at the University of Mannheim is characterized by its interesting interdisciplinary orientation, through which we can discover two worlds. The combination provides a good basis in research and methodology of communication studies and is complemented by sound business administration knowledge. This prepares me for a wide range of career paths in fields such as human resources, public relations, market research or research. In addition, the University of Mannheim also impressed me with its high academic standards, the wide variety of student organizations and the career guidance services.
The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy provides numerous opportunities to go abroad and gain intercultural experience. Also, I can gain a wide range of interdisciplinary knowledge that prepares me perfectly for my future professional life. Thanks to my studies, I have learned to think analytically and to question things critically as well as to complete my tasks carefully and to organize my (working) week in time. This helps establishing a good work-life balance. I have also made very good friends at university.
The main advantage of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy is that you can combine two different subjects. This qualifies you to work in different sectors after graduation, or you can decide to complete a master’s program and specialize in one field. Media and communication studies involves a variety of topics. During the program, you gain an insight into public relations, analyze films and television programs, and learn about how the media can influence society.
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: at least 180
(approx. 120 in the core subject, approx. 60 in the specialist subject)Language of instruction: German and English
Language requirements: If you are not a German citizen or do not 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 of Arts program in Culture and Economy is a program combining subjects and subject cultures, which are usually studied separately: a cultural studies major from the School of Humanities and an economics combination major.
In the core subject, Media and Communication Studies, the students learn the basic principles and theories of communication and media systems. The focus of the program is Communication Studies. Topics like the credibility of news, the role of journalism in society, the influence of social media on well-being or different theories on entertainment through media use. There are also some seminars on genre theories or film analyses. The academic analysis of communication forms and the media is at the heart of the bachelor’s program. Students investigate how the Internet, news and films influence and change social systems and society. Courses in business English supplement the program.
You can choose between business administration and economics as specialist subjects. If you choose business administration, you attend courses in finance, marketing, management, business informatics, accounting, and production. The University of Mannheim also focuses on seminars in business ethics. In economics, students acquire knowledge in statistics and learn more about micro and macro economics. Another focus is on economic history.
Why study Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor's program combines specialized knowledge of media and communication studies with a solid understanding of economics or business administration. This combination of aspects to form one degree program is unique in Germany. As such, graduates of the program, with their knowledge of the humanities and business administration or economics, are particularly sought-after on the labor market.
In the international Shanghai ranking, media and communication studies at the University of Mannheim have achieved a top position.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the program know and understand economic concepts and processes, and are therefore particularly in demand in roles that combine communication, economics, and business administration. They work, for example, as project managers in PR agencies, in business consultancy, marketing or in sales.
The degree also qualifies you for an academic career in the fields of media and communication studies, economics or business administration.
Required interests and skills
- be interested in studying media from an academic point of view,
- be interested in researching various communication processes,
- have very good knowledge of German and English,
- enjoy reading (in German and English),
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- enjoy writing academic texts.
To study Economics as your combination major, you should have very good mathematical skills and find statistics and politics interesting. To study Business Administration as your combination major, you should find marketing, management, and business ethics fascinating and have good mathematical skills. You should also be able to learn and apply course content quickly.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.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 partly or fully available in English:
Mannheim Master in Management (M.Sc.)
Master’s program in Economics (M.Sc.) if you completed the module on economics (Vertiefung Volkswirtschaftslehre) during the bachelor's program (see selection statutes)
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Culture and Economy (M.A.)
Master’s program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication (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 Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in German and Mathematics,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular qualifications activities.
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.
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