Study Business, Economics, and English/American Studies

Bachelor's Program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Number of credits: at least 180 ECTS credits
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
Program language: English, German
Faculty: School of Humanities
Reminder for application deadline
Eine Studentin sitzt in einer Bankreihe im Hörsaal. Sie schaut direkt in die Kamera und lächelt. Im Hintergrund sitzen weitere Studierende.
  • Additional program facts and information

    Language proficiency
    In addition to German language skills (see “Application and selection”), you have to provide proof of a very good level of English proficiency. To do so, you can, for example, submit the grades you achieved in English classes taken during the final years of German upper secondary education, or take a language test. For details, please see the selection statutes.

    Program start
    Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    Semester fee: EUR 194 (more information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

    Possible 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: English and American 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).

    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).

  • 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.

    English and American Studies as a core subject deals with aspects of the literature, culture, and language of the English-speaking world. Through courses in Literary Studies, you will learn the basic principles of scientific literary analysis. As for the Cultural Studies part of the program, you will learn about the cultural history of Great Britain and the US. You will analyze movies, music, and advertisements but also press articles. The Linguistics part of the program deals with the basics of Linguistics, including theories and methods of language acquisition, language development, and multilingualism. In practical language courses, you will enhance your language skills at a very high level.

    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: English and American 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. 

    Linguistics, Literary Studies, and Media Studies combined with language proficiency
    The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies combines specialist knowledge in the fields of English/American Linguistics as well as Literary, Cultural, and Media Studies with well-founded English language skills and a solid understanding of Economics or Business Administration. These fields are, for example, linked through courses such as Foundations of UK/US Economy and Politics or Language and Marketing.

    Support for a good start
    Another special feature is the onboarding culture at the Department of English Studies, where students of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy at the beginning of their studies receive assistance with study organization, networking, and career opportunities.

    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. 

    When studying English and American Studies, you also acquire intercultural competencies that will prepare you for working at international companies or organizations. After completing your master’s degree, you can also pursue an academic career in English/American 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: English and American Studies, you should 

    • be enthusiastic about English-speaking cultures and countries and interested in their social and political developments,
    • have a very good level of German and a good level of English proficiency,
    • have an academic interest in methods and theories,
    • enjoy reading, writing, and discussing English and German texts,
    • like to critically question and reflect on various topics,
    • be interested in presenting 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 students

    Financial 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 Studierendenwerk

  • Application 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

  • English and American Studies
  • Lecture and tutorial: Introduction to Linguistics
  • Lecture and tutorial: Introduction to Literary Studies
  • Lecture: Foundations of US/UK Economy and Politics
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Finanz­mathematik
  • Lecture: Quanti­tative Methoden
  • Lecture: Marketing

Semester 2

  • English and American Studies
  • Introductory seminar: Literary Studies (UK or US)
  • Introductory seminar: Linguistics
  • Exercise course: Foundation Course
  • Exercise course: Current Topics UK/US
  • Exercise course: Intercultural Business Communication
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Grundlagen des externen Rechnungs­wesens
  • Lecture: Management

Semester 3

  • English and American Studies
  • Introductory seminar: Literary Studies
  • Introductory seminar: Linguistics
  • Exercise course: Intermediate Essay Writing and Discussion
  • Business Administation
  • Exercise course: Intercultural Business Translation
  • Lecture: Finanz­wirtschaft
  • Lecture: Produktion

Semester 4

  • English and American Studies
  • Advanced seminar: Linguistics or Literary Studies
  • Exercise course: Intermediate Translation
  • Exercise course: Advanced Essay Writing and Discussion
  • Exercise course: Career Skills
  • Internship
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Internes Rechnungs­wesen
  • Lecture: Wirtschafts­informatik

Semester 5

  • English and American Studies
  • Introductory seminar: UK or US Area Studies
  • International Cultural Studies
  • Seminar/lecture: Interdisziplinäre Kulturwissenschaft
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Unter­nehmens­ethik

Semester 6

  • English and American Studies
  • Lecture and advanced seminar: Linguistics or Literary Studies
  • Introductory seminar: UK or US Area Studies
  • Bachelor's thesis
  • Final oral examination

Course names are listed in the original language.

Portrait of Emilia Toth. She is wearing a black coat and a black top. She has blond hair, which is worn loose and a bit longer than shoulder length. She is wearing a subtle silver necklace. She is looking directly at the camera.

I have always had a great interest in both Economics/Business Administration and English, but I never knew that these two fields could be combined in one program. When I found out about the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy, I knew right away that I wanted to study in Mannheim. Every day, I’m glad I made that choice—and I can’t wait for my semester abroad!

Emilia Toth, student of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies
Maja Häcker is wearing a light blue blouse and a fine gold necklace with a gemstone. Her long light brown hair is worn loose. She is looking at the camera with a heartfelt smile.

The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy, with its combination of English/American Studies and Economics, offers a unique opportunity to bring together two completely different worlds at a high academic level. My subjects could not be more different, both in terms of their technical requirements and the way they are taught. In one course, I discuss socio-critical and creative issues with fellow students. In another course, I deal with mathematical analyses and models. This makes it challenging and exciting at the same time. What I particularly appreciate about English/American Studies is the freedom to choose my own specialization and the large number of exciting courses. I also choose to take additional courses in Economics, which puts me in a very good position for potentially pursuing a master's degree in Economics.

Maja Häcker, student of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies
Helen Kalmbach is standing in front of a round wooden door at the University of Mannheim. She is wearing a long black wool coat and her long hair is worn loose.

Both Business Administration and English/American Studies were already of interest to me even before I began studying. With the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy, I found the program that combines the best of both worlds: I have been improving my knowledge of the English language and exploring the basics of Business Administration. The University of Mannheim also has an incredible number of partner universities to choose from. I am already looking forward to spending a semester abroad. My study modules are multifaceted and the teachers in Mannheim are competent and helpful. My fellow students are also really great. I feel very much at home here.

Helen Kalmbach, student of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies

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.


Contact

Caterina Katzer hat braune lange Haare und ein Pony. Sie trägt ein blau-weiß-gestreiftes Oberteil.

Caterina Katzer (she/her)

Program Manager Bachelor of Arts
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
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/
Angelika Konrad-Schineller auf dem Ehrenhof

Dr. Angelika Konrad-Schineller

Program Manager Bachelor of Arts
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
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/
University building L1 in front of a blue sky

Admissions Office