Zwei Studentinnen und ein Student sitzen an einem Tisch und lernen gemeinsam.

Master's in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies

Natali Roik hat braune Haare. Sie trägt eine schwarze Bluse mit rosanen Blumen und eine fliedefarbene Strickjacke.

I haven chosen the master's program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies because I wanted to work in marketing or human resources. It was important to me to get a good education in business administration during my studies. I also wanted to deal with media because they are becoming more and more present. The master's program combines these two areas. Another factor that encouraged me to pursue a subsequent master’s program in Mannheim after completing my bachelor’s degree in Culture and Economy was the university’s good reputation. I worked as a working student in HR where I support HR marketing, among other things. During my studies, I acquired the necessary knowledge in courses such as HR management and marketing. Theory and practice are complementing each other perfectly!

Natalie Roik, graduate in the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies / Credit: Ye Fung Tchen
  • Program facts and information

    Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)

    Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)

    ECTS credits: approx. 120

    Language of instruction: German, English

    Language requirements: German (click here for further information)

    Program start: Fall semester (September) and spring semester (February)
    Academic calendar

    School: 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 650

  • Program overview

    Students enrolled in the master's program in Culture and Economy can build on the expertise they have acquired in the bachelor's program and enhance their knowledge of Cultural Studies and Business Administration or Economics

    Usually, two thirds of the master's program consist of the major in Media and Communication Studies and one third of the combination major in Business Administration or Economics:

    The basis of the major in Media and Communication Studies is a comprehensive method module imparting and deepening extensive knowledge of methods of empirical media and communication research. In addition, the major offers a broad overview of current topics and questions on media communication. Specially designed thematic seminars offer the opportunity to discuss current questions regarding the social consequences of digital communication.

    Students of the master’s program in Culture and Economy take a specialist subject and, depending on their prior knowledge, can either opt for Business Administration or Economics. If they study Business Administration as a specialist subject, they can choose from the modules in the areas Marketing and Management. If they study Economics as a specialist subject, they broaden their basic knowledge of this field by taking advanced courses offered in the Economics program. After in-depth study of these subjects, our graduates are equipped with a range of useful skills in these fields. 

  • Why study Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?

    The combination of Cultural Studies with a qualification in Business Administration or Economics to form one degree program is unique in Germany. As such, graduates of our master’s program, with their knowledge of two different fields, are particularly sought-after on the national and international labor market.

    Because the groups at the School of Humanities are small, students are provided with personal support by the academic advising team and the program managers, and also benefit from a close relationship with professors and teachers.

    The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation both in Germany and abroad. The University of Mannheim is also one of the leading institutions in Germany for Business Administration and Economics (take a look at the rankings). 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

    Graduates of the master’s program in Culture and Economy know and understand economic concepts and processes. That is why they are particularly in demand in roles that require both cultural awareness and expertise in business administration and economics. They work, for example, in PR and corporate communication, marketing and sales, HR and consultancy services, but also in cultural and event management, editorial departments, federal and state authorities, and museums and archives.

    A degree in Media and Communication Studies will qualify you to work in media practice or in market and opinion research. Your knowledge of current developments in the field of digital communication and the analytical skills you have acquired are crucial assets in journalism – for example for daily newspapers or television magazines. Such knowledge is equally important for the production and editing of fictional and entertaining content for film and television, online media, in the field of media education, and for activities in media-cultural institutions.

    Apart from that, graduates can also pursue a doctorate in Media and Communication Studies and aim for a career in academia.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies should

    • be interested in the scientific analysis of media and enjoy researching different communication methods and processes,
    • not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
    • have a pronounced interest in economic topics,
    • be able to think critically and adopt multiple perspectives,
    • have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in a targeted manner,
    • read frequently (in English and German),
    • enjoy writing academic texts,
    • be very proficient in German and have good English language skills.
  • Program structure

    Module catalog
    You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.

    Studying Abroad
    Studying abroad is optional. However, due to the program’s focus on culture and media, students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad. Master’s students can structure the program to suit their individual needs, which allows them to flexibly integrate a semester abroad into their studies. The School of Humanities maintains international cooperation relationships with over 140 universities worldwide, and – in collaboration with the International Office – can help you plan a period of study abroad.

    Internships
    According to the examination regulations of the program, students do not have to do an internship during their studies. However, master’s students can plan their studies in such a way that voluntary internships can be integrated into their program of study flexibly and on short notice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the program managers. They will also help you find a suitable internship.

  • 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.

    Continuing education services in academics

    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!

    Language courses at the University of Mannheim

    Studium Generale
    Are you interested in IT or communication trainings or theater, music, or drawing courses? Studium Generale has a vast range of courses available to all.

    Current Studium Generale program

  • Doctorates

    Successful graduates of the master’s program in Culture and Economy can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities. The program managers will provide you with information on your options. 

    Doctoral programs and opportunities at the School of Humanities
    General information on doctoral studies at the University of Mannheim

  • Admission requirements and selection

    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!

    Admission requirements

    If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 130 ECTS credits.

    • Completion of a bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies or a program in Humanities and/or Social Sciences recognized as equivalent, completed with a grade of “good” or better (equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) at a higher education institution in Germany or abroad (also Berufsakademie), corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of three years
      • During your bachelor’s program, you have to have obtained at least 36 ECTS credits in the field of Business Administration or Economics as well as courses corresponding to at least 28 ECTS credits in Media and Communication Studies or similar qualifications in Media and Communication Studies. In addition, the program must include relevant research and data analysis methods corresponding to at least 8 ECTS credits in the Media and Communication Studies courses or in other courses.
    • Proof of proficiency in German

    Selection criteria

    • The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program
    • Relevant professional activities (vocational training, work experience, internships)
    • Relevant stays abroad lasting several months
    • Relevant awards (scientific presentations, publications, scholarships)

    Selection statutes
    Under “Admission requirements 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.

  • Application

    Application deadline
    The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 10 April and ends on 31 May.

    For the spring semesters the application is possible from 15 October until 15 November.

Learn more about the School of Humanities

Contact

Aline Schmidt

Aline Schmidt

Program Manager Master of Arts
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 287
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Wed 10am-noon – Online consultation hours
Please book an appointment via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/beratungstermine-master/

During the semester additional drop-in consultation hours in EO 287, Tue 10am–noon

Individual appointments via email.
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

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