Study Business, Economics, and Spanish

Bachelor's Program in Culture and Economy: Spanish 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: Spanish, German, English
Faculty: School of Humanities
Reminder for application deadline
Eine Studentin sitzt an einem großen Fenster. Eine andere Studentin steht im Vordergrund und hält ein Buch in den Händen.
  • Additional program facts and information

    Language proficiency
    In addition to German language skills (see “Application and selection”), we recommend that you are proficient in Spanish at the start of your studies. However, you can also acquire these skills during your studies by attending preparatory language courses offered by the Department of Romance Languages. In addition, a good level of English proficiency is recommended.

    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: Spanish 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.

    Spanish Studies as a core subject deals with aspects of Spanish literature, culture, and language. 

    • In courses on Literary Studies, you will analyze various types of texts, such as novels, novellas, or plays, applying scientific methods.
    • Courses on culture focus on the cultural history of Spain and involve analyzing, for example, movies, music, advertisements, and press articles. Topics such as Europe and migration as well as discourse on the economy and crises are covered as well.
    • 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.
    • Courses in business Spanish and seminars on intercultural communication perfectly complement the other parts of the core subject.

    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 Spanish Studies and at least 60 ECTS credits in your combination major.

  • Why study the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish 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
    The Department of Romance Languages at the University of Mannheim has an excellent reputation. In the latest CHE ranking, it has achieved very good results in the categories “study organization” and “support during the study entry phase.”

    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. 

    Studying a language in combination with Business Administration or Economics qualifies you to work in international cultural organizations, diplomatic missions, language schools, or in translation management as well as in the tourism industry. Other options would be communications and international management. After completing your master’s degree, you can also pursue an academic career in Romance 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: Spanish Studies, you should 

    • be enthusiastic about the Spanish language and culture,
    • ideally, have a good level of proficiency in Spanish at the start of the program,
    • have a very good level of German and a good level of English proficiency,
    • be curious and able to motivate yourself and have perseverance,
    • enjoy reflecting on various topics and questioning things critically,
    • be interested in presenting theses and content,
    • enjoy reading and writing academic texts,
    • be interested in scientific methods and theories.

    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

  • Spanish Studies
  • Lecture: Einführung in die Sprach- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Lecture: Einführung in die Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Tutorial: Sprachwissenschaftliche or literaturwissenschaftliche Einführung
  • Language Practice
  • Comprensión I
  • Expresión I
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Finanzmathematik
  • Lecture: Quantitative Methoden
  • Lecture: Marketing

Semester 2

  • Spanish Studies
  • Tutorial: Sprach­wissenschaft­liche or literatur­wissenschaft­liche Einführung
  • Introductory seminar: Sprach- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Introductory seminar: Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Language Practice
  • Comprensión II
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Grundlagen des externen Rechnungswesens
  • Lecture: Management

Semester 3

  • Spanish Studies
  • Introductory seminar: Sprach- und Medienwissenschaft or Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Phonetik
  • Language practice
  • Expresión II
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Finanzwirtschaft
  • Lecture: Produktion

Semester 4

  • Spanish Studies
  • Lecture: Medien, Kommunikation und Ökonomien der Romania
  • Introductory seminar: Sprach- und Medien­wissenschaft or Literatur- und Medien­wissenschaft
  • Language Practice
  • Traducción Economía
  • Comprensión III Economía
  • Internship
  • Business Administration
  • Lecture: Internes Rechnungswesen
  • Lecture: Wirtschaftsinformatik

Semester 5

  • Spanish Studies
  • Advanced seminar: Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft or Sprach- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Introductory seminar: Fachspezifische Medienwissenschaft
  • Introductory seminar: Landeskunde or Kulturwissenschaft
  • Lecture: International Cultural Studies
  • Seminar/lecture: Interdisziplinäre Kulturwissenschaft
  • Business Adminstration
  • Lecture: Unternehmensethik

Semester 6

  • Spanish Studies
  • 2 advanced seminars: Sprach- und Medienwissenschaft or Literatur- und Medienwissenschaft
  • Language Practice
  • Expresión III Economía
  • Bachelor’s thesis
  • Final oral examination

Course names are listed in the original language.

Portrait of Lenja Seubert. She is wearing a black turtleneck sweater and a black leather jacket. Her long brown hair is loose over her shoulders. She is smiling at the camera.

My studies at the University of Mannheim allow me to deepen my passion for Spanish, while at the same time opening up a wide range of career prospects thanks to the combination with Business Administration. The excellent network of international partner universities convinced me immediately. This is a big plus, especially for studying a foreign language. Since my first semester, I have been involved with ESN Visum Mannheim, a student organization for international students, where I have been able to expand my intercultural experience. With its unique campus and perfect size as a student city, Mannheim offers an ideal environment for starting your student life.

Lenja Seubert, student of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish Studies
Sebastian Weber has short light brown hair and a stubble beard. He is wearing a black blazer, a shirt, and a tie.

The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish Studies is characterized by its interdisciplinary, international, and flexible nature. By attending modules at two schools, students learn different scientific ways of thinking. It taught me a lot, and so did the international campus with students from around the world. After graduation, students have a lot of career options. I decided to stay at the university and study the Mannheim Master in Management program. Now, I work as a project manager at the KfW Group, where I collaborate with developing countries in the field of finance. If I had to do it all again, I would definitely still choose to study the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy.

Sebastian Weber, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish Studies and of the Mannheim Master in Management program
Katharina Butz has brown hair with bangs. She is wearing a black blazer.

The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish Studies prepared me well for the job I do today. I work at the new BMW plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, where I am responsible for sustainability and environmental protection. I was able to address sustainability communication as part of my bachelor’s thesis, and my studies as a whole taught me how to work within multidisciplinary and multinational teams.

Katharina Butz, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Spanish 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