Parallel Studies

If the parallel studies applied for involve two or more selective programs, enrollment is only permitted if the student has specific professional, academic or artistic reasons for doing so (cf. section 60 subsection 1 of the act on the higher education institutions in the Land of Baden-Württemberg (LHG)). If this applies to you, please submit an explanation outlining good reasons for your decision with your request (DOCX) (DOCX, 39 kB). These ought to include the following:

Specific job-related reasons are present if, by pursuing parallel studies and obtaining a second degree that logically supplements your first degree, your professional situation will be significantly improved. The decisive factors are your professional aspirations, i.e. the professional occupation you are aiming for, and to what extent both degrees will help you in the pursuit of your career. What matters is your specific and individual career plan. There must be a clear thematic connection between the subjects covered in the two programs.

Academic reasons exist if you are pursuing a qualification in another subject for a later career in academia and research which is based on your studies and academic activities to date. The request is supposed to give some insight into the research importance of the intended interdisciplinary activity. What matters is that the intended activity is objectively of academic importance.

No explicit approval is required for parallel enrollment in a non-selective and a selective program.

Students who wish to pursue parallel studies need to notify the Student Services immediately. Please submit a request to pursue parallel studies (DOCX) (DOCX, 39 kB) without stating good reasons.

No explicit approval is required for parallel enrollment in two non-selective programs.

Students who wish to pursue parallel studies need to notify the Student Services immediately. Please submit an request to pursue parallel studies (DOCX) (DOCX, 39 kB)  without stating good reasons.

The intention to pursue a bachelor's or master's program in parallel to a doctorate also falls under the provisions of section 60 subsection 1 of the act on the higher education institutions in the Land of Baden-Württemberg (LHG):

Doctoral students enrolled in a selective program can only enroll in another selective program if they have specific professional, academic or artistic reasons (cf. section 60 subsection 1 of the act on the higher education institutions in the Land of Baden-Württemberg (LHG)). If this applies to you, please submit an explanation outlining good reasons for your decision with your request to pursue parallel studies (DOCX) (DOCX, 39 kB) (see Pursuing two selective degree programs).

If your doctoral dissertation project involves one or two non-selective programs, please submit a request (DOCX) (DOCX, 39 kB)  without stating good reasons.

As a general rule, pursuing parallel studies at the University of Mannheim and another higher education institution is not possible, as enrollment is usually only permitted at one higher education institution (cf. section 60 subsection 1 LHG).

However, in the following justified cases, pursuit of parallel studies at two higher education institutions is permissible:

The student can prove that they have the time to devote themselves fully to both programs and, in particular, to attend the required courses. This is the case, for example, if they are nearing graduation and no longer have to attend any courses.

Students who wish to pursue parallel studies at two different higher education institutions must notify both institutions immediately. Please clarify the requirements for your particular situation in advance and apply for parallel studies at both higher education institutions. According to section 60 subsection 1 LHG, an explicit approval for parallel studies is only required if the student envisages to pursue two selective programs.

Pursuing parallel studies at the University of Mannheim and at another higher education institution abroad is not covered by the provisions for parallel studies and therefore does not require approval.

No request needs to be submitted.

Before applying for parallel studies, we generally recommend that you first seek personal advice. In a personal appointment, we can clarify the individual requirements and prepare you for submitting a successful request.

If you are considering taking up parallel studies, please arrange an appointment with Sina Bernwald.

If you have clarified the requirements for your particular situation and meet them, we recommend that you submit your request to pursue parallel studies immediately, i.e. before the application deadline.

Please submit your request to pursue parallel studies via e-mail to sina.bernwaldmail-uni-mannheim.de.

Before starting parallel studies, you must first submit an application in due time by the application deadline. The application process is the same as for the first program. The only difference is that you must indicate your intention to pursue parallel studies in the application by checking the box “I plan to take up parallel studies.”

Have you received approval for parallel studies and admission to your chosen degree program? Congratulations!

The enrollment documents that we sent out with your official letter of admission contain important information about enrolling and the deadlines that apply. Please note that the deadline specified in the official letter of admission also applies for enrollment in parallel studies.