Bachelor's Program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: at least 180
Language of instruction: German and English
Language requirements: If you do not hold German citizenship or 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 194 (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's program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media combines the study of the German language, i.e. Linguistics and Literary Studies, with Media and Communication Studies and Cultural Studies.
In modules on Literary Studies, you will look at different genres, theories, and the history of literature. Of course, you will also read a lot of books from the likes of Friedrich Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich von Kleist, Franz Kafka, Feridun Zaimoglu, and Juli Zeh. Linguistics modules teach students about the origins and functions of language, and linguistic features and structures.
Modules in Media and Communication Studies focus on the scientific analysis of communication and media. You will investigate how the Internet, certain news formats, films and series influence and change social systems and society.
This fundamental knowledge is complemented by several practice-oriented seminars on editing, publishing and public relations.
Why study German Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation. German studies achieves top positions in the CHE university ranking and convinces in the categories “study organization” and “support for first-year students”. In addition, the Department of German Studies is closely connected with the Mannheim National Theater and the internationally renowned Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS) and offers its students many research-oriented points of contact.
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.
Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work interactively in small groups and the favorable student-teacher ratio. The program managers are happy to answer questions about organizing your studies. Academic advisors and teachers will help you with questions about the program.
Career opportunities
The bachelor's program in German Studies: Language, Literature, Media opens up many career prospects for you: Graduates can work in the fields of journalism, editing or as cultural workers. Other professional fields include press, publishing, and content management.
The bachelor's degree also qualifies you for a master's degree in German Studies, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Media Studies or other related subjects.Required interests and skills
- be an enthusiastic reader, from the Nibelungenlied and Goethe to Helene Hegemann
- have a high level of proficiency in German and good English language skills,
- show motivation and perseverance
- have an academic interest in methods and theories
- be enthusiastic about German language and its variations (dialects/language used in instant messaging
- enjoy critical thinking and discussions
- enjoy writing academic texts
- be interested in presenting content.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog (only available in German).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. Spending a semester abroad is recommended but not mandatory. A semester abroad can easily be integrated into the course of study and offers you the opportunity to deepen your intercultural competencies. In addition, field trips and interdisciplinary seminars are offered in cooperation with international universities.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!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.Further study
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.)
Master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (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 German Studies: Language, Literature, Media, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grade achieved in German,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities and achievements.
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.
Scholarships and funding
The university offers various funding opportunities. Around 200 Mannheim students receive scholarships every year, which are intended to give them the freedom to focus on their academic achievements or to continue their voluntary work alongside their studies. Find out more about the funding opportunities and feel free to apply, for example, for the Deutschland Scholarship, the Opportunity Mannheim Scholarship or the Elite Sports Scholarship Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region.Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Learn more about the School of Humanities
Contact
Dr. Angelika Konrad-Schineller
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
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/
Laura Grabarek, M.A.
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
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/
Admissions Office
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim