Bachelor's Program in Media and Communication Studies

The Media and Communication Studies program taught me scientific methods used to study new media as a social phenomenon. I could apply this differentiated view of media and communication during internships in the fields of corporate communication and marketing. The University of Mannheim has excellent international partnerships which enabled me to spend a semester in Japan and encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in England.

Therese Nguyen, graduate of B.A. Media and Communication Studies / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Program facts and information

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)

ECTS credits: approx. 180
(approx. 150 in core subject, approx. 30 in minor subject)

Language of instruction: German

Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.

Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic Calendar

School: School of Humanities

Semester fee: €174.90 (more)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

Read more about the bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies (only available in German)
Program overview
The bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies addresses questions such as: How do we use smartphones, the Internet, and instant messaging? Which role does the media play in society and politics? During your studies, you will analyze films, videos, TV news, and documentaries.

Modules don’t just teach you about the basic principles of public, social, and political communication, and mass media, you will also learn about:
- media and communication theories
- mediated public communication
- audiovisual media
- exposure to, and effects of, media use
Focus is placed on the qualitative and quantitative methods used in empirical research in the field of Media and Communication Studies. The program is complemented by practice-oriented seminars that prepare you for your later career.

You can also choose a subject from the Humanities or Social Sciences, such as German Studies, Philosophy, or Political Science, to study as a minor. This gives you the chance to develop your own professional profile.
Why study Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?

In Mannheim, you can study Media and Communication Studies as one degree program, whereas at other universities, these fields are usually studied separately. Another advantage of this bachelor's program is its inclusion of aspects from Cultural Studies and the Social Sciences.

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 in small groups. Academic advisors, program managers, and teachers are happy to answer your questions on the program.
Career opportunities

Graduates of the program can go into journalism, advertising, or work in a communications department. If you choose to complete a master's program, you can also pursue an academic career.
Required interests and skills
Students of Media and Communication Studies should:
- be interested in the scientific analysis of media,
- read frequently (in English and German),
- enjoy researching different communication processes,
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- enjoy writing academic texts.
Program structure

Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is part of a global network. The School of Humanities is partners with over 140 universities worldwide, and, in collaboration with the International Office, can help you plan a period of study abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fourth or fifth subject-specific semester, but it is possible to make individual arrangements. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School.

Internships
A six-week internship in Germany or abroad is integrated into the program of study. Our program managers can help you to find an internship, create your application documents, and advise you on the recognition of internships.

Sample course schedule
This is how your course schedule for the first semester could look.
Further study

The following degree program is (mainly) taught in German:

Master’s program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication (M.A.)
Application and selection
We take the following criteria into account in our selection process:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities,
- if you do not hold German citizenship or do not have a German university entrance qualifications (e.g. Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must submit proof that your German language proficiency is equivalent to level C1.
Selection statutes
You can find the exact requirements for the program in the selection statutes, which are only available in German.

Application
You can apply between May 15 and July 15.

Apply

Aptitude test
Applicants are required to take an aptitude test, such as What shall I study? or the SIT orientation test, which are both only available in German. They must then submit proof that they have completed the test with their application.

Admission to an advanced semester
If you want to apply for an advanced semester, please contact Ms. Dörr in the Admissions Office.

Learn more about the school of humanities.

Contact

Dr. Marilene Burkard

Studiengangsmanagement B.A. und B.A. Kultur und Wirtschaft

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Kaiserring 14-16 – Room 612 (6th floor)
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181-3109
E-mail: bakuwi(at)uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/bachelors-programs

Consultation hour(s):
Tue and Wed 10 a.m.–noon (drop–in office hours; lecture period), Attention: no office hours from 19 December to 10 January. From 14 January to 10 February, the office hours are Tue from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m..

Florian Dorner, M.A.

Studiengangsmanagement B.A. und B.A. Kultur und Wirtschaft

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Kaiserring 14–16 – Room 612 (6th floor)
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181-3928
E-mail: bakuwi(at)uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim

E-mail: bewerbung(at)uni-mannheim.de

Program facts and information

Program overview

Why study Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Further study

Application and selection

Dr. Marilene Burkard

Florian Dorner, M.A.

Admissions Office