Bachelor's Program in Media and Communication Studies
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 and English
Language requirements: 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.
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 650Read more about the bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies (only available in German)
Program overview
How do we use smartphones, the Internet and chat communication? What role do media play in society and politics? In the bachelor's program in Media and Communication Studies (MKW), you will acquire comprehensive theoretical and methodological knowledge that will enable you to academically analyze communicative processes and media. The focus is on the special features of media products and their role and impact in the context of social systems and social change.
In addition to the basic principles of public, social, political and mass-media communication, students will learn about:
- media and communication theories
- mediated public communication
- audiovisual media
- exposure to, and effects of, media use
Quantitative research methods in media and communication studies are one focus of the degree program. These may be expanded to include qualitative or computer-aided automated methods during the program. The program also includes practice-oriented seminars to prepare you for your career, in which you will work with external speakers from the television and radio industry to create videos or radio news, for example. You will learn about industry-specific tools and moderation techniques. You will also learn more about the storytelling method and how to create entire PR concepts.
Students of the bachelor's program in Media and Communication Studies also choose a minor from the field of Humanities and Social Sciences. You can choose from subjects such as Psychology, English/
American Studies or German Studies, Applied Computer Science, Philosophy or Political Science. This allows you to develop an individual professional profile and stand out from the crowd. 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 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.
The subject “Media and Communication Studies” at the University of Mannheim has achieved top positions in the international Shanghai ranking.
Career opportunities
The course qualifies you for starting a career in the the communications and media industry. Possible career fields are: Corporate communications, culture, radio, film and television production, public relations, social media, (science) journalism, editing, publishing or higher education, adult education or politics.
You can also go on to complete a master's degree in Media and Communication Studies or a related course.
Required interests and skills
- be interested in the scientific analysis of media,
- be interested in researching various communication processes
- enjoy reading (in German and English),
- critical thinking and finding joy in discussions
- like academic writing
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 program is (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication (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 Media and Communication Studies, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.
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