Photo credit: Anna Logue
I currently work in corporate communication at m:con – mannheim:congress GmbH. The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy neatly combines the humanities, business and economics. Studying this program was a great preparation for my current position which involves culture, society, and the economy. Through studying core and specialist subjects, you develop different approaches to working. This enables you to learn to be flexible, to quickly change your thinking, and to adjust to new tasks.
Sarah Gröhbühl, graduate of bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: German 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: at least 180
(approx. 120 in the core subject, approx. 60 in the specialist subject)Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: If you are not a German citizen or do not 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: €194.30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650Program overview
Through the core subject, German Studies, students gain specialized knowledge of Linguistics, and of German Literary and Media Studies. Practical modules teach students journalistic skills relevant for all modern forms of media. Courses in business English supplement the program.
Students can choose between business administration and economics as specialist subjects. If they choose business administration, they attend courses in finance, marketing, management, business informatics, accounting, and production. The University of Mannheim also focuses on seminars in business ethics. In economics, students acquire knowledge in statistics and learn more about micro and macro economics. Another focus is on economic history.
Why study Culture and Economy: German Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor's program combines specialized knowledge of German linguistics, literary, cultural and media studies with a solid understanding of economics or business administration. This combination of aspects to form one degree program is unique in Germany. As such, graduates of the program, with their knowledge of the humanities and business administration or economics, are particularly sought-after on the labor market.
German Studies at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation and achieve top positions in the CHE university ranking. In addition, the internationally renowned Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS) works closely with the German Studies program, and helps students to begin their research.
The University of Mannheim is also one of the leading institutions in Germany for business administration and economics.
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.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the program know and understand economic concepts and processes, and are therefore particularly in demand in roles that combine communication, economics and business administration. They work, for example, as project managers in PR agencies, in business consultancy, marketing or in sales.
A degree in German Studies opens up a lot of options. Graduates can become journalists, editors, or librarians, or work in areas such as public relations, publishing, and social media.
The degree also qualifies you for an academic career in the fields of German studies, economics or business administration.
Required interests and skills
- enjoy reading – from the Nibelungenlied and Goethe to Helene Hegemann – and read frequently,
- be very proficient in German and have good English language skills,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- be interested in language and phenomena such as dialects or language used in instant messaging,
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- enjoy writing academic texts,
- like giving presentations.
To study Economics as your combination major, you should be very good at math and find statistics and politics interesting. To study Business Administration as your combination major, you should be good at math and find marketing, management, and business ethics fascinating. You should also be able to learn and apply course content quickly.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is part of a global network. The School of Humanities is partners with over 150 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.Further study
The following degree programs are partly or fully available in English:
Mannheim Master in Management (M.Sc.)
Master’s program in Economics (M.Sc.) if you completed the module on economics (Vertiefung Volkswirtschaftslehre) during your bachelor's program
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Culture and Economy (M.A.)
Master’s program in Language and Communication (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 the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in German and Mathematics,
- 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.Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
Do you have questions on our programs or life in Mannheim?
Our Program Ambassadors are happy to help you and share their experiences at the University of Mannheim.
The University of Mannheim is the most popular university in Germany
In the students' vote on the Studycheck.de platform, the University of Mannheim has reached the top position among all universities. This makes the University of Mannheim the most popular university in Germany.
read more about the award (in German)