Photo credit: Anna Logue
The bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies isn’t just a fitting and interesting combination of disciplines from the social sciences and the humanities, it was also good preparation for my career, as it includes aspects of business administration. The subject combination is modern and provides an essential basis for understanding current social events.
Leonie Siegle, graduate of the bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies / Photo credit: Leonie Siegle
The main advantage of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy is that you can combine two different subjects. This qualifies you to work in different sectors after graduation, or you can decide to complete a master’s program and specialize in one field. Media and communication studies involves a variety of topics. During the program, you gain an insight into public relations, analyze films and television programs, and learn about how the media can influence society.
Jianing Shen, student of the bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Media and Communication Studies / Photo credit: Milena Gropp
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
In the core subject, Media and Communication Studies, the students learn the basic principles and theories of communication and media systems. The academic analysis of communication forms and the media is at the heart of the bachelor’s program. Students investigate how the Internet, news and films influence and change social systems and society. 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: Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor's program combines specialized knowledge of 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.
In the international Shanghai ranking, media and communication studies at the University of Mannheim have achieved a top position.
The University of Mannheim is also one of the leading institutions in Germany for business administration and economics.
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.
Required interests and skills
- read frequently (in German and English),
- be interested in communication processes and methods, and in all kinds of media,
- not be put off by complex texts, theories, and methods,
- enjoy writing academic texts,
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- be very proficient in German and English.
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 the bachelor's program (see selection statutes)
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Culture and Economy (M.A.)
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 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)