Photo credit: Anna Logue
At the University of Mannheim, I was able to combine my passion for philosophy with economics, which made for really diverse studies. At the same time, I learned that there are always multiple answers to one and the same question. The ability to view things from different angles forms the core of my academic education.
Anna Wildhirt, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy / Photo credit: Daniela Haupt
I came to the University of Mannheim because combining philosophy with economics seemed very attractive to me. My expectations were not disappointed: The philosophy portion of the program teaches you how to approach intriguing questions independently and in a structured manner and how to explore them in depth. If you are a little farther along in your studies, you can choose freely from the available courses, which allows you to tailor the program to your personal interests. Apart from that, I also value the intimate atmosphere at the Department of Philosophy and the fact that you will always find people to exchange opinions with about all sorts of topics. Thanks to the multiple overlaps in the two fields, economics and philosophy complement each other perfectly. Students at the University of Mannheim can also benefit from a unique opportunity: Those who take all the introductory courses from the bachelor’s program in Economics in a specialization module will be admitted to the master’s program in Economics.
Marie-Aimée Salopiata, graduate of the bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy / Photo credit: Daniela Haupt
I really liked how my fellow students and professors all got on really well – it was almost like we were family. We had a lot of discussions over the course of the program, which taught me to think logically, to reflect critically on my arguments, and to be more precise. By studying a specialist subject, I was able to gain a thorough understanding of economics. The courses on political philosophy and business ethics went really well together and gave me a great starting point for my master’s program in International Relations.
Fabian Jung, graduate of the bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy; student of the master’s program in International Relations – European Studies, Budapest / Photo credit: Fabian Jung
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
Philosophy as a core subject addresses the self-identity of humans, their relationships with the world, and basic questions concerning human coexistence. The program focuses on the history of philosophy (from Aristotle and Kant to Heidegger), and on practical philosophy and ethics (ethical and moral philosophical questions focused on business ethics). 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: Philosophy at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor's program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy combines methodical skills and specialized knowledge of philosophy 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 in demand on the labor market.
The focus on business ethics at the University of Mannheim facilitates a close connection between philosophy, business administration, and economics in this program.
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.
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. One of the program’s focuses is on business ethics, which attempts to develop solutions for conflicts of interest between profit and conscience which are both morally and economically acceptable. Graduates with a degree which combines philosophy and economics are particularly sought-after in the field of corporate social responsibility.
Required interests and skills
- consider all perspectives when arguing or discussing,
- be interested in philosophical questions (such as “what ought I to do?” or “are there universal moral rules?”),
- be very proficient in German and have good English language skills,
- enjoy analyzing texts, theories and methods,
- be capable of analytical and critical thinking,
- 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 the bachelor's program (see selection statutes)
The following degree program is (mainly) taught in German:
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.
What it's like to study and live in Mannheim
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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)