“Philosophy and Economics? How do they go together?” – I was almost always asked this question when I told my friends what I was studying. And my answer always was: “They should definitely go hand in hand!” Already during my bachelor's degree in Business Administration it was clear to me that this program is too one-sided for me. What I wanted was to learn to adopt various perspectives and to critically question assumptions, practices, and theories. And this is exactly what characterizes the master’s program in Mannheim! On the one hand, the interdisciplinary master's program enabled me to deepen my specialized knowledge, and on the other hand, I was able to strengthen my analytical and critical skills thanks to the program’s focus on philosophy.
Juliane Koch, graduate in the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy / Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen
The decision to study in Mannheim was an easy one: The beautiful campus around the Schloss with its great facilities, a high level of specialization in teaching and the university’s excellent reputation make for an outstanding overall package. The master’s programs in Culture and Economy combine first-class education in Business Administration and/
Philipp Heimbach, graduate in the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy / Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen
Program facts and information
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: approx. 120
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: German (click here for further information)
Program start: Fall semester (September) and spring semester (February)
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
Students enrolled in the master's program in Culture and Economy can build on the expertise they have acquired in the bachelor's program and enhance their knowledge of Cultural Studies and Business Administration or Economics.
Usually, two thirds of the master's program consist of the major in Philosophy and one third of the combination major in Business Administration or Economics:
Courses in the major, Philosophy, focus on topics combining philosophy, society, business and economics. In addition, the elective module provides students with the opportunity to choose their own interdisciplinary specializations, e.g. in Literary Studies, Media and Communication Studies, Economics or Psychology.
Students of the master’s program in Culture and Economy take a specialist subject and, depending on their prior knowledge, can either opt for Business Administration or Economics. If they study Business Administration as a specialist subject, they can choose from the modules in the areas Marketing and Management. If they study Economics as a specialist subject, they broaden their basic knowledge of this field by taking advanced courses offered in the Economics program. After in-depth study of these subjects, our graduates are equipped with a range of useful skills in these fields.
Why study Culture and Economy: Philosophy at the University of Mannheim?
The combination of Cultural Studies with a qualification in Business Administration or Economics to form one degree program is unique in Germany. As such, graduates of our master’s program, with their knowledge of two different fields, are particularly sought-after on the national and international labor market.
Because the groups at the School of Humanities are small, students are provided with personal support by the academic advising team and the program managers, and also benefit from a close relationship with professors and teachers.
The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation both in Germany and abroad. The University of Mannheim is also one of the leading institutions in Germany for Business Administration and Economics (take a look at the rankings). 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 master’s program in Culture and Economy know and understand economic concepts and processes. That is why they are particularly in demand in roles that require both cultural awareness and expertise in business administration and economics. They work, for example, in PR and corporate communication, marketing and sales, HR and consultancy services, but also in cultural and event management, editorial departments, federal and state authorities, and museums and archives.
Required interests and skills
- be enthusiastic about philosophical questions,
- have a pronounced interest in economic topics,
- be able to think critically and adopt multiple perspectives,
- have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in a targeted manner,
- enjoy writing academic texts,
- enjoy analyzing texts, theories and methods,
- consider all perspectives when arguing or discussing,
- be very proficient in German and English.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is optional. However, due to the program’s focus on critical reflection and discourse, students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad. Master’s students can structure the program to suit their individual needs, which allows them to flexibly integrate a semester abroad into their studies. The School of Humanities maintains international cooperation relationships with over 140 universities worldwide, and – in collaboration with the International Office – can help you plan a period of study abroad.Internships
According to the examination regulations of the program, students do not have to do an internship during their studies. However, master’s students can plan their studies in such a way that voluntary internships can be integrated into their program of study flexibly and on short notice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the program managers. They will also help you find a suitable internship.Doctorates
Successful graduates of the master’s program in Culture and Economy can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities. The program managers will provide you with information on your options.
Doctoral programs and opportunities at the School of Humanities
General information on doctoral studies at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
To be admitted to the master's program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy, applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in Culture and Economy: Philosophy. Another degree in humanities and/
or business studies is sufficient if it is recognized as equivalent by the admissions committee. The following requirements must be met: - a total of 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of six semesters,
- a final grade of 2.5 or better.
- Philosophy:
Applicants have to have passed examinations in one basic and one advanced module or obtained equivalent qualifications. If you have not yet taken all of the required examinations, the admission to the master’s program is subject to the condition that you take the required examinations and provide proof of the missing academic achievements during the first two semesters of the master’s program. - Business Administration or Economics (combination major):
Examinations corresponding to at least 36 ECTS credits. You may fulfill these requirements parallel to applying for the master's program; however, you have to provide proof of the missing academic achievements by the exam registration period in the first semester at the latest.
Language requirements
You have to submit proof of German language proficiency equivalent to level C1.Conditional admission
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s program by the application deadline, you may still be admitted to the master’s program as long as you provide proof that you have obtained at least 135 ECTS credits. In this case, your admission to the program is subject to receipt of your bachelor’s degree by the exam registration period in the first semester (refer to selection statutes).Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements 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
