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Master's Program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy

“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 / 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/or Economics with a major subject in the Humanities. I chose Philosophy because it enables me to reflect on my own way of thinking: Why do I feel and decide in a certain way? Are there any alternatives? This background enables you to live a lot more consciously.

Philipp Heimbach, graduate in the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy / 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 calendar

    School: School of Humanities

    Semester fee: EUR 204.30 (more information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

  • Program 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.

    Apart from that, graduates can also pursue a doctorate in Philosophy and aim for a career in academia.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of the master’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy should

    • 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.

  • 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.

    Continuing education services in academics

    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!

    Language courses at the University of Mannheim

    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.

    Current Studium Generale program

  • 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 Mannheim

  • Admission requirements and selection

    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!

    Admission requirements

    If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 135 ECTS credits.

    • Completion of a bachelor’s program in Culture and Economy: Philosophy or a program recognized as equivalent in Humanities and/or Business Administration or Economics, completed with a grade of “good” or better (equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie) corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or with a standard period of study of at least three years
      • Depending on the combination major, the program must have courses in Business Administration or Economics corresponding to at least 36 ECTS credits and courses in Philosophy corresponding to at least a basic and an advanced module or equivalent courses in the core subject Philosophy
        • If the subject-specific knowledge in Philosophy is missing, you can still apply, since you can acquire this knowledge later on
    • Proof of proficiency in German

    Selection criteria
    The selection criteria are irrelevant since this program of study is currently not selective.

    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

    Application deadline
    The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 10 April and ends on 31 May.

    For the spring semesters the application is possible from 15 October until 15 November.

Learn more about the School of Humanities

Contact:

Madeline Dahl

Madeline Dahl (she/her)

Program Manager Master of Arts
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 287
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Tue und Wed 10–12 a.m.
Open consultation hours in room EO 287
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

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