Master's Program in Intercultural German Studies

  • Program facts and information

    Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.), joint degree program

    Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)

    ECTS credits: approx. 120

    Language of instruction: German, English

    Language requirements: German and English; for further information see “Admission requirements and selection”

    Program start: Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    School: School of Humanities, University of Mannheim and Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies, University of Waterloo, Canada

    Semester fee: €194.30 (further information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

    In accordance with the current tuition fee schedules, students have to pay additional incidential fees in the amount of approx. CAN $ 780 per term for the three terms at the University of Waterloo (status autumn 2022). Yet, you do not have to pay tuition fees at the University of Waterloo.

  • Program overview

    The master’s program in Intercultural German Studies is a joint degree program in which students study one year at the University of Mannheim and at the University of Waterloo in Canada, respectively.

    Students take courses in Germanic Linguistics and Literary Studies as well as in Cultural Studies and Intercultural Research.

    The master's program includes one mandatory module in Mannheim and in Waterloo, respectively. Apart from that, students can flexibly organize their studies. They can chose their courses freely, focusing either on Literary Studies or Linguistics. Please see the exemplary degree plan for orientation.

    The master’s program in Intercultural Studies offers students the opportunity to study at two outstanding universities in two different languages and cultural areas. This enables our students not only to acquire sound specialist knowledge but also intercultural understanding that is important for their subject matter and, of course, beyond.

  • Why study Intercultural German Studies at the University of Mannheim?

    The program was the first joint degree master’s program between two schools of humanities in Germany and Canada. This means that, at the end of their studies, students receive a degree certificate issued jointly by both universities.

    Both the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) promote and support the program’s innovative concept. As part of the program “Integrated International Degree Programmes with Double Degree”, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) even grants every student a scholarship for the duration of their stay stay abroad.

    In addition, the accreditation agency Acquin praises the program’s merits and the close cooperation between coordinators and students.

  • Career opportunities

    Our graduates stand out due to their intercultural competence and enhanced mobility. These skills are becoming increasingly important in our society and thus qualify our students for jobs with international focus.

    For example, they can work in public relations, marketing, project management, and consulting. Likewise, they qualify for activities in the media such as journalism, editing or proofreading.

    Another option is to continue your academic education at a university in Germany or abroad. Suitable subject matters would be related fields such as second language acquisition, intercultural communication, educational science or international business administration. Successful graduates of the master's program also have the opportunity to subsequently obtain a doctoral degree and thus pursue a career in academia.

  • Required interests and skills

    Students of the master’s program in Intercultural German Studies should

    • have a pronounced interest in cultural, literary and/or linguistic topics,
    • have intercultural competence and be willing to extend it,
    • have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in a targeted manner.
  • Program structure

    Module catalog
    For students who apply for the course at the University of Mannheim, the module catalog of the University of Mannheim (only available in German) offers an overview of courses and learning content.

    Studying abroad
    Studying abroad is mandatory during the second and third semesters. Depending on whether you have enrolled in Mannheim or Canada, you will spend both semesters at the respective partner university. It is not possible to complete the entire program of study in Mannheim.

    Internships
    The program includes a mandatory internship in research or teaching, which should be completed during your stay in Canada if possible. Within the framework of the cooperation, corresponding internship offers are available. It is also possible to do a voluntary internship. The program manager will be happy to advise you.

  • Doctorates

    Successful graduates of the master’s program in Intercultural German Studies can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities.

    A special option is the Cotutelle Program that is also run jointly with the University of Waterloo. This program involves research at both universities and culminates in a double doctorate from both universities.

    The program managers will be happy to advise you on further options.

    Doctoral programs and opportunities at the School of Humanities
    General information on doctoral studies at the University of Mannheim

  • Admission requirements and selection

    To be admitted to the master's program in Intercultural German Studies (M.A.) applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in German Studies. A degree in a different field 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 at least six semesters,
    • a final grade of 2.5 (German grading system) or better.

    Language requirements
    You have to submit proof of English language proficiency at least equivalent to level B2 and German language proficiency at least 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 140 ECTS credits in your core subject. 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

    Application deadline
    The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 1 April and ends on 31 May.

    It is not possible to apply for the spring semester.

The master's program Intercultural German Studies is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Contact

Dr. Regine Zeller

Dr. Regine Zeller

Coordinator of M.A. Intercultural German Studies
University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Department of German Studies
Schloss – Room EW 251
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
During the semester: on appointment
During the semester break: on appointment
Admissions Office

Admissions Office

University of Mannheim
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim

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