Photo credit: Anna Logue

Master's Program in Language and Communication

I’ ve chosen this master's program because it provides a wide range of courses and we can pursue independent research work in a three-semester project and research module. I am particularly impressed by the program’s interdisciplinary approach: You can choose from a wide variety of courses, for example from the fields of English and American Studies or Psychology. The fact that every student can design their studies individually is also reflected by the many possible career paths: While my fellow students work in marketing or corporate communications, I decided to pursue a scientific career in German Linguistics and am currently completing my doctorate at the University of Mannheim.

Laura Herzberg, graduate of the master’s program in Language and Communication/ Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen

I immediately seized the opportunity to top my studies with a master's degree satisfying its exciting name in terms of content. The cooperation between the university and the Institut für Deutsche Sprache is a great opportunity to get to know current linguistic research. Also, our teachers are excellent in their subjects! I quickly felt at home in Mannheim.

Thorsten Skora, student of the master’s program in Language and Communication / 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 and English

Language requirements: German (click here for further information)
English; for further information see Admission requirements and selection

Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendar

School: School of Humanities

Semester fee: €174.90 (more)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

Read more about the master’s program in Language and Communication
Brochure on the master’s program in Language and Communication (only available in German)
Program overview

The master's program in Language and Communication is an interdisciplinary program based on a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. The core of the program is a three-semester project module. In this module, you will develop an individual research project in close cooperation with your supervisor, the implementation of which you will then present and, if appropriate, even publish.

In addition, you will deepen your specialist knowledge in four advanced modules on linguistic methodology, linguistic theories, language acquisition and multilingualism research as well as interaction and text. You can choose the courses according to your interests. It is also possible to focus on specific linguistic areas. For example, the majority of courses can be taken either in English and American Studies, German Studies or Romance Studies.

In addition, students can choose their own specializations in mandatory elective courses. This enables them to acquire interdisciplinary competences in the fields of media and communication studies, psychology, language competence or other linguistic fields.
Why study Language and Communication at the University of Mannheim?

The master's program in Language and Communication offers students the unique opportunity to independently carry out an individual research project, starting with its conception right through to the presentation of results. Not only do they benefit from the close supervision of university teachers, but they also acquire basic skills that may be decisive for their future jobs when it comes to working on projects.

The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation in Germany (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

The master’s program in Language and Communication ensures that students are ideally prepared, both in terms of content and methodology, to begin an academic career in the field of linguistics.

Thanks to the specialist, methodological and personal skills that our students acquire through their project work, in particular, they also qualify for jobs in non-scientific fields of activity. Our graduates work, for example, in corporate communications, market and opinion research, PR, marketing, consulting, project management and public relations.
Required interests and skills
Students of the master’s program in Language and Communication should:
- have a sound grasp of the linguistic and methodical basics,
- have a pronounced interest in linguistic topics,
- be able of critical and interdisciplinary thinking,
- have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in projects and research groups.
Program structure

Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.

Studying abroad
The School of Humanities is partners with 140 universities around the world. In collaboration with the International Office, the school can help you plan a period of study abroad. In the master's program in Language and Communication, studying abroad is optional.

Internships
Completing an internship during the master’s program in Language and Communication is optional. If you would like to do a voluntary internship, the School of Humanities will be happy to assist you with the organization.
Doctorates

Successful graduates of the master’s program in Language and Communication can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities.
Admission requirements and selection
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 six semesters/three years,

a final grade of 2.5 or better.
Language requirements
You have to submit proof of German (C1) and English language proficiency equivalent to level B2 or equivalent skills.

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
You can find the exact requirements for the program in the selection statutes, which are only available in German.
Application
Application deadline
The application period is from March 15 to May 31. It is not possible to start your program in the spring semester.

Admission to an advanced semester
If you want to apply for an advanced semester, please contact Ms. Dörr in the Admissions Office.

Apply
Important information on your application for admission to a master’s program
We regularly receive incomplete applications that we cannot take into account. Please observe the following:

Applications with a transcript of records that has been printed out by the student him- or herself and has not been stamped – or applications that include copies of certificates and transcripts that have not been notarized – cannot be accepted and must be rejected. Therefore, please ensure that your transcript of records carries the official stamp and signature of your higher education institution.

Proof of language proficiency: We cannot accept all available certificates as proof of foreign language proficiency. This particularly applies to comments added to higher education entrance qualifications in some German Länder as well as language courses not concluded with an officially recognized language test. Please contact us in advance as applications without acceptable proof of language proficiency are invalid and must be rejected. Please note: The copy of your proof of language proficiency must also be notarized.

We recommend you to send us your application as early as possible. Only then will we be able to request any missing documents from you. If you have any questions, please contact us. Our pages on how to apply provide you with a comprehensive list of documents you need to include with a complete application for admission to a master’s program.

Contact

Sebastian Hempen, M.A.

Master's Program Manager

University of Mannheim
School of Humanities
Kaiserring 14–16 – Room 611
68161 Mannheim

Phone: + 49 621 181-2160
E-mail: master(at)phil.uni-mannheim.de

Consultation hour(s):
Tue and Wed 10 a.m.–noon (drop–in office hours; lecture period), Attention: no office hours on 13 November.

Photo credit: Daniela Haupt

Program facts and information

Program overview

Why study Language and Communication at the University of Mannheim?

Career opportunities

Required interests and skills

Program structure

Doctorates

Admission requirements and selection

Application

Contact

Sebastian Hempen, M.A.