The master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era caught my attention because of the diversity it offers. The interdisciplinary approach of seminars in Literature and Cultural Studies and the courses in Media Studies perfectly complement each other. In addition, students have the possibility to choose their subjects from the fields of Romance Studies and German Studies as well as English and American Studies. This also applies to foreign language skills modules. The teachers strive to promote our personal development, attend to our individual needs, and are in every respect very encouraging, especially so in seminars and practical modules!
Valeria Pinto, student in the master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era / Photo credit: Lukas Pousset
As a French woman, I spent one year as an Erasmus student in Mannheim and then decided to stay here because I was convinced by the university's reputation and its excellent range of interdisciplinary degree programs. I decided to pursue a master's degree in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era, which enables me to combine literature in various language directions – in my case Romance and German Studies – with media studies. I liked to individually choose my courses and working independently, the good contact with the professors, and the diverse seminars and projects. Altogether a good start to my professional life.
Eva Léchelle, graduate in the master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era / 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 and English; for further information on the required proof of language proficiency see “Admission requirements and selection”
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
The master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.) deepens the students’ literary knowledge in English and American Studies, Romance Studies (French, Italian, Spanish) and/
or German Studies and expands it by specialized knowledge in the field of media theory. The program’s interdisciplinary structure enables a variety of interrelationships to be established between English and American Studies, German Studies, and Romance Studies on the one hand and media studies on the other. The interdisciplinary master's program focuses on current issues at the intersection of literature and media in the Modern Era – the epoch that stretches from the middle of the 18th century to the present day.
At the beginning of their studies, students gain comprehensive intercultural insights into the theoretical and methodological principles. The rest of the master's program can be arranged individually. Students have the opportunity to choose their own specializations.
In a practical module, they will acquire additional practical cultural and media skills as well as in-depth practical language skills at a high level.
Why study Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era at the University of Mannheim?
The master's program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era deepens your knowledge in literary studies and at the same time expands it by including an intercultural and interdisciplinary perspective. This offers graduates of this master's program a wide range of career opportunities.
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 interdisciplinary orientation provides our graduates with a wide range of career opportunities. The cultural sector, in particular, offers a broad field of activity. Our graduates work, for example, in publishing, journalism, museums, state-run educational and cultural institutions or at theaters.
After completing a subsequent doctoral degree in Literary and Media Studies, graduates of the master's program can also pursue a career in academia – either in Germany or at international level.
Required interests and skills
Students of Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era should
- have a pronounced interest in literary and media-scientific topics,
- be able of critical and interdisciplinary thinking,
- have intercultural competence,
- have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in a targeted manner.
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 of Humanities can help you plan a period of study abroad. In the master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era, studying abroad is optional, but encouraged by the school.
Internships
Doing an internship is optional in the master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era. If you would like to do a voluntary internship, the program managers will be happy to assist you with the organization.Doctorates
Successful graduates of the master’s program can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities. The program managers will be happy to provide advice if you plan on pursuing a doctorate.
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 Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.) applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in English and American Studies, German Studies, or Romance Studies. Another degree in literature or philology is sufficient if it is recognized as equivalent. 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
A good level of English language proficiency (level B2 or equivalent skills) is required.
You must submit proof that your German language proficiency is equivalent to level C1. Please click here for more information.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 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.- a total of 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of six semesters/
Application
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)