Bachelor's Program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: at least 180
(approx. 120 in the core subject, approx. 60 in the specialist subject)Language of instruction: English and German
Language requirements: You must be very proficient in English. Your English grades in upper secondary education or a language test serve as prove. For more details, please refer to the selection statutes. If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent qualification), you must submit proof of proficiency in German on C1 level.
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Humanities
Semester fee: EUR 194 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The Bachelor of Arts program in Culture and Economy is a program combining various subjects and subject cultures: a cultural studies major from the School of Humanities and an economics combination major. A connection is created, for example, by language practice courses with a focus on economics.
The core subject, English and American Studies, looks at aspects of literature, culture and language from the English-speaking world. Through courses in literary studies, students learn the basic principles of academic literary analysis. Courses on culture focus on the cultural history of Great Britain and the U.S., and involve analyzing, for example, films, music, advertisements, and articles. Students also study linguistics, including the theories and methods of language acquisition and development, and multilingualism. In language practice courses, you will further develop your language skills at a very high level.
You can choose between business administration and economics as specialist subjects. If you choose business administration, you attend basic courses in finance, marketing, management, business informatics, accounting, and production. The University of Mannheim also focuses on courses in business and corporate ethics. In economics, students will acquire knowledge in the areas of analysis, statistics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics, in addition to the fundamentals of economics. Economic history is another special area of study.
Why study Culture and Economy: English and American Studies at the University of Mannheim?
The bachelor's program in Culture and Economy combines specialized knowledge of English and American linguistics, literary, cultural and media studies with well-founded English skills and a solid understanding of economics or business administration. The majority of the modules are taught in English. This combination of aspects to form one degree program is unique in Germany. As such, graduates of the program, with their knowledge of the humanities and business administration or economics, are particularly sought-after on the international labor market.
Courses such as Foundations of UK/
US Economy and Politics or Language and Marketing, for example, successfully bridge the gap between the disciplines. The onboarding culture of the department is another special feature of English and American Studies in Mannheim. In this context, students are supported in the areas of study organization, networking and career prospects, especially at the beginning of their studies. 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.
Students at the School of Humanities value the ability to work interactively in small groups and the favorable student-teacher ratio. The program managers are happy to answer questions about organizing your studies. Academic advisors and teachers will help you with questions about the program.
Career opportunities
As a trained all-rounder with broad expertise in culture and business, strong communication skills, problem-solving skills and flexible thinking, you will analyze complex issues and develop value-based solutions during your studies. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities for you: sales, customer service, purchasing, marketing, human resources, communications, public relations, media, international organizations, journalism, cultural management, and much more.
Furthermore, a degree in English and American Studies opens up many professional opportunities for you. Potential fields of activity for graduates include journalism, press and publishing work, public relations in international companies and organizations, and all areas with special requirements for intercultural competencies.
Required interests and skills
- be enthusiastic about English-speaking cultures and countries, as well as having an interest in their social and political developments
- be very proficient in English and have good German language skills,
- have an academic interest in methods and theories,
- enjoy reading, writing, and discussing English and German texts,
- be capable of critical thinking and like discussing topics,
- like giving presentations.
For the combination major in Business Administration, you should be enthusiastic about marketing, management and business and corporate ethics and have good mathematical skills. For the combination major in Economics, you should have very good mathematical skills and an interest in statistics and politics. You should also be willing to learn and apply a large amount of course material in a short period of time.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is part of a global network. The School of Humanities is partners with over 150 universities worldwide. Our team for international affairs will support you in planning a stay abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fourth or fifth subject-specific semester, but it is possible to make individual arrangements. Spending a semester abroad is recommended but not mandatory. A semester abroad can easily be integrated into the course of study and offers you the opportunity to deepen your intercultural competencies. In addition, field trips and interdisciplinary seminars are offered in cooperation with international universities.Internships
A six-week internship in Germany or abroad is integrated into the program of study. Information and contact persons for all questions relating to internships and career entry can be found on the website of the School of Humanities.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.
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!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.Further study
The following degree programs are partly or fully available in English:
Mannheim Master in Management (M.Sc.)
Master’s program in Economics (M.Sc.) if you completed the module on economics (Vertiefung Volkswirtschaftslehre) during the bachelor's program (see selection statutes)
The following degree programs are (mainly) taught in German:
Master’s program in Culture and Economy (M.A.)
Master’s program in Language and Communication (M.A.)
Master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era (M.A.)
Application and selection
At the University of Mannheim, a traditional numerus clausus (within the meaning of a minimum grade required for admission) does not exist. 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!
In our selection process for the Bachelor's Program in Culture and Economy: English and American Studies, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in English and Mathematics,
- proof of a good level of proficiency in English (at least level B2), if an average of at least 10 points was not achieved throughout the final years of German secondary school education,
- relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.
German language proficiency
If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.Selection statutes
Under “Application 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.If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.
Scholarships and funding
The university offers various funding opportunities. Around 200 Mannheim students receive scholarships every year, which are intended to give them the freedom to focus on their academic achievements or to continue their voluntary work alongside their studies. Find out more about the funding opportunities and feel free to apply, for example, for the Deutschland Scholarship, the Opportunity Mannheim Scholarship or the Elite Sports Scholarship Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region.Funding opportunities for international degree-seeking students
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Insights into university life
Michelle shows you the Mannheim campus and daily life as a student at the School of Humanities.
Contact
Dr. Angelika Konrad-Schineller
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m.
Open consultation hours in room 282
Wed 10–12 a.m.
Online consultation hours – please make an appointment via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/virtual-office-hours/
Laura Grabarek, M.A.
School of Humanities
Schloss – Room EO 282
68161 Mannheim
Tue 10–12 a.m.
Open consultation hours in room 282
Wed 10–12 a.m.
Online consultation hours – please make an appointment via https://www.phil.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/virtual-office-hours/
Admissions Office
L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
68161 Mannheim