Program Overview

Bachelor's Program in Media and Communication Studies

The Bachelor's Program in Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim is a comprehensive program that enables students to academically analyze communicative processes and media. The program focuses on the special features of media products and their role and impact in the context of social systems and social change.

Program Facts and Information

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
• ECTS credits: approximately 180 (approximately 150 in core subject, approximately 30 in minor subject)
• Language of instruction: German and English
• Language requirements: If you do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.
• Program start: Fall semester (September)
• School: School of Humanities
• Semester fee: EUR 194
• Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
• Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

Program Overview

The program provides students with comprehensive theoretical and methodological knowledge to analyze communicative processes and media. The focus is on the special features of media products and their role and impact in the context of social systems and social change. In addition to the basic principles of public, social, political, and mass-media communication, students will learn about:

• media and communication theories
• mediated public communication
• audiovisual media
• exposure to, and effects of, media use

Quantitative research methods in media and communication studies are one focus of the degree program. These may be expanded to include qualitative or computer-aided automated methods during the program. The program also includes practice-oriented seminars to prepare students for their careers, in which they will work with external speakers from the television and radio industry to create videos or radio news, for example.

Why Study Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim?

In Mannheim, you can study Media and Communication Studies as one degree program, whereas at other universities, these fields are usually studied separately. Another advantage of this bachelor's program is its inclusion of aspects from cultural studies and the social sciences. With 450 partner universities and students from 100 countries, Mannheim is one of the most international universities in the country, providing students with an inspiring learning environment that facilitates excellent teaching and research.

Career Opportunities

The course qualifies students for starting a career in the communications and media industry. Possible career fields are:

• corporate communications
• culture
• radio, film, and television production
• public relations
• social media
• (science) journalism
• editing
• publishing
• higher education
• adult education
• politics

Required Interests and Skills

• be interested in the scientific analysis of media
• be interested in researching various communication processes
• enjoy reading (in German and English)
• critical thinking and finding joy in discussions
• like academic writing

Program Structure

The program includes a module catalog, studying abroad, internships, and a sample degree plan. The University of Mannheim is part of a global network, and the School of Humanities is partners with over 150 universities worldwide. A six-week internship in Germany or abroad is integrated into the program of study.

Continuing Education

The University of Mannheim offers various continuing education services, including certificate programs, language courses, and Studium Generale. Students can acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge, learn new languages, or participate in IT or communication trainings.

Further Study

The following degree program is (mainly) taught in German:

• Master’s program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication (M.A.)

Application and Selection

In the selection process for the Bachelor's Program in Media and Communication Studies, the following criteria are taken into account:

• the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification
• relevant work experience and extracurricular activities

German language proficiency is required, and if you do not have a German university entrance qualification, you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level. The application deadline for the fall semester starts on June 1 and ends on July 15.