Program Overview

Master's Program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era

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.

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)
• 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 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.

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. 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.

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.
• 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.

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.

Admission Requirements and Selection

• Admission requirements:
  • Completion of a literature or philological bachelor’s program in English and American Studies, German Studies or Romance Studies or a program recognized as equivalent, completed with a grade of “good” or better (equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie) with at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years.
  • The program is recognized as equivalent if the program includes at least a basic module and an advanced module in Literary Studies.
  • Proven proficiency in English (Level B2).
  • Proof of proficiency in German.
• Selection criteria:
  • The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program.
  • Letter of motivation:
    • Motivation for the master’s program in Literature, Media and Culture in the Modern Era.
    • Reasons for pursuing a master’s program at the University of Mannheim.
    • Areas you want to focus on during your master's program.
    • Professional aims.
    • Relevance of the completed bachelor’s program.
  • Relevant professional activities (vocational training, work experience, internships).
  • Relevant stays abroad lasting several months.
  • Relevant distinctions (academic presentations, publications, scholarships).