New bachelor's degree for multilingual professionals: Opportunity for Germersheim!

New bachelor's degree for multilingual professionals: Opportunity for Germersheim!

At the Germersheim location of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), a new interdisciplinary bachelor's degree program called “Languages, Cultures, Communication” will be launched in the winter semester 2025/2026. This course of study aims to prepare students for professional multilingual work in transcultural contexts. The focus is on qualification in several languages, as the course includes the imparting of knowledge in at least two to five languages. These include Arabic, English, French and Spanish as well as some other languages ​​such as modern Greek, Portuguese and Italian. Previous language knowledge is only required for German (as a foreign language and language of instruction), English and French, while other languages ​​can be learned without prior knowledge. This allows great flexibility for students of different language levels.

The course not only offers language lessons, but also a scientific and practical examination of current topics such as migration, digitalization, climate change and development cooperation. Interdisciplinary events offer historical, sociological, cultural and literary approaches to analyzing the present. The aim is to develop high communicative skills, both oral, written and digital.

Study content and career prospects

Students in the new bachelor's degree program have the opportunity to attend events that deal with usability, technical documentation and innovative technologies, including the use of AI-based language technologies. The content is prepared for target groups and across media, which is particularly important in today's digital communication landscape. Practical training also covers topics such as translation, interpreting and barrier-free communication. Here, students also acquire knowledge of computer-aided language processing and can develop programs to increase efficiency in translation processes.

Possible career fields for graduates include international organizations, NGOs, foundations as well as various areas of corporate communications and transcultural market research. Career field orientation is an integral part of the course and aims to build a bridge between academic content and practical requirements. Stays abroad and internships are also integrated into the study concept in order to gain real experience and promote intercultural exchange.

Comparison with other study programs

Similar courses at other universities, such as the ZHAW, also offer intensive training in multilingual communication. The focus here is on the use of modern technologies and a wide range of language courses, as well as teaching skills in digital media. The training also includes, among other things, the creation of information in various formats, translation software and optimization of communication using digital tools.

Another comparison can be made to: University of Graz which offers a bachelor's degree with a similar focus on language, culture and digital media. Students there focus on the role of language in a globalized context and thus acquire essential skills that are useful in many international professional fields.

The application deadline for the newly established bachelor's degree program at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz ends on September 1, 2025. The growing range of interdisciplinary degree programs in multilingualism reflects the increasing need for well-trained professionals who are able to communicate effectively in globally networked contexts.