Document Actions

Intercultural Communication and Business (B.A.)

Study for a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Communication and Business at JLU: foreign languages, business and intercultural communication for a globalised working life.

Foto: rawpixel/123rf.com

Overview

The Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Communication and Business at JLU integrates languages, cultures and business. You will combine a foreign language as your main subject with a second language relevant to business studies, and acquire knowledge of economics and business law. As a unifying element, intercultural communication prepares you for a globalised and transnational working life.

 

Applying for admission

 

Start of studies

Winter semester


Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semester


Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)


Language of instruction

German

Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

The Bachelor's degree programme Intercultural Communication and Business combines a foreign language as a main subject, a second business language and also imparts knowledge in economics and business law.

This programme is an extension and consolidation of the previous programme "Modern Foreign Languages, Cultures and Business". The new course of study is particularly distinguished by the fact that the economics section has been redesigned and a labour law focus has been added. Intercultural (business) communication functions as a link between business and languages, which prepares students in particular for the demands of a globalised and transnational working life.

 

What skills and interests should I have?

You should have an interest in the scientific study of languages, their development and the cultural areas in which these languages are spoken. The economics minor subjects demand analytical thinking and good mathematical understanding.

How is the programme structured?

The study programme consists of:

  • foreign language major (80 CP: 65 CP + ICB Modules 15 CP)
  • another business language (20 CP)
  • the minor subject economic (48 CP)
  • Modules in business law (12 CP)
  • Internship (10CP)
  • Bachelor Thesis (10CP)

An internship and/or project prepares students for the professional world, a semester abroad is firmly planned. 

The programme qualifies students for tasks in internationally operating companies and cultural institutions.

 

Foreign language major

In the foreign language major, you will deal with literary and cultural studies as well as linguistic topics. The aspect of intercultural communication is of particular importance. The following foreign language main subjects are offered:

  • Anglophone Studies
  • French studies / French
  • Spanish studies / Spanish
  • Portuguese studies / Portuguese
  • Russian studies / Russian

 

Second business language

The following second business languages are offered:

  • English
  • French
  • Croatian/Serbian/Bosnian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Czech
  • Ukrainian

Students choose two languages, one language as their main subject and another language as their second business language. The second business language must not be identical to the main subject chosen.
The practical language modules can be completed with a UNIcert® examination. This is a standardised, internationally recognised language certificate, which provides proof of foreign language skills acquired during studies and at work.

 

Minor subject Economics

The minor subject Economics consists of compulsory and optional modules in the fields of Business Administration, Economics and Statistics. In addition, there are two modules in business law from the areas of public law, private law and labour law.

Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor's degree, the following consecutive Master's programmes can be studied at JLU:

Depending on the subjects chosen in the Bachelor's programme, other Master's programmes at JLU may also be considered, e.g.

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

As a graduate of the programme Intercultural Communication and Business (ICB) you will qualify for various international fields of activity in a wide range of public and private institutions. There are various activities in which language, (intercultural) communication and/or economic aspects are important. This can be in the field of international business, trade and public administration (e.g. foreign trade, sales, human resources, customer service, international project planning, public relations, marketing), but also in the field of culture, the media industry and the further education sector up to activities in science, journalism, tourism or publishing.

At the same time, the Bachelor's programme Intercultural Communication and Business (ICB) is the basis for the subsequent Master's programme of the same name, which further deepens the relevant skills and prepares students for further career entry opportunities.

 

Career paths of graduates

Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

  • From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
  • From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin) .

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency .

Language requirements

For some major subjects, proof of language proficiency in the respective language must be presented before the start of the course or at the latest upon enrollment:

  • for the major subject Anglophone Studies, level B1,
  • for the major subjects Gallo-Romance Studies/French and Hispanic Studies/Spanish, level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

Proof of language skills can be provided by:

  • a language certificate that verifiably certifies the required language level
  • a language test in the relevant subject passed at a university, which verifiably certifies the required level and is not older than two years
  • other appropriate evidence of the required language level.

If you have any questions, please contact ZSB@uni-giessen.de .

No proof of language skills is required to study the second business language.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

  • for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
  • for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes


Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (eVV)

 

Study programme flyer

B.A. Intercultural Communication and Business (PDF in German)

Is this course right for me?

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

  • creating a course schedule,
  • examination regulations and registration deadlines,
  • campus areas and leisure activities,
  • and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies

Contact

Subject Advisor

Romance Studies

Contact persons at the Institute for Romance Studies
Karl-Glöckner-Str. 21 G, 35394 Giessen

English Studies

Contact persons at the Institute for English Studies
Philosophikum I, Haus B, Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 10, 35394 Giessen

Sociology

Contact persons at the Institute for Sociology
Karl-Glöckner-Str. 21 E, 35394 Giessen

Political Science

Contact persons at the Institute for Political Science
Karl-Glöckner-Str. 21 E, 35394 Giessen

Philosophy

Contact persons at the Institute for Philosophy
Rathenaustrasse 8, 35394 Giessen

History

Contact persons at the Institute for History
Philosophikum I C/E/G, 35394 Giessen

Art history

Contact persons at the Institute for Art history
Philosophikum I, Haus G, Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 10, 35394 Giessen

Commercial Law

Contact persons at the Insitute of Law

Licher Strasse 60, 35394 Giessen

Central Study Advisor

Beate Pitzler

Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Advisory services and contact information

International Office

Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students

International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Contact persons and office hours