Program Overview

Master of Science in Journalism

The Master of Science in Journalism is a three-year program that combines fundamental journalistic training with informatics and applied journalism research. The program aims to equip students with the skills to navigate the digital transformation of journalism and to innovate within the field.

Program Overview

• Study Type: Advanced degree
• Degree: Master of Science
• Language of Instruction: German, with some English-language courses
• Study Form: Full-time, part-time
• Start of Studies: Winter semester
• Admission Restriction: Locally restricted admission
• Standard Period of Study: 6 semesters
• Credit Points: 180

Admission Requirements

• A first professionally qualifying university degree or a degree from a state or state-recognized berufsakademie
• Proof of practical journalistic knowledge, enabling largely independent journalistic work
• Knowledge of journalistic information gathering and processing, as well as journalistic forms of presentation
• These skills can be acquired through a university study program (at least 30 credit points), corresponding journalistic training, or a six-month internship in a media company

Program Structure

The program consists of three pillars:

1. Theoretical and Practical Journalism: Deepening theoretical and practical knowledge of journalistic working methods, including competencies for the organization and development of digital journalism, as well as legal and ethical norms.
2. Informatics: Acquiring basic informatics knowledge, which is increasingly important in the profession, including understanding how algorithms and databases function, which are the basis for digital applications in journalism.
3. Applied Social and Journalism Research: Imparting competencies in applied social and journalism research, enabling students to empirically investigate current phenomena in journalism using scientific methods.

Course Content

The study program includes a foundation phase in the first year, a project phase in the second year (including a master's thesis), and a practical phase with a minimum nine-month internship in the third year. Lectures can be held in English.

Special Features

• The master's program lasts three years
• A journalistic internship (only possible in full-time) in a media editorial office (at least nine months) is a mandatory part of the study program
• Graduates receive a professional education as editors at the same time
• The combination of journalistic skills, informatics competencies, applied research, and integrated internship in a master's program is unique in Germany

Career Prospects

The M.Sc. in Journalism qualifies students for journalistic and publishing activities in:

• Editorial offices of daily and weekly newspapers, magazines
• Radio and television stations
• Online and social media offerings
• News agencies and production companies
• Media companies, publishers, start-ups, and press offices or communications departments

Research Areas

The program prepares students for a career in communications and media research. The degree enables further qualification through a Ph.D., especially in the field of communications and media science or journalism, as a prerequisite for academic work at universities.

Internships and Study Abroad

The master's program includes a compulsory internship in the third year of study (60 credit points, 9-12 months), which must be completed full-time. A stay abroad is generally recommended and is to be organized by the students themselves.

Application

• Start of Studies: Winter semester
• Admission Restriction: Yes
• Application Period: May 2nd - May 31st
• Application Portal: AlmaWeb