Program Overview

Master of Arts in Communications and Media Science

The Master's program in Communications and Media Science is a consecutive, research-oriented degree. Students acquire knowledge of structures, processes, content, design, effects, and the history of media, public, and interpersonal communication. Graduates can assess research results in communications and media science according to their quality criteria, apply them to solve practical problems, and conduct independent research.

Overview

• Study Direction: Social Sciences
• Study Type: Advanced
• Degree: Master of Arts
• Language of Instruction: German, partially English
• Study Form: Full-time, Part-time
• Start of Study: Winter semester
• Admission Restriction: Locally restricted
• Standard Study Period: 4 semesters
• Credit Points: 120

Admission Requirements

• A professionally qualifying university degree or a degree from a state or state-recognized academy in Communications and Media Science or a comparable, subject-relevant degree program in Communications Science, Media Science, Journalism, or other social and humanities sciences with a focus on media, with at least 100 credit points, but no less than 70 credit points in the core subject.
• English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• A minimum 300-hour continuous internship in one or more institutions related to the study program before starting the study.
  • Possible internship fields: Media and opinion research, media business/media management, publishing, public relations, journalism, multimedia/online communication, media education, institutions for practical media training, as well as library, museum, and archive management.
  • The internship must be proven by a certificate of internship or a proof that an internship can be completed by the beginning of the Master's program. Alternatively to an internship, subject-related experiences can also be proven through other professional practical activities in the mentioned fields.

Contents

The study program covers general and methodological foundations of Communications and Media Science in the first semester. In the second and third semesters, students deepen their knowledge in theories, research projects, and application fields of the subject.

Through elective modules, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of the three offered focuses (in this case, all modules of the corresponding focus must be taken) or to study the general Master's program in Communications and Media Science (free choice and combination of elective modules from all focuses).

Focuses are:

• Media Publics
• Media Education
• Media Cultures

In the fourth semester, students write their Master's thesis.

Special Features

• Students can either specialize in one of the offered focuses (choice of all modules from one focus) or freely combine elective modules from all focuses.
• A stay abroad is generally recommended. Exams taken abroad can be recognized.

Career Prospects

The program provides students with the necessary knowledge and competencies for entry into various communications professions and for successful careers in science. Through the change in technologies, markets, as well as values and preferences of people, the requirements for communications professions are constantly changing; the dynamic development of the media landscape and the comprehensive changes in modern publics pose new challenges to science.

Therefore, students receive the competency to understand, explain, and shape the change in media, organizations, and society. Theories, methods, and empirical findings of the research provide the necessary orientation for this.

The program qualifies students for attractive career paths in dynamic future industries, for the realization of their own ideas in creative start-ups, and for self-determined careers in research and teaching at research institutes, universities of applied sciences, and universities. Graduates of the program can take on design and leadership tasks in the media and communications industry, media and opinion research, or in educational institutions. Furthermore, the Master's degree qualifies students for application to a doctoral program.

To prepare for the professional entry, students should already establish contacts with potential employers during their studies and gain initial experiences through internships. The Career Service supports students in this process.

Internships and Stays Abroad

• An internship is possible: The transfer module "Practical and Application Fields" can be replaced by a continuous internship of eight weeks' duration if it is completed after the start of the Master's program.
• A stay abroad is recommended; exams taken abroad can be recognized.

Study Documents

• Examination (PO) and study regulations (SO), study schedule, and module descriptions

Application

Application for First Semester There is no admission to the 1st semester of this program for the winter semester 2025/26. Please inform yourself about the new Master's program "Digital Communication, Media Cultures, and Media Competencies".

Application for Higher Semesters Study offer in the winter semester: 3rd semester - admission-free Study offer in the summer semester: 4th semester - admission-free Application deadline: 02.05. - 15.09. for the winter semester; 01.12. - 15.03. for the summer semester Application portal: AlmaWeb Special enrollment requirements: Placement form

Further information can be found on the page "Application for Higher Semesters".

International students find information on application deadlines and the application process on the page "International".