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
Language requirements: German and English; for further information see “Admission requirements and selection”
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Humanities
Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The master's program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication is a research-based course of studies addressing current, socially relevant phenomena of the digitalized world.
The master's program focuses on research into the social and psychological consequences of digital transition. The students therefore always deal with current topics: Every year, we offer two new focal points that are oriented towards the current developments in digital communication.
In the course of your studies, you will also deepen your methodological and theoretical knowledge in the field of media and communication studies and apply it in a two-semester research project. In small groups you will examine an individual research question. Research is carried out independently from the planning stage to the implementation and presentation of the results.
With the elective module, the master's program also offers students the opportunity to choose their own specializations outside their subject, for example in Literary Studies, History, Political Science or Psychology.
Why study Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication at the University of Mannheim?
The University of Mannheim is one of the few universities in Germany to combine media and communications research in this master's program. In doing so, it is deliberately targeting current phenomena and developments in the field of digital communication. The focus on current topics and the program’s interdisciplinary contents qualify our graduates for a variety of demanding media-related activities.
Because classes at the School of Humanities are small, students are provided with personal support by our subject-specific academic advisors and the program managers, and also benefit from a close relationship with professors and teachers.
The Humanities at the University of Mannheim have an excellent reputation in Germany (take a look at the rankings). 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 master's program provides our students with a sound scientific education. After completing a subsequent doctoral degree, graduates from this master’s program can also pursue a career in academia either in the field of Media and Communication Studies or a related field.
There is a variety of demanding media-related activities for graduates of the program, such as for example in journalism, film and television, communications management, and public relations as well as in market research and marketing.
Required interests and skills
Students of Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication should
- have a keen interest in current topics and problem areas in the field of media and communication studies,
- be able of critical and interdisciplinary thinking,
- have a high level of motivation and willingness to work independently and in a targeted manner,
- have a good level of English proficiency.
Program structure
Module catalog
You can find further details on how the program is structured in the module catalog.Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim is partners with 450 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 Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication, studying abroad is optional, but encouraged by the school.
Internships
Our students will acquire additional practical skills in a two-semester practical module. If you would like to do an additional voluntary internship, the School of Humanities 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.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
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!Doctorates
Successful graduates of the master’s program can pursue a doctorate at the School of Humanities, in Media and Communication Studies or in related disciplines. Please contact the program managers, who will be happy to advise you on this topic.
Doctoral programs and opportunities at the School of Humanities
General information on doctoral studies at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Admission requirements
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for a master’s program as long as will provide a proof that you have obtained at least 130 ECTS credits.
- Completion of a bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies, or a bachelor’s program in Social Sciences or Humanities recognized as equivalent with courses in Media and Communication Studies corresponding to at least 28 ECTS credits (or 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), corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years.
- In addition, the program must include relevant research and data analysis methods corresponding to at least 8 ECTS credits in the Media and Communication Studies courses or in other courses.
- 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
- Relevant professional activities (vocational training, professional practice or internships)
- Relevant distinctions (academic presentations, publications, scholarships)
- Semester abroad
Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.- Completion of a bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies, or a bachelor’s program in Social Sciences or Humanities recognized as equivalent with courses in Media and Communication Studies corresponding to at least 28 ECTS credits (or 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), corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years.
Application
