Study Media and Communication Studies

Possible master’s program

• Master's program in Media and Communication Studies: Digital Communication (M.A.)

What role does the media play in society and politics? How do smartphones and chats influence our communication? If you study the bachelor's program in Media and Communication Studies, you will acquire comprehensive theoretical and methodological knowledge. This will enable you to scientifically analyze communicative processes and media. The program focuses on the peculiarities of media products and their effect on social systems and societal change.

In addition to the fundamentals of public, social, political, and mass media communication, you will also learn about:

• media and communication theories
• mediated public communication
• audiovisual media
• research on the exposure to and effects of media use

One of the aspects this program focuses on are quantitative research methods in Media and Communication Studies. During the course of your studies, you will also learn about qualitative or computer-aided automated methods. This is complemented by practice-oriented seminars preparing you for your career, where you work with external instructors from the television and radio industry to, for example, create videos or radio news. This way, you will become familiar with industry-specific tools and moderation techniques. In addition, you will learn more about the storytelling method and create PR concepts from start to finish.

This program includes a minor in humanities or social sciences. Your options include subjects such as Psychology, English and American Studies, German Studies, Applied Informatics, Philosophy, and Political Science. This enables you to gain interdisciplinary insights (depending on your minor) and enhance your individual professional profile.

Distribution of ECTS credits
You will complete approximately 150 ECTS in your core subject and approximately 30 ECTS in your combination major. 

Combination of two subjects
Unlike other universities, where Media Studies and Communication Studies are two separate subjects, the University of Mannheim combines both in a single program. Another advantage of this program is that it includes Cultural Studies and social sciences perspectives.

Top positions in rankings
The Institute for Media and Communication Studies at the University of Mannheim has achieved excellent results in the international Shanghai Ranking.

After graduation, you will be qualified to directly start working in the communication and media industry. Possible career fields include: corporate communications, the cultural sector, radio, movie and television production, public relations, social media, (science) journalism, editing, publishing, higher education, adult education, and politics.

Alternatively, you can study a master's program in Media and Communication Studies or a similar program.

If you wish to study Media and Communication Studies, you should 

• be interested in the academic study of media,
• be interested in researching different types of communication processes,
• enjoy reading (in German and English),
• enjoy engaging in critical thinking and discussions,
• enjoy writing academic texts.

The bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies is currently selective. The following selection criteria are taken into account:

• grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification
• relevant practical work experience and extracurricular activities