M.A. Communication in Digital Societies
Degree awarded | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
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Duration and credits | 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits |
Starts in | October (winter semester) |
Language of instruction | German |
About the programme
The M.A. Communication in Digital Societies programme allows you to engage in theoretical and application-oriented study simultaneously. Primarily intended for graduates from degree programmes with a focus on communication science, it is the right degree programme for you if you are interested in how the digital media are changing communication processes in the public realm and what consequences this might have for society at large. It takes social-scientific research with a special focus on computational methods and combines this with interdisciplinary aspects of digitalisation. As you progress through the programme, you will acquire a wide range of skills that give you the best preparation for your future career, be it in academic research or working in the digital or communications business sectors. You will have the opportunity to complete an internship during your degree programme, which will give you initial work experience and enable you to apply the knowledge you have gained.
Features
- Focus on the relevant and topical field of digital communication
- Methodological focus on computerised research, data collection and analysis processes
- Strong research orientation through two-semester research projects on current topics in digital communication, which you will complete in a small group with close supervision
- Clearly structured programme which allows you to shape your individual profile by choosing a minor subject and a large interdisciplinary course offering
- Compulsory elective modules enable you to approach various aspects of the digital transformation from an interdisciplinary perspective, e.g. by specialising in cultural studies of a world region
The forward-looking orientation of the degree programme gives you precisely the skills that are in high demand in the media industry. A recent survey1 of 245 media companies in Bavaria revealed that there is an acute shortage of skilled staff for the evaluation of digital data in the media industry, specifically in the sub-sectors press, audio/radio, film/TV/streaming, marketing/PR/advertising and print/online publishing. Anywhere between 56% (film/TV/streaming) and 100% (audio/radio) of the companies surveyed agreed with the statement that there are not enough applicants in this area (Start Into Media, 2022).
In addition to specifically data-related jobs, the degree programme generally qualifies you for positions in the following areas:
- Public relations for businesses, foundations, associations and political organisations
- Strategic communication in the field of digital marketing
- Journalism (e.g. science journalism)
- Market research
- Content management
- Public affairs consultancy
In addition, a university career is of course also possible, as the degree programme prepares you for doctoral study in the field of communication science.
1 Quoted study: Start Into Media (2022). Fachkräfte für die Medien. Was braucht die Branche? Eine Bedarfsstudie für die bayerische Medienlandschaft.
This master's programme is divided into two sub-areas of communication studies, Digital Communication Theories and Research Fields and Digital Communication Research and Professional Competencies, as well as the interdisciplinary compulsory elective area Social Science of Digital Transformation.
In addition to providing a well-founded research-oriented education, the Master's programme gives students much freedom to engage in practical projects. For example, students on this programme developed the podcast series Codified – the Prof Talk at the University of Passau. Excursions are also offered on topics related to digitalisation, e.g. on the challenges of digitalisation and required competencies in the digital field. Last but not least, there are numerous media-related student societies for students to become involved in, such as KONNEX PR (public relations), PRO.FIL and spaetschicht.tv (film and television), Campus Crew (university radio station), CaTer and blank (print and online journalism) or Fotoprojekt Lichtgestalten (photography).