Studying made easy

This is where you can find all information about studying at the Institute for Communications Studies. If you have specific questions, the Institute's staff will help you during their office hours. The Institute also offers general student counseling.

What is Communication Studies?

The subject deals with the functions and effects of media in interaction with society. The emphasis is less on the technological aspects, but rather on the content conveyed by media and media systems. The foci here at the IfK are: General Media Studies, Journalism and Public Relations.

Degrees

Communications studies was usually concluded by a Magister examination (Magister Artium, M.A.), which might be followed by a doctorate title (PhD.). The minimum term of studies is eight semesters, or ten if aiming for a doctorate.

Since 2006 the only available degree for new applicants is a Bachelor Diploma (B.A.). The minimum term of studies is six semesters. The Bachelor Diploma qualifies for a Master (M.A.), which is currently being planned for winter term 2009/10.

How You Study

The Magister course of studies is split into a basic and a main level, which are both generally pursued in the following fashion:

Communications Studies as main subject:

Basic Level: 7 Records of Achievement
1st Semester:	- Foundation Course I
2nd Semester:	- Foundation Course II
3rd - 4th Semester:	- Methodology of the Social Sciences - Practical Media Skills - 2 Evaluation Courses*
up to 4th Semester:	- Internship and Evaluation Sessions
after 4th Semester:	- First Examination
Main Level: 6 Records of Achievement
5th-8th Semester:	- 2 Project Courses over 2 Semsters - 2 Theoretical Courses

* One of the evaluation courses has to be chosen with one of the faculty staff of unit I or II of the IfK (not with associate teachers).

Communications Studies as minor subject:

Basic Level: 5 Records of Achievement
1st Semester:	- Foundation Course I
2nd Semester:	- Foundation Course II
3rd - 4th Semester:	- Methodology of the Social Sciences - Practical Media Skills - Evaluation Courses
after 4th Semester:	- First Examination (voluntary)
Main Level: 2 Records of Achievement
5th-8th Semester:	- 2 Theoretical Courses

Overview of events

Only available in German

Teaching in English

The IfK continually offers some of its lectures and courses in English to improve the foreign language competences of our students. As students need to improve their abilities in analysing foreign texts and prepare for studying abroad, mainly at universities in English-speaking countries. Adding to these language skills, we aim to incorporate distance learning and self-organised learning facilities, which will be combined with the English curriculum being planned on.

Any questions?

general student counseling