What you can expect in our master's program

With the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication at KIT, you will deepen your knowledge of theories and methods of science communication research as well as current issues in science communication and apply this knowledge in concrete projects. You will deal with digital media and the influence of digitalization on science communication and learn basic methods and application contexts of data mining. The standard period of study is 4 semesters, in which 120 credit points (CP) are earned according to ECTS.

From a media and communication studies, linguistics and sociology perspective, you will examine methods of knowledge acquisition in various sciences and their epistemic cultures, reflect on the relationship between media and knowledge and use qualitative methods to investigate the conditions and practices of knowledge acquisition and knowledge communication.

The courses offered in the master's degree program cover the subject areas of science communication (research, methods, history of theory), knowledge cultures, digital media in science communication and interdisciplinary research and professional skills. You will complete compulsory modules in each of these areas, and you can also choose your in-depth elective subject in the natural and technical sciences from four different options. Further information can be found in the module handbook.

The special feature of the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication at KIT is its interdisciplinary orientation and the high proportion of natural and technical sciences. It is not purely a degree program in communication and media studies. You will study in small, well-supervised groups with a high proportion of practical experience and, thanks to the integration into the EUCOR university network, you will have the opportunity to take part in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse.

The master's degree program qualifies you to enter professional fields at the interface between science and the public. This includes, for example, science journalism, media and public relations work for research institutions and companies, or working as a speaker in the field of communication between science, politics and the public.

Program structure

Sample study plan

Chosen subject Computer Science

Internship

The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on.

Make your studies international

You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree course. For example, you can study at a foreign university of your choice for one or two semesters via Erasmus+ or as a freemover. You can also do an internship abroad. In addition, selective mobility is possible via Eucor - The European Campus: KIT students can flexibly attend individual courses in addition to courses at KIT or study full-time for an entire semester or year at an Eucor partner university.

The EPICUR University Alliance also offers low-threshold international experience via a virtual campus, sometimes on site or in blended learning.

Master's thesis

At the end of your studies, you will complete your master's thesis (30 CP), an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It deals with a specific topic from your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and the preparation of a written paper. The master's thesis takes 6 months to complete. You can start it as soon as you have achieved 72 CP. Upon request, the master's thesis can also be completed in a company or at another KIT Department. The master's thesis also includes a presentation of your results no later than four weeks after submission.

The master's degree qualifies you to enter professional fields at the interface between science and the public. This includes, for example, science journalism, media and public relations work for research institutions and companies, or working as a speaker in the field of communication between science, politics and the public.

With a good master's degree and scientific ambitions, it could also be interesting for you to pursue a doctorate and a subsequent career at a university or research institution in the field of science communication.

Characteristic features of the Science - Media - Communication M.Sc. at KIT

• interdisciplinary orientation
  
• high proportion of natural and technical sciences - no pure study of communication and media science
  
• study in small, well-supervised groups
  
• high practical component
  
• integration into the EUCOR university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse
  

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• Lernraum app
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network
  

Admission requirements

The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication are based on the current admission regulations:

• bachelor's degree
  a bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Science - Media - Communication or a degree program with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The course must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
  
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in three of the following five areas
  • science communication to the extent of at least 8 CP
    
  • social science research methods amounting to at least 8 CP
    
  • media studies, journalism and public relations amounting to at least 8 CP
    
  • philosophy, history of technology and social history, linguistics amounting to at least 8 CP
    
  • natural and technical sciences of at least 8 CP
    
  If minimum knowledge and minimum achievements are only fulfilled in two of the areas listed above, admission may be granted on condition that the missing achievements specified in the admission letter are completed within the first two semesters of the master's degree program.
  
• letter of motivation
  a letter of motivation of 500 words in German, in which the motivation for the master's program in Science - Media - Communication, the reasons for choosing the master's program at KIT, the intended focus during the master's program and the subsequent professional future plans are explained and the relationship of the completed first degree to the master's program in Science - Media - Communication is made clear
  

Language requirements and certificates

For the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication, you need sufficient knowledge of German and English. Your German language skills must be at least level C2 and your English language skills at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German, German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient German language skills

As proof of your German language skills, your higher education or master's entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, university degree or a professional qualification that entitles you to study) is sufficient if you have acquired it at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction.

In concrete terms, this means that you do not have to submit additional proof of German if you

• have obtained your Abitur at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,
  
• are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or
• you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country regarding the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder (KMK) in the Federal Republic of Germany.

If you have already completed a German-language degree at a German university, this can also count as proof of German language proficiency - but only if the diploma supplement, transcript of records or degree certificate clearly states that German was the sole language of instruction and examination.

If, on the other hand, you did not obtain your higher education or master's entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at DSH-3 level. This corresponds to CEFR level C2.

Only the following certificates are accepted in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations:

• passed German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) with an overall result of DSH-3
  
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 5 in all four parts of the examination
  
• comparable other certificates that certify level C2 can be recognized.

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable C1 proof of German at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the C1 certificates listed above for your German language skills by the application deadline, admission is still possible if you can present a provisional document proving that you have at least B2 language level. Proof of B2 level only includes

• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with an overall result of DSH-1
  
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 3 in all four parts of the exam
  
• passed telc German B2 exam

But please don't forget: you still have to submit the C1 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take a recognized language test.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extensvion can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Student Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Proof of sufficient knowledge of English

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

• your Abitur certificate if you have studied English for at least six years up to graduation
  
• certificate of competence level B2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or a comparable certificate
  

What if I cannot provide suitable B2 proof of English at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the B2 certificates listed above for your English language skills by the application deadline, admission is still possible if you can present a provisional document proving that you have already acquired English language skills.

But please don't forget: you will still have to submit the actual B2 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take one of the recognized language tests.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extension can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Students Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Weitere Ansprechpersonen:

• KIT-Fakultät für Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften
• Department Wissenschaftskommunikation
• Fachstudienberatung
• Prüfungsausschuss
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium
• Fachschaft GeistSoz

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• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
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