Media and Communication Science

The programme offers an innovative and integrative overview on media and communication studies focussing on digital media. Special emphasis is given to the following fields:

• strategic communication & public relations
• media management & innovation communication
• online communication & digital games

Additionally, the programme improves the students' understanding of empirical research processes as well as their knowledge on research methods and theoretical approaches to communication and media studies.

Educational organisation

The programme comprises different types of seminars to be completed within the first and second semesters of study:
1) Orientation modules:

• Trends in Media and Communication Science (three ECTS-CP)
• Empirical Communication Research (three ECTS-CP)

2) Specialisation modules (duration of one semester):

• Four seminars to be chosen from a wide area of subjects in strategic communication & public relations, media management & innovation communication, online communication & digital games (4 ECTS-CP each, 24 ECTS-CP in total)

3) Research modules (duration of two semesters):

• Three seminars to be chosen from subjects in strategic communication & public relations, media management & innovation communication, online communication & digital games (10 ECTS-CP each, 30 ECTS-CP in total)

This open structure allows graduate students to combine various fields of study according to their individual interests.
The Master's thesis will be researched and written in the final third semester, including the Master's colloquium (30 ECTS-CP).

Part-time studies are possible.

Forms of assessment

90 ECTS CP including: oral examinations, written examinations and Master's thesis

Course objectives

The programme prepares students for a wide variety of employment in the following research and vocational fields:

• Internal and external organisational communication (public relations) for businesses, associations, and other institutions
• Social science based market and public opinion research
• Media and communication consultancy
• Media management
• Scientific positions at universities and research establishments
• Journalism; in particular scientific, economic and technical journalism
• Media production

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English:

• TOEFL: 600 (ITP), 250 (CBT), 100 (iBT)
• TOEIC: 800
• IELTS: 6.5
• CAE (Cambridge Exam)
• C1 (European Framework of References for Languages)

Academic requirements

Formal requirements:

• Bachelor's degree/university diploma (or equivalent)
• English language proficiency

Eligibility:

• Thorough understanding of the scientific method
• Profound knowledge, skills, and ability in communication and media research
• Ability and skills in communication and media practice
• The willingness and motivation required to carry out interdisciplinary research in intercultural contexts
• International experience

Enrolment fees

Currently 111.40 EUR for the first semester and 96.40 EUR per semester for all following semesters, including a public transport ticket

Costs of living

Approx. 670 EUR per month (including accommodation)

Job opportunities

Temporary jobs are available in local enterprises such as shopping malls and supermarkets.

Arrival support

Foreign students are assisted by the International Office support and service network we4you.
For further information, see: http://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/we4you/.

Services and support for international students

General assistance especially for foreign students is given by the International Office - support and service network we4you (http://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/we4you/).

Specific assistance is given by the studies counselling team. The contact person is Gunther Kreuzberger. E-mail: studiescounseling-mcs@tu-ilmenau.de

Accommodation

The TU Ilmenau is a campus university. Most of its academic buildings and all of its dormitories are located on the Ehrenberg campus. The dormitories have been renovated in the past few years in order to accommodate students in single and double-bed rooms. The Student Guild guarantees all first semester students a room in the dormitories, provided that they apply on time. The dormitory rent in Ilmenau is approx. 150-230 EUR per bed per month, depending on the type of apartment and how well it is furnished. Of course, you may also look independently for a privately rented apartment in Ilmenau and the surrounding area. We cannot offer estimates on the cost of private accommodation because prices vary widely and are not comparable due to the wide range of conditions.