14.09.2022
Overview
Communication and Media
The study programs in this field of study prepare for a professional activity in the areas of editorial, journalistic, press and public relations as well as communication or information management.
The study field at a glance
There are a variety of opportunities in the communication and media study field - both in terms of degree programs and future job opportunities. Often, it is not yet clear by the choice of the subject of study, where later the professional way opens. Through the Internet, mobile and digital technologies, these disciplines are always facing new challenges. This explains why many new courses have been created in this field in recent years.
- Communication studies the communication process in all its effects, the functioning of mass media and their impact on the public.
- Under the generic term "media", there are, on the one hand, theoretically oriented study programs that prepare for work in journalism and editing as well as in press and public relations. In addition to a creative and secure use of language, the prerequisites are the ability to render complex facts and relationships generally understandable, as well as interest in diverse contacts.
- The production-oriented degree programs such as media technology or information management rather convey the practical knowledge of media production and management.
Offered courses
The bachelor's degree programs are offered at universities and technical colleges and bear, for example, the following study program titles: Information Management, Intercultural Communication, Journalism, Online Journalism, Sports Journalism, Communication Science, Language and Communication, Digital Media Production, Digital Media, Screen Based Media, Public relations, public relations and corporate communications, technical editing or marketing communications.
In the master's program specialization or broadening of the knowledge is possible, e.g. in areas such as media direction, literature and media practice or culture, aesthetics and media.
Contents of the course
Depending on the focus and orientation of the chosen program, different fundamentals in theory and practice are taught, e.g. Conceptual and methodical knowledge, journalistic writing, production or media technology, design and aesthetics, management or computer science skills, media law, information law, databases and dynamic websites, intercultural communication, communication and media history, psycho-qualitative market research, quantitative market research, digital media, Media practice, media history, print media, broadcasting, content management, media ethics, PR practice, website creation, online documentation, technical English, visual design, technical descriptions, copywriting, online media and e-commerce.
Admission criteria & study application
Journalism courses sometimes require two to three months of pre-study internship at a publishing house, editorial office or in the press department of a company.
Possible careers after graduation
Media graduates can work in production studios of radio or television broadcasters, multimedia agencies, advertising agencies, publishers and other media companies, opinion polling institutes or the press and public relations departments of companies or institutions.
Graduates of a journalistic degree program work as editors, correspondents, moderators, specialist lecturers, reporters, photojournalists and press and media officers. They find employment – with a growing tendency to self-employment - in the online and multimedia sector as well as in daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, advertisements, in television and radio, at press offices, agencies and press offices. Increasingly also in the area of public relations / public relations and corporate publishing, whereby there is a wide variety of overlaps in the fields of advertising / marketing.
Technical writers often work as freelancers in technical documentation for industrial companies or trade journals.
