English 
Deutsch Who Benefits from the Master's in Strategic Communication & Digital Marketing?
The distance learning programme is aimed at graduates from various fields who wish to further qualify themselves specifically in the area of digital communication and integrated marketing. The course is especially suitable for professionals working in communication, marketing or media jobs who aspire to leadership or specialist roles or want to prepare for strategic and conceptual tasks in the digital environment. Career changers with work experience in related fields – for example business administration, social sciences or IT – also use the master’s programme to qualify specifically for positions in strategic communication, digital marketing or media production.
Formal Admission Requirements at a Glance
To be admitted to the distance learning programme, the following criteria must be met:
- First university degree (bachelor’s, diploma or magister, any subject) with at least 210 ECTS credits
- Proof of at least one year of qualified work experience after the first degree
- Submission of CV, proof of university entrance qualification and the degree certificate of the first degree
If the first degree comprises only 180 ECTS credits, the missing 30 ECTS can be earned through a supplementary examination at FHM (additional costs apply). For a detailed assessment of credit transfer and admission, it is advisable to consult the student advisory service.
You should have an interest in current communication and marketing practice, be prepared for self-directed work in distance learning and be willing to engage with complex digital strategies and different media formats. Communication skills, analytical thinking and openness to creative as well as technical topics belong to the most important soft skills. Practical experience in PR, marketing, media production or related areas is advantageous but not a formal requirement. Confident handling of digital tools and platforms as well as a willingness for continuous professional development in the dynamic media environment will facilitate success in the programme.
Study Contents in Detail: What Does the Master's in Strategic Communication & Digital Marketing Offer You?
In the Master's degree programme Strategic Communication & Digital Marketing (M.A.) at the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium Enterprises, you acquire comprehensive knowledge in all relevant areas of modern corporate communication and digital marketing. The focus is on linking strategy development with practical implementation in digital and cross-media channels. Among other things, you will learn:
- Strategic Communication & Crossmedia: Development of integrated communication concepts and targeted campaign management across various platforms.
- Corporate & Change Communication (elective module): Corporate communication in transition, accompanying change processes communicatively.
- Cross-media Media Production: Production and management of digital media content for different channels.
- Digital Marketing & User Experience: Planning of target group-specific digital strategies, design of the customer journey and user experience.
- Social Media & Mobile Marketing (elective module): Building and managing brands in social networks, application of mobile marketing tools.
- Law in Communication and Marketing: Legal fundamentals in the digital environment.
- Communication & Market Research: Methods of empirical research, evaluation of data and derivation of optimisation measures.
- Practice-oriented project work: Application of what you have learned within the framework of practical projects or integrated study phases.
The special competence model of the FHM promotes professional skills, management abilities and personal development and prepares you specifically for an interface function within companies.
Course Structure: How Does the Distance Learning Study Programme Work?
The programme is organised as a flexible distance learning course and lasts at least 16 months if relevant prior knowledge is recognised. If you choose the complete curriculum without credit transfer, the duration of study is 24 months. The study contents are provided via a digital learning platform:
- Digital study materials (study texts, videos, podcasts, online tests and tasks)
- Regular, optional online events with professors (beginning, middle and end of each module, evenings from 6:00 p.m.)
- Practical project and module “Studies in Practice”, which can possibly be credited through professional experience
- Access to the learning platform, personal support by tutors and study counselling
- Examinations are taken digitally or at examination locations
The competence model of the FHM is applied in the study, which is intended to strengthen you not only professionally but also in your personal development and management skills. The study programme usually starts in October each year. A four-week trial phase at the beginning is possible.
Career Opportunities & Employment Prospects: What Paths Are Open to You?
With the Master's degree in Strategic Communication & Digital Marketing, you qualify for demanding specialist and leadership tasks at the interface between communication, media and digital marketing:
- Corporate communication and public relations (PR, internal & external communication)
- Marketing departments in companies of all industries and sizes
- Digital agencies (e.g. for SEO, content marketing or campaign management)
- Communication and advertising agencies
- Media production in the digital context
- Social media management and consulting
- E-commerce companies with a focus on digital sales
- Market research institutes and communication analytics
- Management consultancy with a focus on digital transformation and communication
Graduates often take on leadership roles or specialised tasks in communication strategy, campaign management, user experience or digital brand management.
Place of Study: How and Where Does the Study Programme Take Place?
The study is conducted entirely at the FHM Online University – a virtual campus for location-independent, flexible studying. You have access to all study materials and services via the central online platform. Participation is possible nationwide and internationally. Examinations can be taken digitally or – depending on requirements – in person at selected examination centres in Germany. Additionally, the FHM offers nine on-site locations (including Bielefeld, Berlin, Cologne, Hanover) which can be used for counselling or additional services.
Costs and Financing: What Expenses Should You Expect?
The tuition fees for the Master’s programme shortened to 16 months amount to 500 euros per month (total costs: 8,500 euros including examination fee). If you decide on the regular 24-month programme, the monthly fee amounts to 435 euros (total costs: 10,940 euros including examination fee). Additional costs may arise if you need to make up for missing ECTS credits.
- Payable in monthly instalments
- Four-week trial phase at the beginning is free of charge
- Free extension of the study programme by up to 6 months possible
Financing options include advancement BAföG, education loans (for example from the KfW), tax benefits for further education as well as (after individual assessment) funding programmes for working professionals. Many employers support part-time study as part of personnel development.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Strategic Communications & Digital Marketing? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution FHM University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.