Journalism and Corporate Communications, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Corporate Communication Suitable For?

The dual Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Corporate Communication at the Media University of Applied Sciences is aimed at everyone interested in journalistic professions as well as corporate communication. The target group particularly includes school graduates (Abitur holders) who wish to work in the media sector, marketing, public relations, or digital communication in the future. The degree is also suitable for applicants seeking a practical-oriented education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience gained in companies.

Admission Requirements in Detail

The basic admission requirement for the dual degree in Journalism and Corporate Communication is the Abitur (general higher education entrance qualification), the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or an equivalent qualification recognised as such. Successfully completing a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification also entitles applicants to apply. For foreign educational qualifications, recognition by the responsible authority is required.

• General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur)
• University of Applied Sciences Entrance Qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• Subject-Specific Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Equivalent recognised qualification
• For foreign certificates: recognition by the relevant authorities necessary

For the dual study model, a cooperation agreement with a practical partner company is additionally required. The university supports candidates in finding and arranging partner companies.

Applications are possible for the summer semester (starting in April) and the winter semester (starting in October). The degree can be commenced in Cologne, Berlin or Frankfurt.

Personal Requirements

In addition to the formal admission requirements, the Media University recommends the following personal qualities and competencies for the degree programme Journalism and Corporate Communication:

• Interest in social, economic and political topics
• Curiosity, openness and communication skills
• Willingness to research and write texts
• Basic knowledge in handling digital media
• Ability to work in a team and organisational talent
• Critical judgement and sense of responsibility
• Creativity, especially in storytelling and using multimedia opportunities
• Willingness to regularly work practically in the partner company (for dual study)

A confident command of language, interest in media trends and the motivation to work both practically and scientifically will help to successfully complete the degree.

What will you learn in the Bachelor’s programme in Journalism and Corporate Communication?

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Journalism and Corporate Communication at the Media University of Applied Sciences, you will engage with the fundamentals and practice of professional communication. You will learn how to research news, write reports, and conduct interviews. Both journalistic and corporate communication methods are taught – from public relations to marketing campaigns. A particular focus is placed on cross-media work: you will be introduced to video, audio, and online journalism and develop skills to professionally create media content across various channels.

• Journalistic basics: Research, news writing, reports, interviews
• Communication science & media ethics: Analysis of media systems, ethical aspects of reporting
• Corporate communication: PR, advertising, marketing strategies, social media
• Crossmedia: Multimedia storytelling, production of video and audio contributions, development of digital campaigns
• Academic work: Empirical methods, data analysis, academic writing
• Language skills: Business English and optionally another foreign language (e.g. Spanish, Chinese)

Specialisations can be individually tailored by choosing modules such as media law, media technology or digital economy. Practical workshops and an extensive compulsory internship (6 months in the classic variant) provide concrete insights into later professional life.

How is the course structured?

The degree programme is available as a traditional full-time course (6 semesters) or as a dual study programme (7 semesters with increased practical integration). In the dual model, you work alongside lectures at a partner company, giving you direct insight into professional practice. The university supports you in finding a suitable company. In the classic study variant, a six-month compulsory internship is part of the curriculum.

• Start of studies: Summer semester (April) or winter semester (October)
• Internship: 6 months, partner companies include e.g. RTL, ZDF, Gruner + Jahr, Unilever or European Space Agency
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), state-recognised and accredited

The teaching places great emphasis on the combination of theory and practice-oriented training. Innovative learning formats and projects, such as cross-media storytelling, are an integral part of the programme. Many lecturers are active in the media industry themselves and bring current knowledge and practical case studies into teaching.

In which professions can you work after graduation?

The degree qualifies you for activities in classical journalism, corporate communication, and adjacent media sectors. The solid connection of both areas opens up a wide range of career opportunities:

• Editor in print, online, radio or television editorial offices
• PR and communications consultant
• Social media manager
• Content marketing manager
• Press spokesperson
• Copywriter
• Head of on-air promotion, content creation or project management in media companies

Former students work for media houses such as RTL, ZDFinfo, Spiegel, Stern, Tagesspiegel and various agencies. Working as an independent producer or presenter is also possible.

At which locations can you study?

The degree programme in Journalism and Corporate Communication is currently offered at the following locations:

• Berlin
• Cologne
• Frankfurt

You can begin the full-time or dual study programme at the location of your choice.

What are the costs and what financing options are available?

• Traditional study: 790 euros per month
• Dual study: 0 euros per month, as tuition fees are usually covered by the partner company

In the dual model, you may receive additional remuneration from the partner company by arrangement. Further information is available from the Media University’s student advisory service. Scholarships, BAföG and other funding models can also be used. The university is happy to provide advice on suitable financing.