English 
Deutsch Who is the B.A. Journalism for - and what do you need for admission?
The degree programme is suitable for you if you want to start a career in the media after completing school and develop researched stories for print, online, radio, or TV. It is also suitable if you come from a related field such as communication or politics and want to expand your profile with journalistic skills, data research, and storytelling. Also suitable: You want to study on the Berlin campus, learn in small groups, and gain practical experience early on - with project work and a mandatory internship semester.
Admission requirements
Admission is without NC restrictions and with predictable start dates. The following points are relevant for the application and enrolment:
- University entrance qualification for a bachelor's degree in Germany (e.g. Abitur, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or university of applied sciences entrance qualification).
- No numerus clausus - admission is NC-free.
- Applications possible throughout the year; start of studies always on 1st April (summer semester) or 1st October (winter semester).
- Full-time on-campus studies in Berlin with face-to-face classes and practical projects.
- Duration of study and degree: 6 semesters, 180 ECTS, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
- Fee note: €6,000 per semester plus a one-time €699 registration fee.
The application process is digital: submit your online application, receive feedback from the study advisory service, review the study contract upon successful application, sign and return it - this completes the enrollment process.
Personal requirements
Essential are curiosity, a passion for writing, and the ability to present complex issues comprehensibly. You should research carefully, check sources, and be able to meet deadlines - the journalistic everyday life is often deadline-driven. Also helpful are:
- Interest in media law, politics and society, as well as topics like data analysis, visualization, and AI-supported research.
- Team spirit for editorial and project work, effective communication in interviews and moderations.
- Self-organization and perseverance for in-person phases, project peaks, and the internship semester.
Realistic time planning: This is a full-time study programme with regular face-to-face events, project work, and exam phases - it is hardly compatible with a full-time job. Plan buffers for research, shoots, editing, and feedback loops. Those who work in a structured manner, start tasks early, and actively seek feedback will reliably reach their goals in this study model.
What do you study in the Journalism programme at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences?
You learn to research thoroughly, prepare stories for digital channels, and publish journalistic content in a legally compliant manner. Key areas include digital transformation, data literacy, and the societal role of journalism - with numerous practical projects and an integrated practical semester.
Journalistic fundamentals and media literacy: You begin with the basics of journalism, forms of presentation, as well as media and communication theories. Academic writing and research help you structure and substantiate content effectively.
Research, Data and AI: You practice research methods, data analysis, and visualization, while critically applying "AI and Innovations in Journalism". Data storytelling combines numbers, visuals, and narratives into understandable contributions.
Law, Politics and Economy: Media law and media policy provide legal certainty. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of media economics - crucial for editorial offices, agencies, and your own projects.
Society and current conflict areas: Modules such as "Journalism and Democracy", "Crises, war, conflicts, and crime", as well as "Community Engagement and Social Impact" enhance your understanding of the responsibility and impact of journalistic work.
Production, projects, and entrepreneurial spirit: In "Content Creation", practical and research projects, you work in an editorial context - from ideation to publication. Elective modules like "Entrepreneurship" or "Social Responsibility" also prepare you for freelance or entrepreneurial paths.
Specialisations and elective options: Elective subjects (e.g. AI in journalism, Data Storytelling, Entrepreneurship) allow you to shape your profile - for example, data-driven journalism, political and news journalism, or innovation-oriented media work.
Practical semester and graduation: The 5th semester is designed as an internship, where you gain insights into editorial processes, agency work, or corporate communications within a company. Finally, you will produce the Bachelor's thesis (15 ECTS), often linked to a research or practical question from your studies.
How is the Journalism programme structured at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences?
It is an on-campus study programme starting in either the summer or winter semester. You study in small groups, with lecturers from the industry and engage in numerous project works - including a practical semester in companies.
On-Campus in Berlin - industry-oriented
The classes mainly take place on campus. Berlin, as a media hub, is an ideal location with editorial offices, broadcasters, agencies, and start-ups within reach. The teaching is practice-oriented, with content updated by industry-experienced instructors.
Learning in small groups and close supervision
Small classes allow for feedback at eye level, intensive project phases, and access to networks. Collaboration partners support practical projects; the university assists in finding placements for the practical semester.
Performance assessments with a project and practical focus
The course structure strongly focuses on application-oriented examination performances: project work, reports, and presentations are integral parts of the programme. The culmination is the Bachelor's thesis, where you address a research-based problem.
Time structure, scope and practical semester
The full-time programme spans 6 semesters (180 ECTS). Project and research phases are firmly anchored; the 5th semester is planned as a full-time internship. Start dates are on April 1st or October 1st each year.
How much does the Journalism programme at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences cost?
The regular tuition fees amount to €6,000 per semester plus a one-time registration fee of €699. Over 6 semesters, this results in total costs of €36,699. Personal expenses such as rent in Berlin, work materials, or travel costs during the practical semester are additional.
Payment models and financing: The fees can be paid by semester, monthly, as a one-time payment, or with an initial payment plus monthly instalments. Options include scholarships (partial scholarships), KfW student loans, an income-dependent educational fund ("Study now, pay later"), and - subject to requirements - BAföG for EU citizens resident in Germany.
Tax classification: Depending on individual circumstances, study costs may be tax-deductible (special expenses for initial studies or business expenses for further studies/career advancement). Personalised advice is advisable.
Comparison to the public alternative: Public universities usually only charge semester fees. Private programmes like Journalism at Macromedia offer smaller groups, close supervision, and an integrated practical semester - yet the monthly financial burden is significantly higher and should be realistically considered.
What careers and salaries are possible after studying Journalism?
Common entry fields include editorial offices, audio-visual formats, agencies, and corporate communications. Realistic starting salaries range from around €36,000-€45,000 gross annually, with development opportunities based on role, medium, and responsibility.
- Editor (Print/Online): approx. €36,000-€55,000; with experience in managerial roles, €55,000-€70,000.
- TV Editor: approx. €40,000-€65,000, depending on the broadcaster, format, and collective bargaining agreement.
- Presenter (Radio/TV/Online formats): wide range; fixed employment often at €42,000-€70,000, freelancers on a daily rate/project basis.
- Press Officer (Corporate Communications): around €45,000-€80,000, potentially higher in corporations.
- Social Media or Data Journalist: approximately €38,000-€60,000, with specialised knowledge in data/visualisation more towards the higher end.
For managerial roles or specialisations (e.g. investigative, data analysis, media management), a subsequent Master's degree could be beneficial - for instance, in Journalism, Media Management, Communication, or Data Science with a media focus.
Who is the Journalism programme suitable for - and who is it not suitable for?
The programme is suitable if you aspire to work in journalism, value practical relevance, and aim to build networks in a media city like Berlin. Small groups and project modules help you develop a strong portfolio - from data pieces to reports.
- You want to work in editorial offices, at broadcasters, agencies, or in corporate communications - with a clear focus on practice and projects.
- You appreciate small study groups and direct supervision by instructors with industry experience.
- You want to leverage an integrated practical semester to make contacts and gain experience.
- You are interested in digital trends like AI in journalism, data analysis, and social media formats.
Not every life situation aligns with this model. The costs and the on-site attendance requirement are real hurdles - factors that should be weighed against alternatives beforehand.
- You are looking for a very cost-effective solution - compared to public universities, the total costs are significantly higher.
- You prefer to study fully remotely - the programme is campus-based in Berlin.
- You are unable to accommodate a continuous practical semester - the 5th semester is designated as a full-time internship.
- You prefer a strongly research-oriented curriculum without production and practical components - the focus here is clearly on practical application.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Journalism? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Macromedia University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.