Media University of Applied Sciences (MU)

The Media University of Applied Sciences (MU) - formerly known as HMKW - receives mixed feedback from its students. Many praise the practical study content and the familiar atmosphere, while clear criticism is voiced, especially regarding organization. Overall, the ratings range from average to good (an average of about 3.6 out of 5 points), and about four out of five students would recommend the university. Nevertheless, the experience reports provide a clear picture of strengths and weaknesses that prospective students should be aware of.

Study Content & Teaching Quality: The majority of students are satisfied with the content and quality of teaching. The offered courses effectively combine theory and practice, which is highly valued in media and communication fields. Practical projects such as planning real events, marketing campaigns for real clients, or collaborations (e.g. with museums or radio stations) allow students to directly apply their knowledge. Small seminar groups of around 20 students promote intensive exchange: lecturers can address questions individually, and students receive direct feedback on their work. Some reviews highlight positively that there are more project works than exams - particularly advantageous in creative courses. However, some find the academic demands to be too low. It is reported that exams can be very easy, and presentations make up a large part of the lectures. Some students felt that they learned too little for a full university education. Overall, the curriculum is described as current and diverse, providing a strong foundation in relevant media and business topics.

Lecturers & Support: The lecturers at MU are mostly positively evaluated. Many professors and teaching staff come directly from practice, bringing valuable industry knowledge and contacts. Students report that most teaching staff are engaged and easily accessible - for example, emails are usually answered promptly, and a personal relationship on equal terms is established in small classes. Particularly individual professors are highlighted for their expertise and social skills; they often manage to compensate for gaps in other lecturers and motivate students. However, there are differences: Some students criticize the lack of pedagogical skills in some lecturers. Some students desired more support and felt left alone at times during their studies. Support outside of lectures - for example, through the examination office or in finding internships - is experienced differently: while some are satisfied, others report slow responses and little proactive assistance. Overall, the teaching staff is considered professionally skilled and committed to providing students with practical knowledge, even though the quality of support varies from lecturer to lecturer.

Campus & Facilities: As a private university, MU has relatively modern facilities, although differences can be felt depending on the location. The campus buildings in Berlin and Frankfurt are described as "beautiful and modern," and all three locations (Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt) are easily accessible by public transport. Technically, much is up to date: there are Apple-Mac rooms, an audio-video studio, as well as cameras and recording equipment that students can borrow for their own projects. This equipment - especially for media courses - is seen as a major plus, as it allows for practical work. Furthermore, the spaces are usually not overcrowded; almost all students find a seat without any issues, creating a pleasant learning environment. However, it was noted that the facilities could be more modern in some areas. The library at MU is rather small, which is perceived as a disadvantage, especially in higher semesters (e.g. during the Bachelor's thesis) - many then resort to public libraries in the city. A canteen is also not available on campus; however, there are plenty of options in the surrounding areas to get food. Overall, the campus provides a solid foundation for media studies, although it does not quite reach the facilities of larger state universities.

Student Life & Networking: The traditional campus and student life at Media University are rather limited. Due to the university's manageable size and fixed schedules, there are fewer student events and hardly the hustle and bustle of a large university with parties or student groups. Many students attend their seminars - often only one or two a day - and then go about their business, limiting the exchange between various study programs. In surveys about MU, most respondents stated that there is no significant "flirting factor" or lively party culture at the university. Nevertheless, close communities form within the individual study groups. Spending several semesters with the same ~20 classmates results in an almost familiar cohesion: you get to know each other well, help each other out, and quickly make friends. Some students report that it is "very easy to connect," especially because the groups are small. Interdisciplinary networking is also facilitated at times - for example, through cross-location projects or simply through contact with classmates from other creative disciplines on campus. However, MU should not be expected to offer a pronounced student life like at a large public university. There is internationality (English-language programs and exchange opportunities) but overall, the campus life remains professional and career-oriented. For students primarily looking to build a network for the industry, the university offers opportunities through practical projects and personal contact with lecturers; for those seeking a vibrant student life, this aspect is somewhat lacking.

Career & Practical Relevance: In terms of practical relevance and career preparation, MU plays to its strengths. Practical projects, excursions, and a mandatory internship during studies ensure that graduates gain valuable work experience during their studies. Many lecturers also work as journalists, designers, psychologists, or managers on the side, bringing in not just up-to-date knowledge, but also industry insights and contacts from which students can benefit. The university collaborates with media companies, agencies, and businesses - projects with museums or radio stations, for example, where students could actively participate. As a result, many graduates feel well-prepared for the job market. One graduate reports that they did not "experience any disadvantages compared to other colleagues" in her job, concerning the skills acquired during studies. Particularly, the high practical relevance - compared to some more theoretically oriented university education - is emphasized: those who enjoy creative work and think economically find a suitable environment at MU. However, there are also critical voices. Some dual students noted that the coordination between theory and practice phases is not optimal and knowledge gaps can arise. Moreover, the career factor naturally depends on how the industry perceives private universities. While MU is state-recognised, and its degrees are valid, some point out that the most prestigious media and design jobs in Germany are often filled by graduates of traditional art and media schools. However, the practical orientation of MU gives students a certain advantage: many establish contacts in the working world during their studies and gather portfolio materials. Overall, the emphasis on career and practical relevance is seen as a major asset of the university, opening doors to various industries for dedicated students.

Organization & Administration: One area where Media University shows clear weaknesses is in organization. This is the most frequently mentioned criticism in reviews. Students report chaotic timetables that are often announced very last minute (sometimes only one to two weeks before the semester starts). This complicates planning, for example, for part-time jobs or private appointments significantly. Changes to schedules during the semester and overlapping events were also mentioned. The administration sometimes appears overwhelmed: some had to wait very long for exam results and had to follow up multiple times before grades were recorded. An extreme case even reports "losing" an exam, which then had to be rewritten. Although such incidents are not the norm, they contribute to a negative impression. Communication between the university and students is described as needing improvement - important information (e.g. about mandatory internships, elective courses, or the current rebranding of the university) was sometimes unclear or communicated late, causing uncertainty. Particularly at the Frankfurt campus, organizational problems seem to have occurred more frequently in the past; students there felt somewhat disadvantaged and underrepresented compared to the other locations. It is positively noted that the on-site staff are friendly and eager to help students - the deficiencies lie more in the structures and processes. Some lecturers also try to rectify planning errors through personal commitment (e.g. by sacrificing their own teaching time to provide missing information). Nevertheless, the impression remains that the university urgently needs improvement in this area. A tighter organization, more reliable planning, and better internal communication would, according to many reviews, make the study significantly more relaxed and efficient.

Value for Money: As a private university, MU charges considerable tuition fees, and students therefore view the value for money critically. Opinions here vary. On the one hand, many emphasise that one must be aware that "the study costs a lot of money" and that for this investment, one should make full use of all the university's offers - then it can be worth it. For example, the fee-financed programs provide extras such as study trips abroad or modern technology, and individual support is more achievable than at crowded state universities. Students who have completed semesters abroad (e.g. through ERASMUS at partner universities) or accumulated extensive practical material feel well advanced by MU and rate the financial investment as justified. On the other hand, there are clear voices that consider the value for money as unjustifiable. Especially when encountering organizational deficiencies and minor equipment deficits, many question "where the money actually goes." Several reviewers compare the fee with what is offered and conclude that the study is too expensive for the services provided. In some cases, additional costs were incurred - for example, when extending the study program, changing campuses, or special offers - which is negatively noted. In short: The costs are an important factor and are perceived as relatively high. Should the organizational problems be resolved and the quality further enhanced, the value of the fees would significantly improve from the students' perspective. Currently, however, value for money remains a weak point that each interested party must weigh for themselves.

Conclusion: The Media University of Applied Sciences offers a personal, practice-oriented study program in modern media and communication fields. Students benefit from small groups, practical projects, and lecturers with industry experience. The university impresses with good facilities in the creative field and provides valuable experiences - from direct feedback in seminars to semesters abroad. However, it struggles with administrative and organizational weaknesses that unnecessarily complicate the daily study routine. Those who choose MU should keep the high tuition fees and somewhat limited campus atmosphere in mind; in return, they receive close support and practical experience.

In summary, the reviews paint a picture of a committed university with a lot of potential for improvement: With enhancements in organization and consistent quality control, MU could fulfill its full performance promise and better compete with established public universities. For students who value practical relevance and individual support over traditional university life, MU - despite some "downsides" - can be a rewarding choice.

Disclaimer: This editorial review is based on an analysis of publicly available ratings, experience reports, and opinions from various sources. The summary provides an objective and factual representation of the most common positive and negative aspects as reported by current and former students. It does not claim to be complete or absolutely correct. Individual experiences may vary, and it is recommended to seek additional information independently before making a study decision.