Knowledge and Communication University of Münster

Courses are held in English (100%).

Bridging Science and Society

In this MA programme, students learn to analyse the role of knowledge communication in society.

The programme broadly examines how knowledge is created, processed, disseminated, and used, including the effects of knowledge and knowledge communication. Our concept of knowledge encompasses not only knowledge validated by the scientific system but also alternative forms of knowledge and everyday understanding.

Following this approach, knowledge can be generated in many different ways, with data playing a central role. By specialising in computational communication science, students gain expertise in linking large volumes of data and knowledge, and in processing, organising, and interpreting knowledge in the form of data. With its emphasis on highly topical content and computational social science, this Master’s programme develops sought-after specialists who are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities.

Three key aspects distinguish the “Knowledge and Communication” programme from other study programmes at the Department of Communication in Münster, as well as from those at other universities:

• It offers a consistent specialisation in knowledge communication while being integrated with other areas of communication science.
• It emphasises computational communication science while also covering other methodological skills.
• It is the department’s first programme offered in English.

This thematic focus, combined with a concentration on computational methods and English as the internationally applicable language of instruction, makes the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication truly unique.

Prospective students can find all the important information on the structure and organisation of the MA in Knowledge and Communication, as well as on the admission requirements, student life, accommodation, visas and financing, in an FAQ on our website.

The Master’s degree programme in Knowledge and Communication is an in-person programme that starts every year in the winter semester, i.e., in October. The standard period of study is four semesters. Around 18 students are admitted to the degree programme each year.

For all applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Start of application phase: the beginning of May

The modules of the MA Knowledge and Communication build upon one another.

The first semester provides advanced knowledge in the field of knowledge and science communication. It also expands expertise in methods of empirical social research. The basic concepts, i.e., approaches and theories of knowledge communication, are anchored in clearly defined compulsory courses in Modules 1 and 3. Module 1 ("Concepts in Knowledge and Science Communication") teaches basic notions of knowledge communication and related theories and models in two seminars, starting with defining knowledge and science. The module integrates multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives (e.g. those of psychology or education). The "Knowledge Transfer" seminar in Module 3 provides students with an understanding of the mechanisms of knowledge communication practice. The MA Knowledge and Communication is a consecutive programme. Therefore, it builds on the basic knowledge of communication studies and social science methods that students bring from their BA programmes. In this respect, Module 2 ("Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research") builds on students' basic expertise in quantitative ("statistics") and qualitative social research.

The second semester deepens disciplinary and specialist knowledge. Particular emphasis is placed on broadening and deepening scientifically-analytical and methodological application skills. In Module 6 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communication I"), students extend their skills in the field of knowledge communication. In Module 5 ("Computational Communication Science"), students receive an introduction to computational methods as a specialisation of the programme. In this way, they broaden their methodological expertise and learn how to generate knowledge from data. The modules in the first semester are fundamental to complete the research module, Module 4 ("Research Module: Knowledge and Communication"). In this module, students design, plan, and carry out a comprehensive research project. They define the research questions and instruments, carry out data collection and analysis, and finally interpret and present the results. To have sufficient time to complete the research project from conception to final analysis, the research seminar, unlike other seminars in the programme, is held for four hours per week instead of two. In addition, the research module lasts for two semesters: the second and third semesters.

In the third semester, students conduct independent research and round off their disciplinary knowledge repertoire. Both in Module 9 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communication II") and in Modules 7 and 8, students acquire further specialised expertise. During the third semester, students implement and present their project in Module 4, having developed it in the first part of the research module in the previous semester. The experience gained in Module 4 ideally prepares students to complete their Master's thesis independently. The thesis is an empirical research project carried out in the final (fourth) semester.

A more detailed insight into the content of each module can be found on the website of the programme.

Currently, the department cooperates with 17 Communication Science departments in other European countries (ERASMUS partnerships, including special programmes for Switzerland and the UK); this includes partner universities in Athens, Bergen, Budapest, Lisbon, Stavanger, Oslo, and many more. Although the programme does not include a compulsory study abroad element in its curriculum, it is generally possible to spend one or more semesters, or undertake an internship, abroad.

No tuition fees

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as all of Germany.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml.

We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.

This programme is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in communication science or media studies who possess a solid theoretical and methodological foundation in this discipline and wish to explore knowledge communication in greater depth. As the programme is taught in English, it particularly appeals to those seeking an international profile, including individuals who have completed a relevant BA abroad and wish to pursue an advanced MA in Germany.

Consequently, the first requirement is a degree in a relevant study programme with a standard period of study of at least six semesters, which has been successfully completed with a Bachelor’s or another professionally qualifying degree (e.g., "Magister", Diploma, state examination, etc.).

What does "relevant study programme" mean?

To be relevant to the study programme, at least 70 ECTS credits (or equivalent) must have been earned in communication science, journalism studies, or media studies. These credits should either match the content or modules of the Bachelor’s programme in Communication Science at the University of Münster or complement its social science focus (e.g., media systems, media policy, media economics, media psychology, and media management). The 70 credit points must include at least 10 credit points in communication science theories and approaches. A maximum of 10 of the required 70 credit points can stem from practical media and communication courses.

In addition, at least 20 credits of the required 70 must be earned in relevant empirical research methods (e.g., survey methods, content analysis, experimental design, statistical analysis). Of these, a maximum of 10 credits may be proven by empirical project seminars, research seminars, or by an empirical Bachelor’s thesis. Applicants must also have earned at least 5 ECTS credits in statistics. A basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics is essential, as this prior knowledge is built on from the very first semester. Courses on general academic work are not recognised.

A certificate or transcript of records must clearly evidence the credit points. The credit points must also be clearly listed in a course overview.

Applicants must also provide evidence of their English language skills (see below).

A checklist of all required documents for the application and an FAQ on the application process can be found on the "Application and Enrolment" page of the programme.

Details of the requirements can also be found in the Admissions Regulations on the "Forms and Downloads" page.

Admission to the Master's programme in Knowledge and Communication requires a good to very good command of English. English language skills equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are considered sufficient. In order to demonstrate such sufficient knowledge, applicants must provide a recognised certificate. The following certificates are accepted by the selection committee: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, CPE and CAE. These certificates are accepted if they demonstrate language proficiency at C1 level or above and are not more than three years old. A Bachelor's degree from an English-taught programme is equivalent to these language requirements. This means that applicants with an English-taught undergraduate degree do not need to provide an additional certificate. Alternatively, a German high school diploma with a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) language level of at least "partial C1" or a German Abitur certificate with a minimum of 10 points in English in the second half of the final school year is accepted as proof of sufficient language skills. 

For all applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Start of application phase: the beginning of May

No

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the CERes (doctoral candidates) of the university for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

International students are offered a wide range of support services by both the Department of Communication and the International Office of the University of Münster. In addition to welcome events and buddy programmes, individual consultation services are always available.

With about 42,500 students and 5,000 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the University. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Follow your interests in the student societies, the university theatre, the choirs, orchestras or bands, the sports courses, and visit the university’s museums and gardens.

Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 322,000 inhabitants, over 61,000 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.