Course: Media theory and comparative media studies M.A.
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
The Master's degree programme in media theory and comparative media studies teaches advanced media studies skills. In particular, students learn to analyse and compare different concepts of the media with the help of media and discourse analysis methods and to systematically understand media, their content and cultural contexts.
Graduates of the degree program are able to independently investigate media studies issues, analyse their aspects, design suitable solutions, document them, reflect on them and develop them further by mastering relevant subject-specific methods.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
The M.A. degree program in media theory and comparative media studies is aimed at prospective students who want to understand and critically reflect on the role of media in history and contemporary culture. By deepening and expanding their basic knowledge of media studies, students learn to analyse media phenomena comparatively and to develop and answer complex scientific questions independently.
The degree program is interdisciplinary and provides students with in-depth knowledge of media theory, media history and media culture analysis as well as methods from related fields such as digital humanities or the history of science. On this basis, they are able to analyse and compare different concepts of the media with the help of media and discourse analysis methods and to systematically record media with regard to their technology, their content and their cultural embedding. The degree program focuses on digitalisation and media transformation processes. Students learn to assess their influence on knowledge cultures, forms of communication and social structures.
The degree program offers a scientifically sound education that is required for subsequent professional activities - for example in editorial areas or in cultural and media management - as well as for further academic qualifications (doctorate).
Is this the right program for me?
This program is suitable for you if you have a Bachelor's degree in media studies/media culture studies, film and television studies or related degree programmes and have already acquired basic knowledge of media history, media theory and media analysis. With an initial experience of what it means to think and work in media studies, you should have the desire to independently work out media historical and media theoretical contexts and make them fruitful in terms of media cultural analysis.
What should I bring with me?
- The curiosity to delve deeper into media culture, digital developments and society's communication processes
- The desire to deepen your knowledge of media studies methods and to find your own topics and analytical approaches
- The willingness to critically scrutinise complex contexts and develop an academic profile
What makes this program special?
The M.A. in media theory and comparative linguative media studies focuses on media culture and is characterised above all by the fact that the course focuses on a theoretically, historically and analytically in-depth examination of media, mediality and media transformation processes, but is supplemented and expanded by perspectives and methods from other disciplines (literary studies, linguistics, digital humanities, history of science, media informatics and information science). The degree program places particular emphasis on the analysis of digital media and media aesthetics as well as the study of media history - from early written cultures to digital platforms and AI-based media forms.
Freedom of choice and specialisation options
The degree program gives you the opportunity to work on a broad range of topics, while at the same time sharpening your academic profile and specialising in specific subject areas. The degree program is structured by compulsory media studies modules and a wide range of elective modules, which you can choose according to your interests. Within the modules, there is also a large degree of thematic freedom of choice, e.g. film and television, digital media from social media to game studies, AI criticism, literature and media or semiotics.
What can I do with this degree?
The media theory and comparative media studies degree program is a research-oriented programme that prepares you for an academic career (doctorate). At the same time
Skills that are required in a wide range of professional activities: The analytical, theoretical and methodological skills you acquire on the programme qualify you for jobs in media analysis, cultural mediation, editing, public relations and digital communication.
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
The Master's degree programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS, which are made up of 4 compulsory modules (including the thesis) and 8 constrained elective modules from which students can choose.
The Timetable is largely flexible.
The programme does not include an Internship.
Study Plans
The programme consists of the following compulsory modules:
MED-MA-M01: Propaedeutics of Media Studies (18 ECTS)
MED-MA-M02: Media Culture Studies (16 ECTS)
MED-MA-M09: Media studies specialisation module (11-14 ECTS)
MED-MA-M10: Master's module (36 ECTS)
The programme consists of the following constrained elective modules (36-39 ECTS must be completed):
MED-MA-M03: Language - Culture - Communication (14 ECTS)
MED-MA-M04: Literature and Media (12 ECTS)
MED-MA-M05: History of Science and Media (13 ECTS)
DH-MA-INT: Introduction to Digital Humanities (6 ECTS)
DH-MA-DIG: Digitalisation and Digital Society (6 ECTS)
DIMAS-MA-GAME: Game Studies (3-18 ECTS)
HCAI-M02: AI Ethics (6 ECTS)
MEI-M-DH: Project in Digital Humanities (12 ECTS)
Module Overview
The module description sets out which courses and study and examination achievements are to be completed as part of the modules. The examination and study regulations of the M.A. Media theory and comparative media studies form the legal framework of the programme. Both can be found under:
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | yes |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | yes |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | yes |
Binding information and current information can be found in the brief overview (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of the Registrar's Office or in the examination regulations applicable to you Examination Regulations.
Details Requirements
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test
The required professional qualification for the M.A. degree program in media theory and comparative media studies includes
- a university degree with at least 180 ECTS with a final or preliminary overall examination grade of 2.5 or better
- specific knowledge and competences in media studies amounting to 60 ECTS.
As part of the aptitude assessment procedure, it is checked whether these requirements are met.
The following applies: All applicants with an overall Degree or preliminary examination grade of 2.5 or better and a total of at least 60 ECTS credits in the relevant areas will be admitted.
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
English language skills at level B2 (CEFR) must be demonstrated for admission to the Master's degree programme.
Other Requirements
Preliminary examination documentation (VPD) from uni-assist for all applicants who have completed their first degree outside Germany.
APS certificate (if you have a Bachelor's degree from China, India or Vietnam)
Admission for internationals
Students with a foreign higher education entrance qualification or a higher education degree completed at a non-German-speaking institution must provide proof of German language proficiency at DSH-2 level for admission to the Master's degree programme.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
The various contact persons in the department will answer any questions you may have about your studies. You can find out who is the right contact person for which enquiry in the
Further information on the start of studies and for students can be found on the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study, to the course of studies, right through to successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.