Study Journalism, Publishing Studies in Germany

In the study areas journalism, communication studies, online media, and publishing studies, the focus is on communication and the media. This includes all types of media, from print media to radio or online media. You will learn about the structures, functions, contents, uses and effects of communication and media. In journalism studies, you acquire knowledge about research, writing, organising, and designing media content. In communication studies, on the other hand, the focus is on the interdependencies between media systems and the impact they have as well as on mass communication using mass media. An online media degree programme offers in-depth insight into digital media channels and content. Programmes in publishing studies focus on producing publications, the publications themselves, as well as the recipients and effects of media content. But topics such as media history, data collection, media policy and media law are also important components of journalism studies.

During your studies, you will often have the opportunity to specialise in clearly defined subject areas such as political journalism or sports journalism. Of course, you don’t have to commit yourself from the beginning but can also attend general lectures and seminars.

To successfully complete a degree programme in journalism or publishing studies, you should have a good ability to express yourself, especially in writing. This also includes an interest in language, good spelling and communication skills. But knowledge of empirical research, statistics and the English language is also an advantage.

To be eligible to enrol in a course of study in journalism or publishing studies in Germany, you normally need a higher education entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. If you do not have this, completed vocational training with appropriate work experience is often accepted for admission to this field of study.

In addition, some degree programmes are subject to admission restrictions, i.e. there may be a numerus clausus (NC) for both the Bachelor’s and the Master’s courses. The NC, a minimum grade, can vary greatly between higher education institutions. The NC also depends on the specific degree programme: For example, since there are fewer publishing studies degree programmes than journalism ones, these are more often subject to an NC. There may also be other entry requirements, such as proof of English language skills. You usually don’t need a pre-study internship, even if it is personally recommended because you can gain a first insight into your future career. Practical units, e.g. in the form of compulsory internships, will usually be completed during your studies at the latest.

If you already know in which direction you would like to specialise in your Master’s degree, then you should perhaps take a look at the Master’s requirements before you start your Bachelor’s degree. Some Master’s degree programmes require certain content from the Bachelor’s degree, which must be proven by credits.

Many degree programmes have set a standard period of study of six or seven semesters for the Bachelor’s degree and three or four semesters for the Master’s degree. However, there are also some deviations. As a rule, journalism and publishing studies degree programmes in Germany can be structured quite flexibly. In addition to full-time programmes, there are also part-time, career-integrated and distance learning options. In addition, private higher education institutions offer a particularly large number of programmes.

Studying at a public higher education institution usually does not cost you any tuition fees. You only pay semester contributions of approximately 100 to 400 euros per semester. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available.

However, you should expect to pay tuition fees if you study at a private higher education institution – this usually includes distance learning courses. The fees usually amount to several hundred euros per month.

Rent will probably be another relevant cost for you. How much rent you will pay depends entirely on where you study and is therefore difficult to predict. In large cities, housing is often scarce and expensive, while in smaller cities it is comparatively affordable. However, no matter which place or city you choose, you will always save money with student halls of residence or shared flats! As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

A stay abroad during your studies can be a plus/advantage when looking for a job.

With a degree in the field of journalism and publishing studies, you are not tied to a specific profession. Of course, you can work as a journalist for a newspaper or magazine after completing your degree. This will, however, usually also require you to complete a traineeship in which you learn the ins and outs of the journalism trade. The salary during a traineeship is usually not very good, but afterwards, you have the chance to be retained. In addition, the salaries in the editorial department are often somewhat higher compared to other professions in the industry.

There are also many career opportunities in public relations, corporate communications, advertising/marketing, moderation, media and public-opinion research, communications consulting or media management. This means that editorial offices, production companies or press agencies are good places for you to start. Of course, you can also find a job in teaching or research. However, a Master’s degree is often required for a job in teaching, research or a management position.