Master of Arts Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society (ComSustain)
- Degree: Master of Arts
- Program duration: 2 yerars (120 ECTS)
- Progam start: October (winter semester) (only yearly intake)
- Application period: 15 February to 31 March
- Language of instruction: English, partially German
- Admission restrictions: yes
Profile
Creating transformation together
The University of Hamburg strives to address current social, economic and global challenges and sees itself as a knowledge organization with an important role in proactively shaping the future of society with society itself.
In this sense, the topics of sustainability and digitalization are corss—sectoral tasks for the whole University, tackling this twin transformation as a whole.
If you are interested in:
- Digitalization and socio-ecological transformations as key challenges for society and communciation (Twin transformations)
- The challenges for communication, journalism, media studies and what digitalization and socio-ecological transformations mean for mediated communication in
- Its role in democractic societies, in the process of transformation
- Changes for the practice of journalism, digital platforms, PR, media use
then you are at the right place!
What you can expect:
- Preparing yourself to engage with digital and ecological transformation:
- Understanding the why and how of transformations
- Understanding how the media shape and are shaped by transformations
- Getting ready to shape future transformations
- Research-orientet teaching and practical research relevance/ societal engagement
- Providing digital and transformation literacy
- Preparing for professional communication practice in media organizations, NGOs, international organizations, politics and communication research
The Master's program, "Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society," is based in Hamburg, a leading media hub in Germany. This strategic location allows media professionals and the program to capitalize on opportunities and create synergistic benefits. The program emphasizes the practical application of scientific knowledge in the fields of journalism and communication.
You can apply your knowledge through projects, some of which involve collaboration with external partners, such as media companies.
Application
Admission requirements
- University degreee (BA) or
You can apply even if you have not yet received your degree certificate. Please then submit your Transcript of Records by the application deadline on 31. March of each year. If you are admitted to the program, you must submit your degree certificate by the end of the first semester of your Master's program.
- Proof of knowledge (through a Transcript of Records)
- Communication and Journalism Science one seminar (6 ECTS) or two seminars if ECTS are not specified and
- Empirical Social Research one seminar (6 ECTS) or two seminars if ECTS are not specified
- Own empirical research work
Submit an abstract (maximum 400 words) referencing an empirical research project you completed during your Bachelor's degree program.
- Proficiency in English
- TOEFL iBT (Test Date Scores): 92 points, with a minimum of 22 points in each skill area (Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading),
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic: Overall Band Score of at least 6.5 (Good Competent User), with at least 6.0 in each skill,
- Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced (formerly CAE),
- Cambridge English Qualification C2 Proficiency [formerly CPE],
- Cambridge English Qualification C1 Business Higher [formerly BEC].
The following documents may be accepted as proof:
- A university degree in an English-language program (confirmed by the university) or
- Six years of English instruction at a German school (confirmed by the Abitur certificate).
Please note:
- Degree certificates and transcripts of records must be submitted in German or English. Please submit your original documents plus certified translations if original documents are not issued in German or English.
- Applicants who do not document that they meet all of the entry requirements are not considered for admission.
- Applications and documents submitted after the deadline will not be considered!
The legal basis for this regulation can be found in the
- Zugangssatzung der Fakultät [PDF not barrier-free]
Selection
If the number of suitable applicants exceeds the number of positions available, selection will be made according to the following criteria:
- Result of the first professional qualification from a university, or the average grade at the time of application. (50%)
- The written justification for the selection of a particular course of study is to be provided in the form of a questionnaire, with a maximum length of 150 to 200 words, and in the English language. The evaluation of the justification is executed in accordance with predetermined evaluation criteria. (25%)
- A brief outline of a research project idea that students would like to carry out as part of their studies, presented in the form of an abstract in English (150-200 words). The classification of the research project will be based on pre-established grading criteria. (25%)
The legal basis for this regulation can be found in the
Auswahlsatzung des Studiengangs [PDF not barrier-free]
How to apply
You will need to complete the online application available on the University of Hamburg's application portal during the application period (15 February to 31 March):
www.uni-hamburg.de/online-bewerbung
- Please create a user account.
- Chose the application form for the Master Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society (ComSustain)
- Enter your information online.
- Upload the required documents to your online application.
- Submit your application electronically.
The application procedure for the master program is an online procedure. This means that you do not need to submit any documents in hard copy or via email to the University of Hamburg. Instead, you have to upload the documents at the application portal. Selection is based on the information you provide online and the documents you upload.
Please submit documents with several pages as one file.
Need help?
With general questions about submitting your application, using STiNE, please contact Campus Center.
If you’re experiencing technical problems with your online application, please contact STiNE support.
With any other questions about your application or the program which are not answered on this website, send the responsible study coordinator Uzma Mushtaq an email at uzma.mushtaq@uni-hamburg.de.
Semester start
The first semester begins every year with our “Welcome Day” because we want you to settle in and feel at home quickly at the University of Hamburg. On this day we introduce our faculty and the campus with all its facilities. You can meet with professors and advanced master’s students and become familiar with the curriculum and the examination regulations. We strongly recommend all students to participate in this event.
Introduction into the Study Organization
The registration period for first semester students takes place before the wintersemester starts. The course and exam registration via STiNE is mandatory. The Academic Office offers an early introduction into the study organization and especially into the course registration:
The invitation with further information will be sent to students by email prior to the study orientation.
If you are not able to attend the introduction, please have a look at the presentation which will be uploaded here after the event.
Examination regulations (PO) and Subject-specific provisions (FSBs)
The program content is outlined in detail in the subject-specific provisions (FSBs) and examination regulations (PO):
Will be published soon.
Contacts
Program Director and Chair of the Examinations Board
Program Coordination and Subject Advising
Examinations and Course Management
Internship Coordination
Subject-specific Study Abroad Advising
Examinations Boards & Quality Circle
Examinations board M.A. Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society
Examinations boards consist of teachers and students from the degree program; they are usually chaired by the program director. An Examinations board is predominantly concerned with ensuring compliance with subject-specific provisions (FSBs) and the examination regulations of the degree program. The chair of an Examinations board has the authority to decide, among other things, matters related to recognizing completed coursework and hardship applications.
If you wish to submit an application for the Examinations board, please address the application to the chairperson of the Examinations board and submit it with your signature to your responsible program coordinator at the Academic Office Social Sciences. For detailed advice, please contact the responsible program coordinator in advance.
| Function | Name |
| Professor und Vorsitzender | Michael Brüggemann |
| Professor | Juliane Lischka |
| Professor | Katharina Kleinen-von Königslöw |
| Professor (stellv.) | Judith Möller |
| Professor (stellv.) | N.N. |
| Scientific Assistent | Monika Pater |
| Scientific Assistent (stellv.) | Jannis Frech |
| Student | Leonie Urbanczyk |
| Deputy Student | Amelie Gensel |
Quality Circle M.A. Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society
Quality circles consist of teachers, students and staff from the Academic Office Economics responsible for the department or faculty. They focus on the quality of studies and teaching in one or more degree programs. Members meet to discuss the program(s) and suggest further developments as part of the quality conference held once per semester. The Quality Circle is usually chaired by the director of the degree program(s).
| Statusgruppe | Name |
| Professor | Michael Brüggemann |
| Professor | Katharina Kleinen-von Königslöw |
| Professor | N.N. |
| Professor | Juliane Lischka |
| Scientific Assistent | Monika Pater |
| Student | Bernadette Bier |
| Student | Alicia Sprey |
| Study Management | Uzma Mushtaq |