Master of Arts Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society (ComSustain)

This module is taken in the first semester (3 SWS, 6 ECTS)

As students, your goal is to understand the current research on the evolving role of journalism and media communication in a digitally connected, transboundary society. You will learn to discuss theories of digital publics and apply your knowledge in practical contexts. This will help you develop an interdisciplinary perspective on the interactions between digitization, ecological transformation, and media debates. The curriculum covers theoretical approaches and empirical findings, as well as classical and modern theories that explain societal change. Additionally, you will gain insight into current research on sustainability, climate, science communication, transnational communication, and political communication in order to critically analyze complex societal processes.

This module is taken in the first and second semesters (5 SWS, 12 ECTS)

You will acquire advanced scientific method and data analysis skills. The course content covers fundamental and advanced social science data collection and analysis methods with a focus on computational social science techniques, such as automated content analysis and network analysis. You will also learn practical statistical programming skills using R or Python and conduct independent research projects using digital methods. You will be able to design and carry out your own empirical research projects on problems in journalism and communication and understand the requirements for theory-based empirical research in projects and your master's thesis.

This module is taken in the second and third semesters (7 SWS, 16 ECTS)

You aim to develop relevant, empirically researchable questions related to digital communication or sustainable publics and conduct independent research projects on these topics. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the theories and current research landscape in your chosen field of communication or journalism studies. You will experience all phases of the empirical research process: formulating research questions, designing studies, operationalizing variables, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results in a scientific report suitable for peer-reviewed publication. You will learn to critically reflect on research theories, methods, and findings and derive societal implications regarding the sustainable development of publics in democratic societies. Additionally, you will become familiar with the requirements of theory-driven empirical research, which will prepare you for your master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

This module is taken in the first semester (6 SWS, 16 ECTS)

In this module, you will master the fundamentals of journalistic research, including approaches, sources, methods, legal considerations, and fact-checking processes. You will be able to identify relevant sustainability topics and prepare them for public presentation through comprehensive, independent research. You will develop basic storytelling skills and learn the pros and cons of different multimedia formats, such as text, video, and audio. You will also learn to plan and execute projects, from initial research to publication and promotion. You will learn to create content that clearly and effectively conveys complex information through various media. Lastly, you will develop critical evaluation skills for sources and learn to work efficiently and in a solutions-oriented manner within a team.

This module is taken in the first three semesters (1 SWS, 14 ECTS)

As a student, your goal is to gain practical experience in journalism, media communication, and research and develop a clear professional perspective. You will gain an understanding of career options, particularly in sustainability communication, including climate and science journalism, as well as communication within government and civil society organizations. You will also deepen your understanding of editorial and communication processes within organizations and companies, becoming familiar with professional practice requirements. This nine-week internship (approximately 360 hours part-time) provides hands-on experience in fields such as journalism, public relations (PR), media management, and applied media or audience research. Ideally, it will focus on sustainability or digital communication and help you apply and reflect on your academic knowledge in real-world settings.

This module is taken in the first and second semesters (4 SWS, 12 ECTS)

This module emphasizes the interaction between media and societal change. It explores how these dynamics affect journalism and democratic publics. Topics include climate communication, digital transformation, and urban development projects, such as "Transform Hamburg." You will gain practical experience by working on your own local transformation project with a focus on transformative communication. You will also deepen your knowledge of international research topics, such as the evolution of journalism, digital media networks, sustainability, and climate politics. Additionally, you will acquire foundational knowledge in climate science, climate protection, sustainability, and digitalization in a seminar designed to prepare you for careers in climate science or data journalism.

Graduation Module is taken in the fourth semester (1 SWS, 30 ECTS)

Completing your master’s thesis demonstrates your ability to independently address a research problem in journalism or communication science while adhering to scientific principles and methods as part of your broader academic qualification. As a student, your goal is to develop a relevant research question in the field of journalism and communication studies and answer it using scientific methods. The seminar "Research Design" focuses on creating an empirically feasible research question based on theories related to journalism, mediated communication, and sustainability, as well as designing a practical research approach.

• 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:

• Unfortunately, we cannot provide any information about individual eligibility in advance. The selection committee will assess all applications after the application deadline.
• 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]

 

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]

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.

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.