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Here you will find answers to the most important questions about studying Communication Science in Münster. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact our Student Advisory Service.

General questions about the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes

Specific questions about the Bachelor’s programme

Specific questions about the Master's programme

Specific questions about the doctoral programme

General questions about studying

I am interested in studying Communication Science in Münster. Where can I find out more?

You can find more information about studying Communication Science on our website for prospective students.

Which degree programmes can I study at the Department of Communication?

You can study Communication Science as a single-subject Bachelor’s programme, i.e. as a single subject, or as a two-subject Bachelor’s programme, i.e. in combination with another subject.

On Master’s level, we offer three different degree programmes. You can study the broadly diversified Master’s in Communication Science, or one of the specialised programmes, i.e. the Master’s in Strategic Communication or the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication (in English).

I am not sure whether I fulfil the admission requirements for applying for a Bachelor’s degree course. What about a subject-specific university entrance qualification, an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or a foreign qualification? And can I start a Bachelor's degree programme without a high school diploma?

Information on whether you fulfil the admission requirements can be found on the Student Admissions Office website.

I would like to complete a second degree programme (double/parallel degree programme or second degree programme). What do I need to consider?

Information about applying for a second degree programme in the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree can be found on the Student Admissions Office website.

What rules apply to special cases in the application process (hardship case, compensation for disadvantages, application during an oath of office, top athletes, minors, studying despite age limit)?

Information on special cases in the application procedure can be found on the Student Admissions Office website.

I am studying at another university and would like to change my degree programme. What do I have to bear in mind, and can I be admitted to a higher semester?

Under certain conditions, it is possible to apply for a higher semester, but this depends on several factors: firstly, on the fit of the content of your degree programme, and secondly, on whether a place becomes available in the semester in question, for example due to students withdrawing from the relevant cohort. However, experience shows that this is rarely the case. In admission-restricted higher semesters, places can only be allocated if there is free capacity.

You must also note the following for the categorisation: for placement in the single-subject BA, you must complete at least 30 creditable (!) ECTS credits per semester; for placement in the two-subject BA, you must complete 15 ECTS credits per semester. This means, for example, that you must be able to provide evidence of at least 60 subject-appropriate credit points for placement in the 3rd semester of the single-subject BA.

Generally, required coursework and degree‐relevant examinations whose content corresponds to the courses in our curriculum are eligible for recognition (you can find an overview of the coursework planned for the individual semesters in the current curricula of the respective degree programmes on our website). If there is a match, you must send a transcript of records to the academic advisor Dr Stephan Völlmicke, who will check whether or not you can be placed in a higher semester. After a successful examination, you will receive a placement certificate. You can then use this to apply to the Student Admissions Office via the “Application procedure for a higher semester”. For subjects with restricted admission in higher semesters, you must apply for a winter semester from the beginning of August until 15 September or for a summer semester from the beginning of February until 15 March.

As the procedure described is actually subject to several conditions and is rarely successful, you can probably plan much better by taking part in the normal application procedure for the first semester. If you are offered a place in the first semester, courses from your first degree programme at another university can also be credited to your studies at the IfK. You can find the selection limits for the last few years here.

I am already studying at the IfK and would like to change my degree programme. What do I have to bear in mind, and can I be admitted to a higher semester?

There are two ways to change degree programmes: Firstly, you can reapply for the first semester in the winter semester of a year and, if necessary, for a higher semester.

The easiest way to change degree programmes is to reapply for the first semester of the desired degree programme. The required coursework and degree-relevant examinations from the respective first degree programme can then be credited accordingly in the single-subject BA or two-subject BA. The intended change from the two-subject BA to the single-subject BA is generally more successful, as you will enter the new selection procedure with a higher NC and the NC in the single-subject BA is always lower than in the two-subject BA. You can find the selection thresholds for the last few years here. If you are awarded a place in the first semester, you may be considered a “person to be upgraded” and can then be placed in a higher semester.

Another option for changing degree programmes is to apply directly for a higher semester (see notes above).

For the procedure, you must send a transcript of records to the academic advisor Dr Stephan Völlmicke, who will check whether or not you can be placed in a higher semester. After a successful examination, you will receive a placement certificate. You can then use this to apply to the Student Admissions Office via the “Application procedure for a higher semester”.

To apply for a higher semester for subjects with restricted admission such as Communication Science, you must apply for a winter semester from the beginning of August until 15 September or for a summer semester from the beginning of February until 15 March.

Where can I find out about BAföG?

 Basic information on BAföG (“Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz”) can be obtained from the Student Support Service of the University of Münster. On the pages you will also find the various forms you need to submit for funding.

From the fifth semester onwards, educational support can only be granted upon presentation of a certificate of achievement to be issued by the university. The university will only issue this upon request by the student. The certificate of achievement cannot and will not be requested by the BAföG office. The university will also not report the performance status to the BAföG office.

Therefore, please send both the completed form 05 - certificate of achievement according to § 48 BAföG as a PDF and your transcript of records by email to the Departmental Student Advisory Service at IfK ifksb@uni-muenster.de. The transcript of records will be used to check whether you have completed the first four semesters. After checking, the IfK Student Advisory Service will forward Form 5 directly to the BAföG office by email.

Two-subject BA: If you are studying two subjects, please note that you must submit two applications and, therefore, have Form 5 completed for both subjects.

What are typical careers for graduates of the Communication Science degree programme?

The high demand for qualified workers in media and communication professions opens up excellent and varied career prospects for graduates of communication science programmes. Career opportunities range from practical media professions to strategic and research-orientated activities. The majority of graduates from the Department of Communication at the University of Münster work in the following fields:

  • Journalism: Editorial work in print (newspaper, magazine), news agency, radio, television and online media
  • Public relations / press and public relations work: activities in the field of external and internal corporate communication / organisational communication, in PR agencies, press offices in companies, NGOS, political parties, public sector organisations as well as culture, sport, science
  • Marketing, online marketing and advertising: creative and conceptual activities in the field of advertising communication, brand communication, HR marketing, Media economics, media management, communication marketing, event communication and publishing: Activities in the field of marketing, media economics and media management in media companies, publishing houses, media distributors and other institutions
  • Digital communication and online communication: activities in the planning, implementation and analysis of social media strategies, the creation of content for digital platforms and the support of online communities
  • Media, opinion and social research: Companies and organisations that use empirical methods, especially institutes and companies in market, opinion and media research as well as research departments in media companies
  • Other research and service institutions that deal with questions of media policy and communication culture, observation, analysis and evaluation of media offerings and developments (e.g., state media authorities, Grimme Institute, foundations)
  • Advising and consulting: Communication scientists can work in consulting companies, as well as consultants specialising in the fields of communication, media, public relations and strategy development.

How can I gain practical work experience?

Students at the IfK have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the context of all degree programmes. In the BA programmes, courses on communication and practical media studies are an integral part of the curriculum; for single-subject BA students, this also applies to an internship module. However, even though neither the two-subject BA nor the MA programmes require a compulsory internship, the IfK encourages students to complete voluntary internships. The Service Office supports all students with advice and also maintains its own internship database. The advertised internships are fed by the IfK’s large network of contacts in the communications industry. Each semester, the department’s Centre for Media Practice offers excursions to practice partners and a variety of voluntary practical workshops led by communication practitioners (e.g., writing press releases, web design, photography). Further opportunities to gain practical experience are offered by various student organisations such as Radio Q, Campus Relations and move. In addition, the University of Münster’s Career Service also supports students in their job search, application process and career guidance.

When do the semester, lecture period and holidays begin and end?

You can find out about the start and end of each semester as well as the lecture and holiday periods on the University of Münster’s semester and holiday dates page.

Is there a site plan for the buildings and rooms of the Department of Communication?

The following site plan shows the individual buildings (Houses A to G and House V) in the Bispinghof / Georgskommende building complex, which is also home to the IfK.

© IfK

House E (Bispinghof 9-14):

Most of the rooms of the Department of Communication are located in House E. Here you will find:

House A (Bispinghof 1-2):

In House A there is a workroom with internet access (room A09), which can be used by students and student employees by prior arrangement. The key can be borrowed from Mr Höwelhans.

House B (Bispinghof 2B):

There are numerous seminar rooms in House B, some of which are also used for your courses.

House C (Georgskommende):

House C locates the Centre for Media Practice on the ground floor and the computer pool on the first floor.

Further information on how to get to the Department of Communication can be found here.

You can find an interactive map with all the buildings of the University of Münster in the entire city area - including all the rooms in which your courses take place - including a search function here.

 What opportunities do I have to study abroad?

You can find information about a stay abroad on our International page.

 What are QISPOS and CMS (SLcM)?

QISPOS is an administration software for your degree programme. Specifically, you can use it to register and deregister for examinations.

The University of Münster is currently introducing the so-called Campus Management System (CMS) as its new administrative software, which is sometimes also known as Student Lifecycle Management (SLcM). CMS will replace QISPOS and will enable the administration of all processes relevant to the student lifecycle. In CMS, for example, you can apply for courses as well as register and deregister for examinations.

Depending on when your degree programme started, you will use either QISPOS or CMS.

What do module-related participation requirements mean?

For some modules, module-related participation requirements are stipulated in the examination regulations. This means that certain course content (e.g., basic theories and methods) must be successfully completed in advance in order to participate in a module. All module-related participation requirements can be found in the module description within the examination regulations applicable to your degree programme.

Can I repeat examinations to improve my grade?

No, you cannot repeat an examination in order to improve your grade. You can only repeat the examination if it has not been passed.

What should I bear in mind if I am unable to take an exam due to illness?

Information on this can be found here on the pages of the Examinations Office I under “Cancellations and Withdrawals” (Abmeldungen und Rücktritte). Please note the deadline for cancellation. If you fail to take the examination without an excuse and/or without giving notice in due time, the examination will be graded as "failed" (5.0).

It is also advisable to inform the lecturer in addition to the obligatory registration at the examination office.

What is compensation for disadvantages and where can I get information about it?

Compensation for disadvantages is intended to give students with proven impairments, i.e. disabilities or chronic illnesses, the opportunity to adequately demonstrate what they have learnt during their studies. The aim is to compensate for an existing disadvantage. The compensation for disadvantages must not lead to a better position compared to fellow examinees, i.e. it must not go beyond compensating for a disadvantage. All information on compensation for disadvantages and studying with disabilities can be found on the website of the Examinations Office.

I am studying another degree programme. Can I earn credit points in extra-curricular courses in Communication Science?

Unfortunately, extracurricular studies are not possible within the framework of our admission-restricted degree programmes.

Specific questions about the Bachelor’s programme

How and when can I apply for a Bachelor’s degree programme at the Department of Communication?

In the study guide of the University of Münster you will find information on the application procedure for studying Communication Science in the single-subject Bachelor’s programme and the two-subject Bachelor’s programme.

What requirements must I fulfil to be admitted to a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science?

There are no special admission requirements for studying Communication Science. You fulfil the admission Abitur requirements if you can prove that you have a high school diploma). To check the admission requirements.

What procedures are used to allocate places on Bachelor’s degree programmes?

There is a fixed number of study places for each degree programme with restricted admission. After deducting certain quotas, such as for hardship cases, second degree programmes and foreign applicants, 20 % of the study places are allocated according to the best grade in the high school diploma and 80 % in the university’s selection procedure. In this selection procedure, the high school diploma grade is improved by 0.1 per semester of waiting time, whereby a maximum of up to seven waiting semesters can be taken into account and a maximum of 1.0 is improved. All semesters after obtaining your high school diploma, in which you were not enrolled at a German university are recognised as a waiting period. The waiting semesters are automatically calculated by the system based on the information you provide in your application.

You can find more information about the application here.

What is the current numerus clausus (NC) for admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes?

You can find all the information you need about the NC here.

The selection limits change from semester to semester depending on the application situation. This means that an “NC” is never set in advance by the university. You cannot, therefore, draw any sufficient conclusions from the selection thresholds shown here as to whether you will actually be admitted in future admissions procedures with a certain average grade or a procedural grade improved by waiting time. Nevertheless, the selection thresholds from past procedures do provide some guidance.

What is the difference between a single-subject Bachelor’s degree and a two-subject Bachelor’s degree?

The one-subject Bachelor’s degree and the two-subject Bachelor’s degree differ mainly in the structure and breadth of the study programme. Here are the main differences:

Single-subject Bachelor:

  • Focus: The single-subject Bachelor's degree programme in Communication Science concentrates on communication science as the main subject. The programme offers in-depth specialist training. The majority (150 credit points) of the credit points to be acquired, including the Bachelor's thesis, consist of communication science content and cover the entire breadth of the subject. 20 credit points are to be acquired via the foreign modules in other subjects. 10 credit points are allocated to General Studies.
  • Programme content summary: The overall scope of the programme is predominantly dedicated to the content of the Communication Science subject, supplemented by a small number of general education or supporting courses from other subject areas. The programme aims to provide students with specialised knowledge and skills in communication science that may be necessary for a career or further studies in this specific field. The 1-subject BA is ideal for students who have a clear vision of their career or who wish to pursue a highly specialised field.

Two-subject Bachelor:

  • Flexibility: Students on the two-subject Bachelor’s programme study two subjects at the same time. The course content is naturally divided between the two subjects so that each subject only accounts for a workload of 75 credit points per subject. Both subjects are, therefore, equal in terms of the credit points to be earned, but in contrast to the single-subject Bachelor’s programme, only half of the credit points must be earned. The curriculum of both subjects, therefore, concentrates on teaching the most important theories and methods. 20 credit points are allocated to General Studies. At the end of the programme, students can decide in which subject they will write their Bachelor’s thesis (10 CP).
  • Communication Science can be freely combined with all other two-subject BA programmes at the University of Münster. You can find an overview here. The two-subject Bachelor’s programme offers a broader academic education and is designed to enable students to develop interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that can be useful for various professional fields. The programme is particularly suitable for students who are looking for a broader academic foundation, have interests in several areas, or whose professional goals require a broader qualification.

What is the recommended study plan?

The recommended study plan gives you guidance on which course you should take in which semester in order to complete your degree programme smoothly and successfully. However, you are free to deviate from this. If you deviate from the recommended course plan, please note the module-related participation requirements. You will find an overview of the recommended study plan for both the single-subject Bachelor’s programme and the two-subject Bachelor’s programme.

Where can I find the course catalogue and how can I register for courses in the Bachelor’s degree programme?

You can always find a link to the course catalogue and information on the allocation of seminar places on our page news for the semester.

How can I register for and deregister from examinations in the Bachelor’s degree programme?

Only during the electronic registration period can students register for and deregister from examination-relevant courses in QISPOS or SLcM/CMS without giving reasons. After the registration and deregistration period has expired, you can only deregister directly at the Examinations Office for a ‘valid reason’. You can find out about the procedure on the Examinations Office website under ‘Cancellations and withdrawals’. If you do not deregister at the Examinations Office, the examination in question will be deemed to have been graded as ‘fail’ (5.0).

Can I have my methods courses from other subjects recognised?

Students who are completing the two-subject Bachelor’s degree programmes in Political Science, Educational Science or Sociology in their second subject can apply to have the courses from their second subject credited to their two-subject Bachelor’s degree programme in Communication Science, as shown in the following table.

Why are the examination regulations important and where can I find them?

The examination regulations (including module handbook) for the individual degree programmes can be found on the corresponding subpages of the degree programmes. The current examination regulations and module manuals are available there in the right column in the “Important Downloads”/“Downloads” tab:

The examination regulations are an important - and above all legally binding - document for your studies, which determine exactly how the studies and the associated examinations in Communication Science at the University of Münster are organised and carried out. It contains information about which courses and exams you have to complete in your degree programme, what requirements apply to participation in the course and exams, how achievements are scored and graded, and how often you are allowed to repeat an exam. The examination regulations also regulate what happens if the examination rules are violated.

The examination regulations also contain the module handbook for the respective degree programme. This handbook describes in detail the content and learning objectives of the individual modules in your degree programme. It contains relevant information about what topics are covered in the courses, what skills you should acquire, what coursework you need to complete and how the modules are examined. You will also find information here about the time resources associated with the individual courses that you need to use. The module handbook will help you plan your studies better.

Both documents – the examination regulations and the module handbook – are central orientation aids for your studies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with them to ensure you know all the requirements and can successfully complete your studies.

Do I have to complete a compulsory internship in the Bachelor’s degree programme (single-subject BA) and what do I need to bear in mind?

In the single-subject Bachelor’s programme, you must complete a compulsory internship. You can find information on the compulsory internship in the single-subject BA here.

Where can I obtain a certificate for the employer that the internship is a compulsory internship?

Please download the certificate from the Service Office website.

Fill out the PDF (please do not forget the address of the company in the address field) and then send the certificate to the study advisor Dr Stephan Völlmicke. Please also tell him briefly in the e-mail in which professional field the internship takes place and what job profile (tasks) the position has (see advert text). He will then assess whether your internship can be recognised as a compulsory internship. Please note that you can only complete the compulsory internship once during your degree programme. All other internships are voluntary internships.

Do I have to complete a compulsory internship in the Bachelor’s degree programme (two-subject BA) and what do I need to bear in mind?

There is no compulsory internship in the two-subject Bachelor's programme. However, we recommend completing a voluntary internship. Voluntary internships can also be credited proportionately as part of the General Studies programme. Information on this is available each semester in the Career Service programme booklet under the search term "Internship orientation guide: The e-learning unit" (Orientierungshilfe Praktikum: Die E-Learning-Einheit).

What are the legal aspects of an internship? What is the difference between a compulsory internship and a voluntary internship?

All basic information about internships can be found on the Career Service website.

I would like to do an internship abroad. Can the internship be recognised as a compulsory internship?

Internships abroad can also be recognised as compulsory internships. You can find all information about internships abroad here.

What are “General Studies” and what needs to be considered?

In general, interdisciplinary key qualifications are acquired in General Studies, which make it easier for students to enter internships and professional life. The courses that can be chosen as part of “General Studies” can be found in the University of Münster’s electronic course catalogue under “General Studies”. They are organised according to six areas of competence, from which students can choose according to their interests. Further information can be found here.

General Studies in the single-subject BA

The General Studies programme in Module 13 of the single-subject B.A. comprises a total of 10 credit points. 5 credit points are compulsory through the course “Introduction to Academic Work in Communication Studies” (Einführung in das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten im Fach Kommunikationswissenschaft), 5 credit points are achieved in courses from the General Studies programme at the University of Münster.

You have access to the entire General Studies programme (see above). This means that you can also choose and combine courses with 2 CP and those with 3 CP. A combination of courses from the certified pool of General Studies of 3+2 CP; 3+3 CP is possible, but of course also a course with 5 CP.

The grade for module component 2 (23100) is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades successfully achieved in the General Studies programme. If you have completed additional examinations beyond the scope of 5 CP, only the best grades for module component 2 will be used to calculate the module grade, provided that the sum of the credit points is at least 5.

General Studies in the two-subject BA

The General Studies programme in the two-subject B.A. comprises a total of 20 credit points. 5 credit points are compulsory through the course “Introduction to Academic Skills in Communication Studies” (Einführung in das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten im Fach Kommunikationswissenschaft), 15 credit points are achieved in courses from the General Studies programme at the University of Münster.

Courses in at least two different areas of competence must be successfully completed. The course “Introduction to Academic Skills” (Einführung in das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten), which is compulsory for all Communication Science students, is assigned to competence area 3 “Rhetoric and Communication Skills” (Rhetorik und Vermittlungskompetenz). At least one course from one of the other five competence areas must then be chosen.

Where can I find information about the Bachelor’s thesis?

Information on the Bachelor’s thesis in the single-subject Bachelor’s programme can be found on the page Examination module single-subject BA.

Information on the Bachelor’s thesis in the two-subject Bachelor’s programme can be found on the two-subject Bachelor’s examination module page.

How do I deregister after completing my Bachelor’s degree programme and what do I need to bear in mind?

You are obliged to exmatriculate yourself from the completed degree programme at the end of the semester in which you receive your certificate. Deregistration is not automatic. Information on deregistration can be found on the website of the Student Admissions Office. Here you can also find out whether you will be refunded for the semester fee you have already paid in the event of retroactive deregistration.

Do I still have to be enrolled to receive my certificate?

You no longer need to be enrolled to apply and issue the final documents. There is also no deadline by which the final documents must be issued after exmatriculation.

I have already passed all my exams, but I still have to pass one or two exams in the external modules. Should I deregister already?

We recommend that students who are unsure whether they have passed the exams should first reregister for the following semester to be on the safe side. For example, you must already transfer the amount for the coming winter semester in July/August. At this time, the final grades for the external modules are usually are still pending. If you fail the exam, you do not have to be enrolled for the resit exam. However, if you choose a different external module, you would have to be enrolled in the following semester. Once the exam results have been announced, you can in turn deregister retroactively until 15 November (for the winter semester) or 15 May (for the summer semester) and will then also receive your semester fee back.

Specific questions about the Master's programme

How and when can I apply for a Master’s programme at the Department of Communication?

You can find out more about the application process for the Master’s in Communication Science, the Master’s in Strategic Communication and the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication on our pages on the application procedure for Master’s programmes.

What requirements do I have to fulfil to be admitted to a Master’s degree in Communication Science?

An overview of the admission requirements for the Master's degree programmes at the IfK can be found here. For details, please refer to the relevant admission regulations for the Master’s degree programme in Communication Science, the Master’s degree programme in Strategic Communication and the Master’s degree programme in Knowledge and Communication. The admission regulations are available for download on the linked subpages of the corresponding Master’s degree programmes in the right-hand column (in the “Downloads” box).

What is the current numerus clausus (NC) for admission to Master’s degree programmes?

In contrast to the Bachelor’s degree programmes, the NCs for the Master’s degree programmes with restricted admission are not published on the website of the Student Admissions Office. If required, you can find this out by contacting the Student Advisory Service.

What is the difference between the Master’s degree programmes in Communication Science, Strategic Communication and Knowledge and Communication?

The department’s three Master’s degree programmes are all rooted in the subject “Communication Science” and share a similar structure, although they differ in terms of content. While the Master’s in Communication Science covers the breadth of the subject and provides theoretical background, knowledge, skills and methods in several key areas of communication science, the Master’s programmes in Strategic Communication and Knowledge and Communication are more specialised. The Master’s in Strategic Communication deals primarily with questions of PR and organisational communication as well as reception and effects research. The Master’s in Knowledge and Communication is consistently specialised in knowledge communication and also focuses on computational communication science. The main difference here is also the language of instruction: the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication is offered entirely in English. The Master’s in Communication Science and the Master’s in Strategic Communication, on the other hand, are taught in German - with opportunities to take courses in English.

What is the recommended study plan?

The recommended study plan gives you guidance on which course you should take in which semester in order to complete your degree programme smoothly and successfully. However, you are free to deviate from this. You will find an overview of the recommended study plan for both the Master’s in Communication Science, the Master’s in Strategic Communication, and the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication.

Where can I find the list of lectures and how can I register for courses in the Master’s degree programme?

You can always find a link to the list of lectures and information on the allocation of seminar places on our page news for the semester.

How can I register for and deregister from examinations in the Master’s degree programme?

Only during the electronic registration period can students register for and deregister from examination-relevant courses in QISPOS or SLcM/CMS without giving reasons. After the registration and deregistration period has expired, you can only deregister directly at the Examinations Office for a ‘valid reason’. You can find out about the procedure on the Examinations Office website under ‘Cancellations and withdrawals’. If you do not deregister at the Examinations Office, the examination in question will be deemed to have been graded as ‘fail’ (5.0).

 Why are the examination regulations important and where can I find them?

The examination regulations (incl. module handbook) for the individual degree programmes can be found on the corresponding subpages of the degree programmes. The current examination regulations and module handbooks are available there in the right-hand column in the “Important downloads”/”Downloads” tab:

The examination regulations are an important - and above all legally binding - document for your degree programme that specifies exactly how the degree programme and the associated examinations in Communication Science at the University of Münster are organised and conducted. It contains information on which courses and examinations you must complete in your degree programme, which requirements apply for participation in the degree programme and examinations, how achievements are graded and scored, and how often you may repeat an examination. The examination regulations also regulate what happens if you violate the examination rules.

The examination regulations also contain the module handbook for the respective degree programme. This handbook describes in detail the content and learning objectives of the individual modules in your degree programme. It contains relevant information about which topics are covered in the courses, which competences you are expected to acquire, which coursework is to be completed and how the modules are examined. It also contains information on the time resources associated with the individual courses that you need to commit. The module handbook will help you to plan your studies better.

Both documents - the examination regulations and the module handbook - are key guides for your degree programme. It is important that you familiarise yourself with them to ensure that you know all the requirements and can successfully complete your degree.

Where can I find information about the Master’s thesis?

Information on the Master’s thesis in the Communication Science programme can be found in the MA-KoWi examination module.

Information on the Master’s thesis in the Strategic Communication programme can be found in the MA-StratKom examination module.

How do I deregister after completing the Master’s programme and what do I need to bear in mind? Do I have to reregister for the next semester even though I have submitted my Master’s thesis?

Basic information on deregistration can be found on the pages of the Student Admissions Office.

Please note the following:

We recommend that Master’s students first reregister for the following semester, depending on the registration date of the Master’s thesis. For example, you must already transfer the semester fee for the coming winter semester in July. At this point, you are still in the writing phase, and complications may still arise, and the submission may be delayed. If you reregister for the following semester, you must first pay the semester fees – at least for the time being. However, you can reclaim these by no later than 15 November (for the winter semester) or 15 May (for the summer semester) and thereby exmatriculate retroactively without any problems.

The date of submission of the Master’s thesis (or the date of receipt stamp from the Examination Office) is decisive. As soon as this date falls within the current semester, retroactive deregistration is no longer possible. The date of submission also determines the number of semesters enrolled as indicated on the certificate.

Example: You submit your Master’s thesis up to and including 31 March or 30 September = you can exmatriculate retroactively (up to 15 May or 15 November). The counting of semesters ends with the date of submission of the last examination-relevant work.

Example: You only hand in your thesis on 1 April or 1 October = you cannot exmatriculate retroactively, you will not receive the semester fee back and you are still enrolled for the entire summer or winter semester. The last examination-relevant work is therefore in the following semester and therefore the number of semesters increases.

Special questions about the doctoral programme

I am thinking about doing a doctoral programme. Where can I find information about this?

On our page on doctoral programmes, you can find out about doctoral opportunities at the Department of Communication.

The German Communication Association has also compiled extensive information on doctoral programmes and the communication science subject area as a profession, which can serve as a guide if you are considering a doctoral programme in communication studies.

Where can I find job advertisements for doctoral positions at the IfK?

On the homepage of the Department of Communication, you will find an overview of all currently advertised positions in the “Job advertisements” (Stellenausschreibungen) section.