Master Knowledge and Communication
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Master Knowledge and Communication

Overview

  • Degree: Master of Arts
  • English-language programme
  • Workload: 120 ECTS
  • Standard period of study: 4 semesters, full-time programme
  • Winter semester admissions only
  • 18 students per year
  • No tuition fee (only semester fee)
  • Application period starting in May 2025 (Deadline: 15.07.2025)
Sample questions about the study programme
© IfK I Leonie Mut

There is a growing demand for individuals who can address these questions by facilitating the exchange and shaping of knowledge in science, civil society, politics, education, and business. The Master of Knowledge and Communication aims to develop individuals with precisely these skills.

We live in a knowledge society; knowledge and the communication of knowledge are fundamental to modern societies. Digitalisation alters the creation of knowledge, in what form it is available, and how it is disseminated. The importance of knowledge communication for coping with everyday life is evident, as well as its significance for decision-making in politics, society, business, and education. The experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and the rise of totalitarian forms of government illustrate the crucial role of knowledge communication in addressing contemporary challenges. The power of knowledge (in the form of data) is exemplified by the economic and social roles played by global digital corporations.

The process of how knowledge is generated, curated, and shared, as well as whether it reaches its intended recipients appropriately, is not a trivial matter. Increasingly, organisations and society as a whole need people who are equipped to understand and manage these challenges. The MA in Knowledge and Communication is designed to provide students with these essential skills, opening multiple career paths in several versatile, innovative, and rewarding fields.

Common Questions

  • Who is the programme aimed at?

    This programme is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in communication science who possess a solid theoretical and methodological foundation in this discipline and wish to explore knowledge communication in greater depth. As the programme is taught in English, it particularly appeals to those seeking an international profile, including individuals who have completed a relevant BA abroad and wish to pursue an advanced MA in Germany.

  • What is so special about this MA?

    Three key aspects distinguish the “Knowledge and Communication” programme from other study programmes at the Department of Communication in Münster, as well as from those at other universities:

    • It offers a consistent specialisation in knowledge communication while being integrated with other areas of communication science.
    • It emphasises computational communication science while also covering other methodological skills.
    • It is the department’s first programme offered in English.

    This thematic focus, combined with a concentration on computational methods and English as the internationally applicable language of instruction, makes the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication truly unique.

  • Is it an international programme?

    The English-language nature of the programme justifies a consistently international perspective across all its modules: students engage with international research knowledge. While references can certainly be local and national, students from different countries are encouraged to participate in intercultural exchanges. The integration of international researchers and lecturers through guest lectures aims to provide a broader perspective. Although the programme does not include a mandatory study abroad component in the curriculum, students are actively encouraged to spend semesters or internships abroad. Currently, the department cooperates with 15 Communication Science departments in other European countries (ERASMUS partnerships, including special programmes for Switzerland and the UK). Many students decide to stay abroad before or during their final semester. Please find more information on this topic here.

  • Is there a special admission procedure?

    Yes, there are specific entry requirements for admission to the Master’s programme. Each year, around 18 students are admitted for the winter semester. Interested candidates apply online. The application period usually is from early May to mid-July. After verifying the formal requirements (e.g. language certificates, proof of statistical proficiency), places are awarded to those with the best final grades. There are no application interviews or assessment centres. You can find more information on the requirements and the process here.

  • What will I learn on the programme?

    The Master Knowledge and Communication is a research-oriented Master’s degree programme: It focuses on equipping students with a social science background with analytical skills and methodological know-how, enabling them to recognize and tackle the challenges of communicating knowledge and science. You can find an overview of the modules and their content here on the Master KnowCom degree programme page.

  • What career prospects do I have after this programme?

    On the „Career & Student Life“ page, you can find out more about possible career paths and opportunities to develop and expand your practical skills alongside your studies. 

Please note: The programme is currently under accreditation. It will be accredited by early 2025.