Master Strategic Communication - Information for prospective students

Exemplary study plan

In addition to a basic and an in-depth module on “Strategic Communication”, Master's students complete a two-semester research module in which either scientific or application-related problems from the field of “Strategic Communication” are dealt with. In order to impart a broad knowledge of the social context conditions of strategic communication, two general communication science modules are also planned during the course of the programme. One module deals with structures and processes of public communication and the other with journalism and media change, as well as a "specialisation module" for individual specialisation. From an application-oriented perspective, students acquire knowledge about the context of strategic communication, which enables them to correctly assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of strategic communication measures in the social environment.

The research module - the heart of the programme, if you like - is project-based. Scientifically oriented projects work on a theoretical or empirical problem in the field of strategic communication using appropriate methods. More application-oriented projects focus on the development of communication concepts using scientific methods and empirical findings, for example to analyse the problem situation and to develop strategy, tactics and the use of tools. The topics of these empirical projects largely originate from the current research specialisations of the Department of Communication. In this way, students gain an insight into current research topics.

In addition to a methods module, a research module and the exam module, the curriculum includes thematic modules in the areas of "Methodology and Methods of Empirical Social Research", "Journalism and Media Change" and "Strategic Communication". You can find the courses offered in the electronic course catalogue of the University of Münster, sorted by semester.

 

1st academic year
WiSe	Basic module Strategic Communication	Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Empirical Social Research		Specific Aspects of Strategic Communication 1
SoSe	Research module Strategic Communication, part 1	Specialisation module Strategic Communication	Structures and Processes of Public Communication 1	Specific Aspects of Strategic Communication 2
2nd academic year
WiSe	Research module Strategic Communication, part 2	Journalism and Media Change	Structures and Processes of Public Communication 2	Specific Aspects of Strategic Communication 3
SoSe	Master module Exam colloquium Master thesis

 

Target group / Requirements

The Master's degree programme is aimed at graduates of a relevant Bachelor's degree programme who wish to specialise in the field of Strategic Communication. The degree programme qualifies students for professional fields that are increasingly merging: corporate communications, public relations and advertising on the one hand, and activities in media and market research and media planning on the other.

Admission requirements are the completion of a relevant degree in communication science, journalism studies or media studies with a standard period of study of at least six semesters. The last one must be completed with a first professionally qualifying degree and knowledge of social science methods. For a successful Master's programme at the Department of Communication, English language skills are important.

Further information on applying for a Master's programme at the University of Münster can be found on the central pages of the University of Münster.

 

Application / Admission

The programme can be started every year in the winter semester. Information on admission and the application procedure can be found on the IfK information pages. 18 students are admitted to each year of the Master's degree programme in Strategic Communication.