International Media Studies (MA)

The Master's programme "International Media Studies" is especially designed for graduates from developing and transitional countries with previous media experience. The IMS programme is a joint project of the University of Bonn, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS), and Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie. DW Akademie offers the perfect learning environment for up to 30 students per year. The programme is conducted in Bonn, Germany. Students from developing countries and countries in transition can apply for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients are to write their Master's theses and complete the degree in their home countries. (The scholarship amounts to 992 EUR per month. Tuition fees amounting to 6,000 EUR will also be covered.) The interdisciplinary study programme is conducted in English, combining topics such as media and development, journalism, communication science, media economics and digitalisation. The full-time, four-semester Master's degree offers an unparalleled mix of research, lectures, and practical experience and prepares students for careers in the communications and media industries. As media becomes increasingly set in a global context, it is important that media professionals understand the close connection between media, development, and digitalisation. Students conclude the course with a Master's thesis and receive a Master of Arts (MA) academic degree. The Master's degree programme is characterised by its interdisciplinary and international nature, whilst at the same time presenting a clear and defined structure. The course is a balanced combination of the above-mentioned development related topics. At the same time, it develops practical skills and abilities important in the world of media. In September, the programme starts with two mandatory introduction weeks (including excursions and workshops). The first and second semesters give a structured introduction to the analytic relationship between media, politics, and society. The programme provides an explanation of media development, journalism, media economics, and media management, while considering various issues related to intercultural communication. In the third semester, the syllabus covers topics such as empiricism, media planning, and market research. This is complemented by interdisciplinary subjects such as project management and leadership training. During the fourth semester, students are required to write their Master's theses in their respective home countries, finishing with a colloquium.