Language and Media Studies European University Viadrina

Understanding and shaping the connections between language, media and society

How do language and media influence public discourse, social groups and power structures in society? What makes TikTok videos so mesmerising? How do AI algorithms shape our communication? In today’s world, media is a dominant force: We navigate digital spaces, use audiovisual media extensively, and engage in social and linguistic exchanges – often without considering how media and language shape and transform us and our societies.

The Master’s degree programme in Language and Media Studies equips you with the academic knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand the mechanisms, functions and effects of language and media. It integrates methodological, theoretical and empirical approaches of film and media studies as well as culturally oriented research on language use.

As a graduate of the Language and Media Studies programme, you will possess a deep theoretical understanding and strong analytical skills in both linguistic and media studies. This foundation will enable you to critically engage with the complex media landscape of today and shape societal interactions with audiovisual, digital and linguistic phenomena – from AI and social media to film and video games.

The introductory module provides a comprehensive foundation in linguistics and media studies.

Subsequently, you will select two specialisation modules (“topics”) from the following options:

• Aesthetics and Audio-visual Media
• Language and the Body
• Language and Media Cultures
• Language and Society

During the course of your studies, you will enhance these specialisations by selecting two elective modules. You have the following options:

• specialising in one of your topics from the core curriculum
• the third or fourth topic from the core curriculum
• the interdisciplinary electives:
  • Central and East European Studies
  • Cultural History
  • Gender and Queer Studies
  • Philosophy and Arts in Times of Crises
• the Language and Practice module, in which you can enhance your practical experience and/or foreign language skills. You have the opportunity to learn a modern European foreign language, with all language courses at Viadrina Language Centre offered free of charge. Alternatively, you can build practice-related skills by completing an internship, attending courses on practical skills, or obtaining additional certificates.

The research module is a key component of the Language and Media Studies programme. In this module, you will work in small groups to develop your own research project under the close supervision of lecturers over three semesters, culminating in your Master’s thesis. Through this project and with continuous support, you will learn to apply your acquired knowledge to theoretical, empirical and practice-oriented questions.

In the concluding phase of your studies, you will complete a Master’s thesis on a topic of your choice, followed by an oral examination (final colloquium).

The double degree programme is taught in cooperation with Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3.  

The Career Centre supports you in finding and organising both study-related mandatory internships and voluntary internships. It offers tips and information during your search and application process and advises you on planning and legal matters.

To enrol in the Language and Media Studies programme, candidates must possess a first professionally qualifying university degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits. This degree must include relevant achievements worth at least 30 ECTS credits in linguistics, media studies or humanities (e.g. linguistics, media studies, communication studies, journalism, cultural studies, aesthetics).

To assess the relevance of the 30 ECTS, candidates must provide a transcript of records endorsed by their university.

Language requirements

All students must demonstrate English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). German language skills are not required upon enrolment but are beneficial for participating in courses offered in the programme that are taught in German.

Each semester, each student has to pay a semester contribution. It is composed of a social service contribution and a student contribution and is collected for the following purposes:

• social service contribution
• student body fee
• registration fee
• free ticket for public transport within Germany (mandatory)
• student ID / chip card (paid only once)

The semester contribution is currently approx. 380 EUR.

Depending on which type of accommodation one chooses, monthly rent is usually around 300 EUR. In addition, monthly food and living expenses generally come to about 250 EUR. In total, one needs about 750 EUR each month to live comfortably.

At present, it is possible to find an acceptable and well-paid job in Frankfurt (Oder) or especially in Berlin, which can be reached within one hour. Thanks to the semester ticket, travelling between Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) by public transport is free of charge for students of the European University Viadrina.

There are also students jobs available at the European University Viadrina.

The European University Viadrina has developed special financial support programmes for international students.

The Career Centre at the European University Viadrina helps students to get acquainted with all the requirements for their future professional life.

Our team supports the students by:

• Giving advice on jobs, internships and/or applications
• Keeping in touch with employers
• Publishing job offers as well as internship opportunities
• Organising workshops which provide our students with important skills for their studies and their future careers
• Supporting internships abroad with Erasmus+ or PROMOS funding

The European University Viadrina offers very good and affordable student accommodation in single room apartments or apartments with two to five rooms. Prices vary between 200 and 350 EUR. All prices include a broadband Internet connection, electricity and warm water. Student residences are furnished. Each tenant has access to a common kitchen, which is well-equipped. Lockable refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are provided by the student service as well.

Study Europe. Experience the World. Shape Society.
At the Viadrina, you will study individually and receive personal support at the interface between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you will study in small groups and engage directly with your lecturers. Our hands-on degree programmes in the fields of culture, law, economics and digital transformation offer you a pan-European perspective. This will enable you to acquire unique expertise to shape the society of tomorrow.

Pan-European perspective
A cross-border campus at the interface between Western and Eastern Europe: here you can study future European challenges relating to digital transformation, culture, law and economics.

Study individually
Personal support from the start of your studies to your graduation, manageable study groups, individual focus: we offer you the ideal conditions for success in your studies.

International network
Everyday student life with people from more than 100 countries, stays abroad, worldwide double degrees and foreign language courses: with us, you can build your international, individual and professional network during your studies.

Committed community
Short distances, direct contact, participation and commitment: join our strong community. Numerous initiatives and projects are waiting for you, allowing you to help shape the university and our twin city Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice.

Focus on society
Hands-on relevance and project-oriented teaching: with us, you will learn to tackle complex social challenges and contribute to shaping a successful future.

The European twin city of Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice lies directly on the River Oder, linking Germany and Poland both geographically and culturally. With students from across Europe studying at institutions such as the European University Viadrina, the city offers a truly international atmosphere, affordable living and the unique opportunity to experience two countries in everyday life — all within walking distance.

Students also have numerous opportunities to play an active role in shaping city and campus life by getting involved in student initiatives, committees and non-profit organisations.

Berlin is just one hour away by train.