Knowledge and Communication University of Münster

Bridging Science and Society

In this MA programme, students learn to analyse the role of knowledge communication in society.

The programme broadly examines how knowledge is created, processed, disseminated, and used, including the effects of knowledge and knowledge communication. Our concept of knowledge encompasses not only knowledge validated by the scientific system but also alternative forms of knowledge and everyday understanding.

Following this approach, knowledge can be generated in many different ways, with data playing a central role. By specialising in computational communication science, students gain expertise in linking large volumes of data and knowledge, and in processing, organising, and interpreting knowledge in the form of data. With its emphasis on highly topical content and computational social science, this Master’s programme develops sought-after specialists who are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities.

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.

Prospective students can find all the important information on the structure and organisation of the MA in Knowledge and Communication, as well as on the admission requirements, student life, accommodation, visas and financing, in an FAQ on our website.

The modules of the MA Knowledge and Communication build upon one another.

The first semester provides advanced knowledge in the field of knowledge and science communication. It also expands expertise in methods of empirical social research. The basic concepts, i.e., approaches and theories of knowledge communication, are anchored in clearly defined compulsory courses in Modules 1 and 3. Module 1 ("Concepts in Knowledge and Science Communication") teaches basic notions of knowledge communication and related theories and models in two seminars. The "Knowledge Transfer" seminar in Module 3 spotlights mechanisms of knowledge communication practice. The MA Knowledge and Communication is a consecutive programme. Therefore, it builds on the knowledge that students bring from their BA programmes. In this respect, Module 2 ("Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research") builds on students' basic expertise in quantitative ("statistics") and qualitative social research.

The second semester deepens disciplinary and specialist knowledge. Particular emphasis is placed on broadening and deepening analytical and methodological skills. In Module 6 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communication I"), students extend their skills in the field of knowledge communication. In Module 5 ("Computational Communication Science"), students receive an introduction to computational methods as a specialisation of the programme. The modules in the first semester are fundamental to complete the research module, Module 4 ("Research Module: Knowledge and Communication"). In this module, students design, plan, and carry out a comprehensive research project. To have sufficient time to complete the research project from conception to final analysis, the research seminar, unlike other seminars in the programme, is held for four hours per week instead of two and lasts for two semesters: the second and third semesters.

In the third semester, students conduct independent research and round off their disciplinary knowledge repertoire. Both in Module 9 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communication II") and in Modules 7 and 8, students acquire further specialised expertise. During the third semester, students implement and present their project in Module 4, having developed it in the first part of the research module in the previous semester. The experience gained in Module 4 ideally prepares students to complete their Master's thesis independently. The thesis is an empirical research project carried out in the final (fourth) semester.

A more detailed insight into the content of each module can be found on the website of the programme.

This programme is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in communication science or media studies and a background in social science methods. 

Consequently, the first requirement is a degree in a relevant study programme with a standard period of study of at least six semesters, which has been successfully completed with a Bachelor’s or another professionally qualifying degree (e.g. "Magister", Diploma, state examination, etc.)

To be relevant to the study programme, at least 70 ECTS credits (or equivalent) must have been earned in communication science, journalism studies, or media studies. The 70 credit points must include at least 10 credit points in communication science theories and approaches. A maximum of 10 of the required 70 credit points may be earned from practical media and communication courses.

In addition, at least 20 credits of the required 70 must be earned in relevant empirical research methods (e.g. survey methods, content analysis, statistical analysis). Of these, a maximum of 10 credits may be proven by empirical project seminars or by an empirical Bachelor’s thesis. Applicants must also have earned at least 5 ECTS credits in statistics. A basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics is essential, as this prior knowledge is built on from the very first semester. Courses on general academic work are not recognised.

A certificate or transcript of records must clearly evidence the credit points. The credit points must also be listed in a course overview.

Applicants must also provide evidence of their English language skills (see below).

A checklist of all required documents for the application can be found on the "Application and Enrolment" page of the programme.

Details of the requirements can also be found in the Admissions Regulations on the "Forms and Downloads" page.

We do not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 355 EUR per semester. This includes various services for students as well as a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in Münster and all of Germany.

You can find more information here.

We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and not easy to find in Münster – but it's not impossible either! Like most German universities, we do not have our own student halls of residence. However, the "Studierendenwerk", a governmental organisation, offers student halls in Münster. You can find additional information on housing options here and here (only in German).

When contacting about private offers, be careful! Please make sure that you never transfer money before you sign the rental contract. Ideally, you should be able to talk personally to the potential landlord, even if you are still abroad (via phone, video call, etc.) If you are not sure whether an offer is real or possibly a fraud, please feel free to contact the team of our International Office and send us the offer.

The University of Münster: Combining tradition & innovation

With some 41,000 students and 5,100 academics, the University of Münster is one of the biggest and oldest universities in Germany and one of the foremost centres of German intellectual life. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the university. Officially founded in 1780, our roots go back to a convent for the education of women founded in 1040, and the establishment of a Jesuit college in 1588.

Today, besides a broad range of academic opportunities – from Bachelor's programmes to in-service continuing education courses, the University of Münster offers a huge and varied number of extracurricular activities and support for its students: Learn a new language at our Language Centre, take part in one of over 150 different sports at our University Sports, sing in a choir or join an orchestra, take part in a university group, act in a play – or sit back and enjoy the performances of other students: with our wide variety of cultural, international, political and religious student societies, initiatives, and sports groups, the University of Münster offers you countless opportunities to spend your free time and make new friends.

We value a close relationship between research and teaching as well as extensive advice and counselling services.

About the city

In Germany, Münster is known as one of THE student cities. Since its official founding in 1780, the University of Münster has grown continuously. Our departments, central institutions and libraries are spread all over the city - well, the city of Münster somehow is our campus! Münster is a beautiful, green, safe and lively city of about 320,000 inhabitants in the north-western part of Germany, and the northern part of its federal state, North-Rhine Westphalia. Münster has a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene - partly due to its over 60,000 students at one of the eight institutions of higher education. Many cafés, bars and cultural institutions in the city offer a wide range of discounts for students. Münster also hosts one of the most important art exhibitions worldwide the sculpture project – every 10 years. What else? Well, Münster has won numerous awards for its high quality of life – and a bicycle is the best way to zoom around!

International Campus

For international and German students, the University of Münster has various offerings for networking, intercultural understanding and encounters, a buddy programme matching international and German students, cultural events, support, and much more.

The International Office is your first point of contact. The team at the International Office advises international incoming students as well as local students, academics and staff who are planning a visit abroad. We answer questions from international prospective students and applicants relating to preparatory programmes, choosing a major, admission requirements, application procedures, visa and residence issues, financial matters and life in Germany / Münster.

If you are an international student, our Language Centre offers study preparatory German language courses. For enrolled students, our Language Centre also offers study-accompanying German language courses as well as courses for almost 20 other languages free of charge.

Münster lies in the heart of the Münsterland region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and close to the border with the Netherlands. The city of Münster with its 320,000 inhabitants (of which around 62,000 are students) is a vibrant hub with a central location and excellent connectivity. Due to its position, Münster is an ideal starting point for excursions to other major cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, or Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The city is well connected by train, bus, and via Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO). Within Münster itself, the bicycle is the primary mode of transport: Münster is known as Germany's bicycle capital and boasts an extensive network of well-developed cycle paths.

The Münsterland is lined with numerous historical castles, offering glimpses into past times and inviting visitors to exciting excursions. A particular highlight is the Teutoburger Wald, which lies not far from Münster. This forested ridge offers beautiful hiking trails, ideal conditions for walking, and even opportunities for climbing.