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Universität Hamburg
Master English Social Sciences

Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society

Master

Universität Hamburg Hamburg · Hamburg

About the Program

The programme offers a curriculum uniquely focused on developing an analytical and critical lens on the challenges posed by digitalisation and ecological transformation. It provides a solid foundation for analysing and dealing with digital communication as well as reporting on climate change. Media and journalism play a pivotal role in dealing with these challenges as society must agree on how these challenges can be met democratically and in a sustainable way. In digital media environments and against the backdrop of existential ecological risks, questions about the ethics and quality of journalism and media communication are being raised anew, with implications for the practice and rules of public communication. The programme aims to contribute to a body of scholarship and media practice that is interested in strengthening a democratic public sphere, with professional, independent, quality journalism as an important moderator of open and pluralistic debates. We understand sustainability as a guiding principle of a society that seeks to preserve the opportunities for a good life for current and future generations worldwide. The aim of the first year is to build a thorough knowledge about sustainability and digitalisation as challenges for journalism and a democratic public sphere. Students will furthermore develop their knowledge of social science methods and acquire digital data literacy. Students will then apply these skills to analyse socio-ecological, institutional or technological sustainability by researching topics such as climate reporting and protest participation, disinformation and mistrust in journalism or digital divide and AI. In the second year, students will get an insight into the professional field of sustainable and digital communication and prove their research skills by researching and writing a Master's thesis.
▶ Show the original English text
The programme offers a curriculum uniquely focused on developing an analytical and critical lens on the challenges posed by digitalisation and ecological transformation. It provides a solid foundation for analysing and dealing with digital communication as well as reporting on climate change. Media and journalism play a pivotal role in dealing with these challenges as society must agree on how these challenges can be met democratically and in a sustainable way. In digital media environments and against the backdrop of existential ecological risks, questions about the ethics and quality of journalism and media communication are being raised anew, with implications for the practice and rules of public communication. The programme aims to contribute to a body of scholarship and media practice that is interested in strengthening a democratic public sphere, with professional, independent, quality journalism as an important moderator of open and pluralistic debates. We understand sustainability as a guiding principle of a society that seeks to preserve the opportunities for a good life for current and future generations worldwide. The aim of the first year is to build a thorough knowledge about sustainability and digitalisation as challenges for journalism and a democratic public sphere. Students will furthermore develop their knowledge of social science methods and acquire digital data literacy. Students will then apply these skills to analyse socio-ecological, institutional or technological sustainability by researching topics such as climate reporting and protest participation, disinformation and mistrust in journalism or digital divide and AI. In the second year, students will get an insight into the professional field of sustainable and digital communication and prove their research skills by researching and writing a Master's thesis.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Social Sciences professions "Communication Studies"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Communication Studies

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How do I apply to Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society at Universität Hamburg?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society at Universität Hamburg

Is Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society at Universität Hamburg taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society at Universität Hamburg? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Hamburg — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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