Practical studies, successful networking: The IfKW combines excellent academic education with a wide range of practical contacts. Students benefit from collaborations with media outlets, companies, and research institutions, as well as a strong alumni network that opens up valuable insights and career opportunities.
The bachelor's and master's programs at the Institute for Communication Science and Media Research are academic programs and do not provide practical training in media. Communication science is concerned with the emergence and impact of communication conveyed by mass media. Nevertheless, practice-oriented teaching is important for a sound academic education. Through these courses, students learn about the subject of their academic interest through the eyes of people who are responsible for it at various levels. In the modules, courses, and research areas of the various degree programs, we have provided numerous links to and within the professional world:
The bachelor's major and minor in communication studies offers practical orientation in various modules:
The Master's program in Communication and Media Research (KMF) focuses on academic communication and media research. However, the curriculum also includes seminars (Media Practice 1 to 3) that provide practice-oriented teaching.
The Master's degree in Journalism is the most practice-oriented course of study. Based on a sound academic education at the Institute for Communication Studies and Media Research, students at the German School of Journalism are trained to become editors.
The Master's program in Strategic Communication (formerly International Public Relations) prepares students specifically for a career in PR and is characterized by a close link between theory and practice, a strong international and interdisciplinary focus, and a clear social science research orientation. As part of a six-month mandatory internship, it offers in-depth insights into the practice of an internationally active PR agency or department. This mandatory internship also serves as a research internship (real PR or real PR problems as an empirical research subject).
All students at the Institute for Communication Science and Media Research have access to our network of graduates and partners in industry, which helps them find internships and working student positions as a first step toward their professional careers. Members of the network can get to know students as lecturers, speakers, or directly through the IfKW job board.
The IfKW operates its own job board to help its students find internships, student jobs, and other employment opportunities. This includes exciting positions as student assistants at the IfKW as well as jobs outside the institute. You can find current job listings directly via the link in the black box on the left.
If you are interested in publishing your job advertisements, please contact us (link opens an email)! The publication of job advertisements is free of charge for companies.
The course features experienced practitioners from key areas of the media and communications professions, including press, radio, television, film, public relations, advertising, media research, and media management. The specific characteristics of each profession will be addressed and discussed with students: training requirements, career entry options, specific job and professional characteristics, career opportunities, and the job market situation.
Speakers include representatives from Twitter, Amazon, New York Times, KPMG, Pinterest, Disney, Antenne Bayern, Sky, RTL2, FC Bayern, Paulaner, BMW, Audi, Hubert Burda Verlag, Bertelsmann, freeletics, 1&1, World Bank, Serviceplan, ver.Di, Munich Airport, Nature Magazine, BJV, Munich Press Club, and the City of Munich. Visitors included Dunja Hayali, Claus Kleber, Ulrich Berls, Oliver Welke, and Karen Webb from ZDF, as well as television presenter, actor, and author Ralph Caspers.
The course is primarily offered to first- and second-semester students studying for a bachelor's degree in communication science. These are therefore students who are just starting their studies. However, it is also open to students from other semesters and some other subjects.
Click here for events in the current semester.
Click here (in future) for events from previous semesters.
The IfKW is part of a vibrant international network from which students also benefit directly. Whether in projects, seminars, or theses, there are always opportunities to look beyond the horizon and establish contacts in international communication and media research.
Conferences such as ICA and ECREA offer insights into international research. Here, IfKW researchers present their work—and master's students are occasionally invited to participate if their project work is particularly successful or their theses are of international relevance.
In addition, the institute is involved in international research projects and cooperates with partner universities worldwide. Through programs such as Erasmus+ or bilateral agreements, students can spend one or two semesters abroad, gain new academic perspectives, and gain international experience. Experience reports on the LMU website provide exciting insights.
→ You can find more information about our international network here.
The LMU Career Service complements the IfKW's network and practical contacts and supports students in entering communications professions. Whether journalism, PR, marketing, or research—with workshops, application training, and exclusive job and internship offers, it provides valuable guidance and opportunities to establish early contacts with employers. For more information, please visit the LMU Career Service.
Important: This offer is intended for LMU students. For academic and career counseling before starting your studies, please contact the LMU's central student advisory service or the separate contact persons at the IfKW who are responsible for the various degree programs.
The institute's support association promotes practical training for students during their studies and provides targeted career support for communication science graduates. The association facilitates contact between graduates, students, and faculty members at the institute.