In the Master's program in Communication and Media Research, we empirically examine relevant current issues relating to media change, public opinion, and digital communication with a view to their practical application.
Please note that the language of study is German. It is not possible to study within this programm without sufficient German knowledge. For the application, proof of German language proficiency is required (at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Guest students (i.e. ERASMUS) find further informationen here.
All students who began their studies up to and including the winter semester 2024/25 will continue to study according to the old 2006 examination regulations. You can download your examination regulations here (PDF, 277 KB), the supplement here (PDF, 27 KB), and your module handbook here. (PDF, 396 KB)
The thematic focus of the program is on the complex communication processes of modern society. Using advanced empirical research methods, problems, contexts, structures, and mechanisms of action in the media of public communication are analyzed on a broad basis. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for specialization in terms of content. At the same time, students are encouraged to develop their own questions and solutions to problems and to implement these in practice through project-oriented teamwork.
The aim is to qualify students for the independent scientific analysis of complex communication processes and to prepare them for responsible positions in research, media, and social communication.
Who is our target group?
The master's program in Communication and Media Studies is aimed at German speaking graduates with a bachelor's degree in social sciences in communication, journalism, or media studies, as well as students with a combination of a major in social sciences and a minor in communication studies.
The program combines in-depth theory and methodology modules with practical application in research seminars, a practice-oriented module, and an internship. Students benefit from the institute's current research priorities, close supervision, and a wide range of options—including international opportunities. A semester or year abroad is highly recommended; partnerships with universities worldwide enable exciting study and research experiences abroad. Our practical study opportunities and the LMU Career Service provide support in finding suitable practical placements.
As part of the master's program, students have the opportunity to spend a semester or year abroad. The Institute for Communication Science and Media Research cooperates with universities worldwide. The institute's international officers offer detailed advice on planning a stay abroad. For more information, see Studying Abroad. Internships abroad are also possible.
In a dynamic media and knowledge society, professions in the communications sector are constantly changing. The master's degree qualifies graduates for demanding positions in science, media, communication, and data-driven analysis—both nationally and internationally. Graduates develop a deep understanding of theoretical contexts, master advanced empirical methods, and can critically evaluate complex data. They are able to analytically penetrate public communication processes, strategically shape them, and make scientifically sound decisions.
The Master's program in Communication and Media Studies is research-oriented and deepens students' understanding of complex communication processes in modern society. Students acquire advanced knowledge of theories, methods, and fields of application in communication science and develop the ability to independently formulate research questions and answer them in a well-founded manner. In doing so, you will be involved in the research work of one of Europe's leading communication science institutes. You will benefit from the expertise of the teaching staff and the international network of the IfKW.
Module overview Master KMF (PStO 2025) (PDF, 77 KB)
Module Handbook Master KMF (PStO 2025) (PDF, 313 KB)
Module overview Master KW (PStO 2006) (PDF, 68 KB)
Module Handbook Master KW (PStO 2006) (PDF, 396 KB)
How do media and public communication shape social change—and how is the public sphere changing in the digital age?
This area introduces students to key research perspectives in communication studies. Students examine the role of media in democratic societies, investigate opinion-forming processes, and reflect on the importance of media ethics, regulation, and journalistic quality. The focus is on the transformation of public communication – from traditional mass media to hybrid media environments to social platforms and algorithmically curated publics. Theoretical foundations are systematically linked to current research debates.
Which theoretical concepts help us understand media use, media content, and media effects?
Here, classic theories—such as agenda setting, uses and gratifications, and the spiral of silence—are combined with newer models that are specifically tailored to digital communication environments, such as platform theories, algorithmic gatekeeping models, and theories of networked public spheres. Students learn to critically compare these approaches, identify theoretical gaps, and derive their own hypotheses from them.
What methods can be used to record and evaluate complex communication processes?
This area of methodology teaches in-depth skills in quantitative and qualitative methods. These include surveys, experiments, standardized and qualitative content analyses, network analyses, and digital and computer-assisted methods such as automated text and image analysis or social media monitoring. Students develop independent research designs, learn to plan sampling procedures, systematically collect data, and evaluate it using common statistics and analysis programs. Particular attention is paid to methodological triangulation in order to make research results robust and differentiated.
How are technological innovations changing media production, distribution, and reception?
This focus area deals with the interactions between technological developments and social communication. Topics discussed include the influence of artificial intelligence on journalistic work, the role of platforms in political discourse, data-driven business models, and the opportunities and risks of new forms of communication for the public. Students learn to analyze innovations from both a technological and a socially critical perspective.
How do media systems, communication cultures, and publics differ around the world?
Globalization and digitalization have intensified communication flows—and at the same time created new forms of fragmentation. This focus provides comparative research perspectives and methods of international communication research. Students learn to analyze country-specific characteristics, use international data sources, and understand intercultural communication processes. A stay abroad is recommended in order to deepen the knowledge acquired during the program through personal experience.
The Master's degree in KMF (120 ECTS) is designed to last four semesters and has a modular structure. It comprises compulsory modules in theory, methods, and professional practice. The focus is on research modules. A stay abroad can be flexibly integrated. The program concludes with a Master's thesis.
In the master's project, students apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge in a real research context. In small groups, they work on current, scientifically relevant questions from communication and media research—for example, on AI and journalism, political communication in social media, media innovations in the climate discourse, or international comparative studies on media use. The work process encompasses all steps of the empirical research cycle – from topic selection to data collection and analysis to the presentation of results. Several IfKW faculty members supervise the projects jointly to ensure academic diversity and the highest scientific quality.
Why is this special? We create space for your training in research. The master's project particularly strengthens empirical research skills, teamwork, project management, and publication skills. The results are recorded in a scientific report and often published at conferences or in specialist journals—a valuable contribution to science and professional practice.
All coursework in the Master's program in Communication and Media Research—from coursework and oral exams to the master's thesis and internships—is assessed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One credit point corresponds to 30 hours of work.
The examination and study regulations contain all binding rules relating to studies. This also includes the recognition of academic achievements and examinations (§ 27).
Examination and study regulations for the Master's degree in KMF (2025, download). (PDF, 740 KB)
The examination board ensures that the examinations are conducted correctly and decides on recognitions. Further information can be found here.
For students who began their studies before the winter semester 2025/26, the old examination and study regulations and their addendum continue to apply:
Examination and Study Regulations for the Master KW (2006) (PDF, 277 KB)
Addendum to the Examination and Study Regulations for the Master KW (2017) (PDF, 27 KB)
Important note: You can apply for several master's programs at the same time in the application portal (Communication and Media Research, Strategic Communication, and Computational Social Science).
Admission to the Master's program in KMF is subject to an aptitude test. This test is based on the currently valid aptitude test regulations. The regulations specify the procedure for the aptitude test and the admission requirements.
Admission requirements for the Master's program in Communication and Media Research (2025)
Please note that it is not possible to assess application documents in advance. Please apply and wait for the decision of the selection committee.
Important note: You can only start your studies in the winter semester.
Application steps and procedure:
We are happy to advise you on the content of the program or the course of study. Please take a look around our website. There you will find a wealth of information that will help you get to know the program and the institute. If you have any questions about enrollment, please also contact the LMU's Central Student Advisory Service.
The institute and its programs thrive on the people who work and conduct research here.