In the Master's program in Media and Communication Studies, 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. Guest students (i.e. ERASMUS) find further informationen here.
The Master's program in Communication and Media Studies (MA KMF) is aimed at graduates with a bachelor's degree in social sciences with a focus on communication, journalism, or media studies—or a combination of a major in social sciences and a minor in communication studies. 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.
The program combines solid theory and methodology modules with innovative, practical teaching approaches, such as the master's project. Three media-based seminars make the connection between theory, research, and media practice tangible and highlight interfaces with journalism, PR, media management, and other areas of the media system. Students benefit from the institute's current research focus, close supervision, and a wide range of options, including international opportunities. A semester or year abroad is strongly recommended; partnerships with universities worldwide enable exciting study and research experiences abroad. Mandatory internships are not required by the examination regulations, but the Career Center provides support in finding suitable placements, whether as a part-time job, an internship during the semester break, or as part of a temporary leave of absence.
A semester or year abroad is a great option for master's students. 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 program 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 analyze public communication processes, shape them strategically, 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 formulate research questions independently and answer them in a well-founded manner. In doing so, they are involved in the research work of one of Europe's leading communication science institutes and benefit from the expertise of the teaching staff and theinternational network of the IfKW.
Module overview of the reformed MA KMF program (2025) (PDF, 77 KB)
Module overview for students who started before 10/2025 MA KW (2015) (PDF, 68 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 program in Communication and Media Research (120 ECTS) is designed to last four semesters and has a modular structure. In addition to compulsory and elective modules in theory, methods, and practical projects, it includes a master's thesis. A stay abroad is recommended and can be flexibly integrated into the program.
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 examinations in the Master's program in Communication and Media Research—from coursework and oral examinations to the Master's thesis and internships—are graded according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One credit point corresponds to 30 hours of work. Registration for examinations takes place via the LSF system, and deadlines are announced at the beginning of the semester.
The current examination and study regulations contain all binding rules for studying. They also govern the recognition of academic achievements and examinations (§ 27). The examination board decides on the correct conduct of examinations and recognition. Further information can be found here.
Examination and study regulations (2006; not official) (PDF, 277 KB)
Addendum to the Examination and Study Regulations (2017) (PDF, 27 KB)
Important note: Applications are now only possible for the reformed master's program. They must be submitted online and include an aptitude test with a written exam.
To apply, follow these five steps in order:
We would be happy to advise you on the content of the program or the course of study. You can also contact the LMU's Central Student Advisory Service or take a look at our website to find out more about the program and the institute.
The institute and its programs thrive on the people who work and conduct research here.