The Master's program in Journalism combines a solid academic education in communication studies with practical multimedia journalism training—a unique combination in Germany. Graduates are well prepared for positions of responsibility in modern journalism.
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.
All students who began their studies up to and including the winter semester 2024/25 will continue to study according to the 2009 examination and study regulations. You can find your examination and study regulations here (PDF, 120 KB), the amendment statute here (PDF, 28 KB), and your module handbook here (PDF, 370 KB).
In close cooperation between the Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW) and the renowned German School of Journalism (DJS), the program combines communication science theory, methodology, and research with intensive multimedia practical training. This combination of a full master's degree program and recognized editorial training (replacing the traineeship) is unique in Germany.
The aim is to teach scientific principles, key qualifications, and practical skills that prepare students for a successful career in journalism.
Who is our target audience?
The master's program in journalism is aimed at graduates of all degree programs. Students should have a keen interest in general social, political, and cultural developments, be avid users of information media, enjoy researching information and communicating it accurately and clearly in writing, and be able to work well in a team. Practical journalism experience is not a prerequisite, but is helpful. Perfect written and spoken German and advanced English skills are essential.
The courses at the IfKW focus on empirical analysis and critical reflection of journalistic practice. To this end, relevant theoretical approaches and methodological issues are discussed and applied in the context of a research project. At the DJS, multimedia work is taught in compact teaching blocks – from research and writing to production and cross-media publication. After completing your training at the DJS, a semester abroad is highly recommended; partnerships with universities worldwide enable exciting study and research experiences abroad. Our practical training opportunities and the LMU Career Service provide support in finding suitable internships.
As part of the master's program, a semester abroad after completing your studies at DJS is highly recommended. The Institute for Communication Science and Media Research (IfKW) maintains a wide range of partnerships with international partner universities and, together with the international affairs officers, offers comprehensive advice on planning and organizing study abroad programs. This allows students to broaden their horizons, develop intercultural skills, and strengthen their international network. Further information can be found under Studying Abroad. Internships abroad are also possible.
Graduates of the Master's program in Journalism work in positions of responsibility across the entire spectrum of journalism – from daily newspapers, magazines, and news agencies to radio, television, online editorial offices, and multimedia newsrooms. They hold management positions in editorial management, specialized departments, investigative projects, or as correspondents. Opportunities are also available in media start-ups, data journalism, cross-media projects, and media and communications consulting. The combination of academic training at the IfKW and intensive practical training at the DJS opens up excellent prospects for both traditional journalism careers and innovative new media formats.
Meet some of the DJS alumni.
The Master's program in Journalism is practice-oriented and combines communication science analysis with intensive multimedia practical training. Students engage in journalism research, reflect on journalistic practice, and train in cross-media production for print, online, TV, radio, and social media.
Module overview Master's in Journalism (PStO 2025) (PDF, 76 KB)
Module Handbook Master Journ (PStO 2025) (PDF, 336 KB)
Module overview Master's in Journalism (PStO 2009) (PDF, 75 KB)
Module Handbook Master Journ (PStO 2009) (PDF, 370 KB)
What role does journalism play in a democratic society—and how is this role changing as a result of media transformation?
Students examine the normative foundations, functions, and structures of journalism. They explore the role of media in democratic societies, examine 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.
How can media use, media effects, and journalistic processes be explained scientifically?
Here, classic theories—such as agenda setting, uses and gratifications, or the spiral of silence—are combined with newer models that are specifically adapted to the field of journalism, such as platform theories, algorithmic gatekeeping models, or theories of networked public spheres. Students learn to critically compare these approaches, identify theoretical gaps, and derive their own hypotheses from them.
How can journalistic processes and media content be empirically examined?
Students learn qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing journalistic offerings, editorial structures, audience reactions, and media effects. In doing so, they develop the ability to interpret research results in a practical manner and apply them to editorial decisions.
How are complex topics professionally prepared for different media formats?
Training at the German School of Journalism covers research, interviewing, news and magazine journalism, data journalism, cross-media storytelling, and production for print, online, TV, radio, and social media. Students receive practical training in implementing topics for different target groups and distribution channels. Two mandatory internships at different media companies—including at least one daily newspaper or news agency—provide deep insight into professional practice and help build a professional network. The DJS assists with placements at renowned editorial offices and media companies.
The Master's degree in Journalism (120 ECTS) is designed to last four semesters and has a modular structure. It comprises compulsory modules in theory, methods, and research practice, as well as a focus on practical professional modules at the DJS. A stay abroad can be integrated after completing the program at the DJS. The program concludes with a master's thesis.
All coursework in the Master's program in Journalism—from exams taken during the course of study 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).
The examination board ensures that the examinations are conducted correctly and decides on accreditations. 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's Degree in Journalism (2009) (PDF, 120 KB)
Addendum to the Examination and Study Regulations for the Master's Degree in Journalism (2017) (PDF, 28 KB)
The practical journalism training at the DJS is part of the master's program at the IfKW. The corresponding modules are included in the overall assessment. This ensures that both academic and practical skills are demonstrated.
The Master's degree in Journalism can only be studied in combination with practical training at the DJS. Admission to the DJS is therefore a prerequisite for admission to the degree program. To be admitted, applicants must successfully complete a multi-stage selection process. This selection process is carried out in agreement with and in cooperation with the IfKW. All information on the application and selection process can be found on the DJS website. Prospective students must apply to the DJS for the master's class. It is not possible to apply for the master's program in journalism via the IfKW.
Important note: You can only start your studies in the winter semester.
Application steps and procedure:
Important note: Please also note the information on the application process and the relevant deadlines on the DJS website.
We are happy to advise you on the content of the program or the course of study. Please take a look at our website, where you will find a wealth of information to 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 all of its programs thrive on the people who work and conduct research here. In addition to our colleagues at the DJS, you will meet many other people here. Please feel free to stop by and take a look around.