Degree
Master of Arts
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
4
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
Yes
The Master’s degree program in Journalism specializing in Innovation and Management is a research-oriented program. It is a non-consecutive program that is open to both graduates of the Bachelor’s degree program in Journalism in Eichstätt and applicants with a degree in a different subject.
The program in detail
Contents
Digitalization, mobile communication, social media, cross-media communication, artificial intelligence – the media landscape is changing rapidly. New technologies make new products possible, which in turn require a new kind of journalism. Those who want to play an active role in shaping current and future developments, rather than just being swept along by them, need creative ideas and concepts that have been reviewed by research.
Which opportunities does the media market offer?
Which ideas are likely to be successful?
These are the kinds of questions at the heart of the Master’s degree program in Journalism: Innovation and Management at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). The degree program has a standard length of four semesters and is research-oriented. It focuses on current changes in journalism and media, specifically changes in media formats and organizational forms.
The program is research-oriented and aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and an understanding of key findings in the fields of management and innovation in journalism and media on the basis of current research. Students learn how to apply the knowledge and skills that they have gained to design and carry out independent projects in the fields of management and innovation. While students of this degree program are expected to have a high level of initiative and to take on responsibility for themselves, they are also offered intensive individual support.
Structure
Semester 1
In the first semester, one part of the program consists of the required elective area (10 ECTS credits in total), which takes into account that students come from different Bachelor's programs. Students have the possibility to choose modules from a fixed catalog of subjects (Communication Science/Politics and Sociology/Economics) and combine them with one another. Students who have not had classes on empirical social research in their Bachelor's degree program must take the module Empirical Media Research I. Students who have not done any classes on economics must take the module Fundamentals of Business Administration I. The following four modules are required modules: Journalism/Communication and Media Studies, Content Production and Reporting Formats, Quality and Quality Research and one module from the Studium.Pro Master’s modules.
Semester 2
The second semester deepens various areas of knowledge, e.g. Corporate Social Responsibility, and the module on Organizational Change and Format Design will already prepare students for research-oriented projects. Here, as a rule, modules are linked in terms of content on a case-by-case basis: for example, between innovation and project management as well as the methods module and the specific application in the research project.
Semester 3
In the third semester, the focus is on two research modules with project seminars in which, for example, the above-mentioned projects are implemented together with cooperation partners (e.g. WDR, BR, "Spiegel online", "Die Zeit" and "Donaukurier"). The in-depth module Strategic Management concludes the subject area of business administration.
Semester 4
The fourth semester is used for working on the Master’s thesis.
Facilities
Our Media House is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for practical training.
In addition to the cross-media laboratory and the mock editorial department for training in print and online journalism, the two radio studios and the television studio are also located here. Technology and facilities in the Ehemalige Orangerie were completely renovated and reopened in January 2017. Around 300,000 euros were invested in the new technology.
In the radio studio, for example, students produce the self-organized Radio Pegasus, in the television studio, they record Testbild and Einsteins.
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
Most students also want to spend some time abroad during their studies. Many partner universities worldwide make the choice easy for you! The KU has partnerships with over 200 universities in other countries. The Journalism program has contracts with 25 partner universities across Europe with over 50 places in the Erasmus program. Even if your desired university is not among them, the stay can be organized.
Practical connection
Despite the research-oriented approach of the program, students also carry out practical work. They develop new formats and concepts and search for ideas how to implement them successfully in an editorial context. At the same time, they consider social responsibility and ethical issues. Methodological skills are also a key part of the program. How is research into current and future developments conducted? How can a new idea’s potential be estimated? These questions are investigated by students in practical projects. For example, they develop a new TV show or design a new magazine or a new organizational structure for an editorial department. Here are some examples of projects: Members of the degree program helped the broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk design a TV show. Two organizational development teams worked with different editorial teams at the broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bayern 3 and editorial department Innovation in den MedienBayerncenter). Students developed the website anhalts-punkte-in-bayern.de for the broadcaster MDR in Magdeburg. They used the site to present innovative journalistic formats, which were covered in MDR’s TV and radio reporting.
All important information and an overview of all practical projects is available on our project website.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
Graduates of the degree program are qualified to design and test new media formats and strategies. They can be found in media companies, editorial teams, and research, where they contribute new ideas for change in the media. Graduates may pursue careers in journalism, project management, editorial development, and format distribution, and as strategic advisors or assistants to company directors.
Every two years, the Journalism department in Eichstätt systematically surveys all graduates of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. This allows us to know where our graduates end up, how the professional environment changes and how graduates evaluate the degree programs in retrospect. We regularly adjust our study programs accordingly.
You can find detailed information on the results of the graduate surveys in the following PDF files (in german):
Alumni testimonials
"The Master's degree program also enables lateral entry for Bachelor's graduates from other subjects – in my case Sociology – because the orientation is non-consecutive. This is not possible at many other universities.
Initially, the size of the university scared me off a little compared to my old university in Munich,…
"The Master's degree program also enables lateral entry for Bachelor's graduates from other subjects – in my case Sociology – because the orientation is non-consecutive. This is not possible at many other universities.
Initially, the size of the university scared me off a little compared to my old university in Munich, but in Eichstätt I learned to appreciate the advantages of a smaller university. Especially the intensive support at the KU was very good and you get to know each other faster and more personal than in a degree program with 300 fellow students.
So, after my studies in Eichstätt, I can say that I not only learned and experienced a lot, but also made great friendships.”
"I particularly liked the very personal supervisory and support relationship with lecturers, the effective work in small groups and generally the friendly and direct interaction between students and lecturers.
The quiet and relaxed life in Eichstätt gave me a lot of freedom to arrange my university life the way I liked…
"I particularly liked the very personal supervisory and support relationship with lecturers, the effective work in small groups and generally the friendly and direct interaction between students and lecturers.
The quiet and relaxed life in Eichstätt gave me a lot of freedom to arrange my university life the way I liked it. Short distances, a beautiful compact campus, the close community among students and a variety of leisure and sports activities were important for me to have a balanced life".
What students say about the program
"I chose the Master’s program in Journalism at the KU in Eichstätt primarily because of its practical relevance. A first semester of theory also allows students of similar degree programs to enter. After that, knowledge transfer takes place mainly through project work with partners such as the broadcaster SWR. I think…
"I chose the Master’s program in Journalism at the KU in Eichstätt primarily because of its practical relevance. A first semester of theory also allows students of similar degree programs to enter. After that, knowledge transfer takes place mainly through project work with partners such as the broadcaster SWR. I think this makes a lot of sense in terms of career entry. I also particularly like the small group sizes and the relationship at eye level with the lecturers. Another benefit is, of course, the beautiful campus!”
"I also made the decision to start the Master’s program in Journalism because of the study location Eichstätt. What really appealed to me were the short distances, the small courses and intensive supervision and support by the lecturers. The campus is compact and the University buildings are located in the center of…
"I also made the decision to start the Master’s program in Journalism because of the study location Eichstätt. What really appealed to me were the short distances, the small courses and intensive supervision and support by the lecturers. The campus is compact and the University buildings are located in the center of town. In addition, the KU offers many possibilities for sports and leisure activities.”
The KU
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
selection procedure: see examination regulations
selection procedure: see examination regulations
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
Yes
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.