Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society

Overview

This English-language Master’s programme trains students to critically examine how digitalisation and ecological transformation affect media, journalism and the democratic public sphere. It emphasizes the ethical and quality-related questions raised by digital media and climate change reporting, and promotes scholarship and media practice that strengthen open, pluralistic public debate. Sustainability is framed as preserving opportunities for a good life for current and future generations worldwide, and the programme treats professional, independent journalism as a key mediator in democratic decision-making about these challenges.

Curriculum and structure

During the first year you will build a solid conceptual and empirical foundation: studying sustainability and digitalisation as central challenges for journalism and democratic communication, learning social science research methods and developing digital data literacy. You then apply these methods to investigate socio-ecological, institutional or technological aspects of sustainability — for example climate reporting and protest participation, disinformation and public trust in journalism, or issues around the digital divide and AI. In the second year you gain practical insight into professional fields related to sustainable and digital communication and carry out an independent research project culminating in a Master’s thesis.

Why this is relevant for international students

The programme prepares graduates for research and professional roles where evidence-based, ethical media and communication practices are needed to address global ecological and digital challenges. It is particularly suited for students who want to combine social science methods with data literacy to research and communicate complex sustainability issues, or who aim to work in quality journalism, media policy, NGOs or research institutions that engage with democratic and environmental concerns.

Requirements / what you will develop

• Thorough knowledge of sustainability and digitalisation as challenges for journalism and the public sphere
• Competence in social science research methods and digital data literacy
• Ability to analyse socio-ecological, institutional or technological dimensions of sustainability (e.g., climate reporting, protest participation, disinformation, trust in journalism, digital divide, AI)
• Practical experience and professional insight into sustainable and digital communication fields
• Completion of an independent research-based Master’s thesis in the second year

This master’s curriculum combines classroom-based teaching with applied, project-led learning to prepare students to study and shape the role of communication and journalism in sustainable, digitised societies. The first two modules use lectures and seminars to build foundational knowledge, while the remaining modules focus on problem-oriented and project-based work that links research methods, professional practice and societal transformation. The program foregrounds how sustainability and digitalisation together challenge journalism and the democratic public sphere.

Students receive systematic training in empirical methods and in translating research into practice. Core elements include a multi‑semester research seminar and a practical module that runs alongside coursework to develop professional skills in sustainable and digital communication. The degree culminates in a substantial Master’s thesis (Finale Module, 30 ECTS) in the fourth semester, while elective courses allow students to tailor their studies throughout the program. Learning outcomes emphasize empirical research competence, the ability to design and carry out applied projects, professional readiness for sustainable/digital communication roles, and critical understanding of how communications can contribute to societal transformation.

Key modules (ECTS and semester allocation)

• Twin Transformation: Sustainability and Digitalisation as Challenges for Journalism and a Democratic Public Sphere — 6 ECTS (first semester)
• Methods of Empirical Communication Research — 12 ECTS (first and second semesters)
• Research Seminar — 16 ECTS (second and third semesters)
• From Research to Practice — 16 ECTS (first and second semesters)
• Professional Practice in Sustainable and Digital Communication — 12 ECTS (first to third semesters)
• Transforming Society – Transforming Communications — 14 ECTS (first to third semesters)
• Finale Module (MA thesis) — 30 ECTS (fourth semester)
• Elective courses — offered across the first to fourth semesters

Program requirements (concise)

• Complete foundational lecture/seminar modules in the first semester.
• Progress through problem-focused, project-oriented modules spanning semesters 1–3.
• Participate in the Research Seminar across semesters 2 and 3 to develop an independent research project.
• Engage in practical coursework via “From Research to Practice” and “Professional Practice in Sustainable and Digital Communication.”
• Study thematic, critical material in “Transforming Society – Transforming Communications.”
• Submit and defend an independent MA thesis in the fourth semester (Finale Module, 30 ECTS).
• Choose and complete elective courses throughout the program to complement core components.

Graduates are prepared for roles in journalism, media organisations, public communication, NGOs, policy institutes and communication departments where expertise in climate reporting, digital media, ethics and public debate is needed. The programme's mix of empirical research skills and applied practice also suits positions in research institutions, think tanks and consultancy on media, sustainability and digital transformation.

Students who wish to pursue further academic research can use the MA thesis and method training as a foundation for doctoral studies. The university provides career support and internship guidance to help graduates transition into the German and international job markets.