Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Master's Programme Media, Society and Communication

Faculty	Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
Duration / ECTS-Credits	4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Master of Arts (MA)
Qualification Level	Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-xx: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level x
ISCED-F	0312 Political Sciences and Civics
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 066 579
Curriculum	University of Innsbruck Bulletin from April 4th 2023, Issue 30, No. 441
Language of Instruction	English
Admission Requirements	Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2023W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
  available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
  Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

• English version of the Curriculum (from October 1^st, 2023)
• University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 19^th 2023, Issue 30, No. 441- PDF

Requirements

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.

In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:

• 5 ECTS-Credits from the core area of media and communication theories
  
• 5 ECTS-Credits from the core area of methods in empirical social research
• 5 ECTS-Credits from the core area of digital communication
  
• 5 ECTS-Credits from the core area of current discourse in media and communication studies
  
• 10 ECTS-Credits from the core area of social communication and medial change
  

It is recommended for students of the Bachelor’s programme at the University of Innsbruck to complete the Minor or courses from the Minor “Media and Communication”.

Recommended Course Sequence

The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.

The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).

First semester »

Second semester »

Third semester »

Fourth semester »

Graphic chart »

Qualification Profile and Skills

The Master's programme provides graduates with a confident command of the theories, methods and instruments of media and communication studies. They are able to independently plan, conduct, evaluate and process studies in media and communication in science and practice. Graduates possess scientifically sound, theory- and method-based analytical and problem-solving competences. These competences enable them to work independently on problems in new or unfamiliar contexts, to assess scientific knowledge and to apply it in new research-relevant contexts as well as to work on relevant problems in their respective non-university professional fields in a scientifically sound and practice-relevant manner.
The programme also promotes extracurricular social skills such as mediation and presentation techniques, teamwork skills, strengthening rhetorical and written expression as well as independent leadership skills.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Graduates have an understanding of the dynamics of digitisation and the associated challenges in society, politics, economy, public administration, culture and everyday life. With a view to media and communication dynamics as well as social change, they are able to deal with social, cultural, political and technical functions of the media and questions of sustainability and diversity in an independent, critical and differentiated manner. Graduates acquire an understanding of the ongoing digital transformation, which is central to enabling and securing democracy and social self-determination.  

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

In the Master's Programme Media, Society and Communication, students acquire competences that enable them to work in media-related positions in companies, NGOs, organisations and administrations in addition to leading positions in media and communication professions. Examples of this are:

• media and cultural work as well as institutional media work (e.g. in agencies, publishing houses, media companies, broadcasters)
• media research and opinion, market and survey research
• public relations as well as media and communication consulting
• media and communication management as well as content & programme management
• evaluation of communication services, media strategies and media campaigns
• media politics
• media education and training in the fields of media and communication

There are also fields of activity for graduates in university and non-university research institutions.

Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck

• Doctoral Programme Sociology
• Doctoral Programme Political Science
• Doctoral Programme Linguistics and Media Studies

Minor

As part of the Master’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.

More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/wahlpakete/

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction 
  

Recognitions (in German only)

• Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet

Forms (in German only)

• Practical Agreement
• Examination Records
  
• Application for the Master's Thesis
• Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
  
• Declaration of Academic Honesty 
• Submission of the Master's Thesis
• To block the Master's Thesis
• Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Universitätsstraße 15

Associate Dean of Studies
Dr. Viorela Dan

Dean of Studies 
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wilhelmus Johannes Gerardus Uunk

Information for students with disabilities