Science - Media - Communication
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
With the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication at KIT, you will deepen your knowledge of theories and methods of science communication research as well as current issues in science communication and apply this knowledge in concrete projects. You will deal with digital media and the influence of digitalization on science communication and learn basic methods and application contexts of data mining. The standard period of study is 4 semesters, in which 120 credit points (CP) are earned according to ECTS.
From a media and communication studies, linguistics and sociology perspective, you will examine methods of knowledge acquisition in various sciences and their epistemic cultures, reflect on the relationship between media and knowledge and use qualitative methods to investigate the conditions and practices of knowledge acquisition and knowledge communication.
The courses offered in the master's degree program cover the subject areas of science communication (research, methods, history of theory), knowledge cultures, digital media in science communication and interdisciplinary research and professional skills. You will complete compulsory modules in each of these areas, and you can also choose your in-depth elective subject in the natural and technical sciences from four different options. Further information can be found in the module handbook.
The special feature of the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication at KIT is its interdisciplinary orientation and the high proportion of natural and technical sciences. It is not purely a degree program in communication and media studies. You will study in small, well-supervised groups with a high proportion of practical experience and, thanks to the integration into the EUCOR university network, you will have the opportunity to take part in courses at the universities of Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse.
Key Program Features
- • interdisciplinary orientation • high proportion of natural and technical sciences - no pure study of communication and media science • study in small
- well-supervised groups • high practical component • integration into the EUCOR university network enables participation in courses at the universities of Freiburg
- Basel
- Strasbourg
- Colmar and Mulhouse
Career Opportunities
The master's degree qualifies you to enter professional fields at the interface between science and the public. This includes, for example, science journalism, media and public relations work for research institutions and companies, or working as a speaker in the field of communication between science, politics and the public.
With a good master's degree and scientific ambitions, it could also be interesting for you to pursue a doctorate and a subsequent career at a university or research institution in the field of science communication.
Program Curriculum
• Science Communication: Research, Methods, Theory and History
Theories and History of Science Communication (6 CP)
Research Methods and Practice (18 CP)
• Interdisciplinary Research Competence and Professional Skills
Media Ethics and Professional Ethics (5 CP)
Science Communication Effects and Conveying Science - Research Module (7 CP)
Specialization Module Journalism or Public Relations (6 CP)
• Digital Media in Science Communication
Digital Media: Theory and Practice (18 CP)
Data, IT and Communications (6 CP)
• Epimistic Cultures in Science and Technology
Epimistic Cultures (6 CP)
Science and Technology: specialization according to choice from Biology, Human Biology and Sports Medicine, Computer Science or Physics (18 CP)
• Theories and History of Science Communication (6 CP)
• Research Methods and Practice (18 CP)
• Media Ethics and Professional Ethics (5 CP)
• Science Communication Effects and Conveying Science - Research Module (7 CP)
• Specialization Module Journalism or Public Relations (6 CP)
• Digital Media: Theory and Practice (18 CP)
• Data, IT and Communications (6 CP)
• Epimistic Cultures (6 CP)
• Science and Technology: specialization according to choice from Biology, Human Biology and Sports Medicine, Computer Science or Physics (18 CP)
• Master's thesis (30 CP)
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Science - Media - Communication are based on the current admission regulations:
• bachelor's degreea bachelor's degree (or at least an equivalent degree) in Science - Media - Communication or a degree program with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences, university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The course must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in three of the following five areasscience communication to the extent of at least 8 CPsocial science research methods amounting to at least 8 CPmedia studies, journalism and public relations amounting to at least 8 CPphilosophy, history of technology and social history, linguistics amounting to at least 8 CPnatural and technical sciences of at least 8 CP If minimum knowledge and minimum achievements are only fulfilled in two of the areas listed above, admission may be granted on condition that the missing achievements specified in the admission letter are completed within the first two semesters of the master's degree program.
• letter of motivationa letter of motivation of 500 words in German, in which the motivation for the master's program in Science - Media - Communication, the reasons for choosing the master's program at KIT, the intended focus during the master's program and the subsequent professional future plans are explained and the relationship of the completed first degree to the master's program in Science - Media - Communication is made clear
• science communication to the extent of at least 8 CP
• social science research methods amounting to at least 8 CP
• media studies, journalism and public relations amounting to at least 8 CP
• philosophy, history of technology and social history, linguistics amounting to at least 8 CP
• natural and technical sciences of at least 8 CP
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: July 15 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
- Language German
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
