Media, Ethics, Religion
Media, Ethics, Religion (M.A.)
The Master’s degree program in Media, Ethics, and Religion offers a unique opportunity for students to research the interplay between media, ethics and religion. In an increasingly digitalized world, the media landscape has a decisive role to play in spreading ethical and religious values and standards. Media can have both positive and negative effects on our society. The degree program allows students to reflect on these complex connections and take a critical look at the role of the media in today’s world. The program not only transfers theoretical knowledge, but also teaches practical skills in the design, production and analysis of topics relating to religion and ethics in media.
- Degree
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
“Media producers build bridges in today’s world. They tell tales of love and death, hate and sorrow, dreams and boredom, justice and injustice in the global community. Journalists communicate different philosophies, attitudes and religions. They are modern prophets. They bring healing through understanding.” (Prof. Johanna Haberer)
In this degree program, students are taught a broad range of analytical and practical skills. The degree program is aimed at future journalists and other media professionals who want to report on religious and social topics or work in public relations at non-profit organizations. Students learn to take ethical responsibility, for example as journalists in mass media or at media regulation bodies. They can work in any area where religion and mass media meet, and may also pursue a career in teaching.
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1st semester
Module: Foundations of communication science or media studies
- Lecture: Foundations of communication science or media studies, seminar covering methods, or
- Specialization in communication science or media studies (depending on previous studies)*
- Lecture or seminar: Two courses from either communication science or media studies
*chosen after consultation with the subject advisors
Media ethics
Seminar. Foundations of media ethics
Media systems, journalism and public relations
- Seminar: Media systems
- Seminar: Introduction to journalism, research and introduction to journalistic methods or representation Seminar: Public relations (theory & practice)
- Seminar: Media law
2nd semester
Practical module I
- Supervised twelve-week media placement including preparation and follow-up sessions
- The placement can be split into two or more shorter placements coming to a total of 12 weeks.
Advanced media studies and journalism. Practical seminars are offered in the following areas:**
- Print journalism
- Publishing
- Radio journalism
- Online journalism and
- Television journalism.
Introduction to theology and religion, depending on choice of specialization
Option 1: Theological foundations, Christianity and media
- seminar: foundations of theology for non-theologians
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to the Old Testament***
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to the New Testament***
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to church history***
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to systematics***
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to practical theology***
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to religious studies***
or Specialization module in theology (depending on Bachelor’s degree)
Option 2: Theological foundations, Islam and media
- Seminar: Foundations of Islamic theology for non-theologians
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to the Qur’an****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to the Hadith****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to Islamic theology****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to Islamic norms****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to Muslim life****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to Islamic society****
- Lecture or seminar: Introduction to Islamic history****
or Specialization module in theology (depending on Bachelor’s degree)
Religion and media I (Islam and media)
Seminar: Islam in public discourse
**Three seminars must be taken from the five areas.
***Three theological components must be chosen.
****Two theological components must be chosen.
3rd semester
Module Religion and media, if specialization Christianity and the lecture or seminar (in rotation) Foundations of Christian journalism is chosen
- Seminar: Religion and media II
- Seminar: Religion and media, including an excursion (several days) to media centers in Germany or abroad
Module: Media ethics in theory and practice
- Seminar: Media ethics in theory and practice I
- Seminar: Media ethics in theory and practice II
- Seminar: Media ethics in theory and practice III
4th semester
Master’s thesis module
- Master’s thesis
- Presentation
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Content-related admission requirements
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In principle, all applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in the humanities and social sciences are eligible for this Master’s degree program. Students with a business and economics or law degree may also be admitted in exceptional cases.
If you are interested in this degree program and have a degree in a different subject, or a degree from a different university in Germany or abroad, please contact the degree program co-ordinator.
To be admitted to the degree program you should have a good undergraduate degree (grade 2.5 or better), preferably in the humanities, law, or business and economics. Applicants must complete the qualification assessment process. After a successful written application they are invited to an interview which determines whether they are admitted to the degree program.
In general, you should have previous knowledge in journalism and public relations, but this is not compulsory. Furthermore, you should show commitment in social and religious areas. You do not have to belong to a specific faith.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.