Media and Communications

Potential career fields include editorial positions in journalism, public relations, social media management, content marketing and digital creation. The focus of the work in the field of media and communications is the professional, creative and innovative design of digital content and information processes. Media and communications experts specialise in digital media conception and production and can work in the following areas:

• As experts on digital publics who transfer the legal and ethical framework conditions for online media, streaming services, podcasts and magazine formats into journalistic content production
• As experts in digital media conception and production who prepare diverse journalistic content in print, audio and film to create exciting story-telling formats and accompany these with social media campaigns
• As experts on media economics and media management who plan, manage, implement and evaluate communications projects in line with demand and the market
• As experts in Internet data analysis via data mining who develop data-based decision-making options regarding journalism formats and public relations measures and implement these with an eye to success
• As experts in information and communications technologies who take on leadership responsibilities in interdisciplinary teams at the interface between content and code in editorial departments, agencies or in-house departments
• As experts in data visualisation who develop new story-telling formats in companies, NGOs, the public sector, politics and arts organisations

The potential areas of work are as diverse and dynamic as the Media and Communications degree course itself.

In the first year of the course, students learn the basic principles of the six areas digital publics, digital media conception and production, media economics and management, data analysis for digital media, information and communications technology, and data visualisation. The courses are taught by experienced instructors from the media and communications sector and professors with extensive practical experience. At the Media Campus labs, students acquire a systematic and practice-oriented understanding of the steps of media conception and production and in-depth insights into journalistic practice.

In the second year, students have the opportunity to acquire key individual skills through large projects in cooperation with the media and digital sector and to specialise by working on future-relevant challenges facing the media. Practical contacts are supported via a student placement in a media company and an interdisciplinary study project.

In the third year, students develop their own research and development projects on relevant issues in journalism, PR, content marketing or other areas of media and communications in consultation with the media and communications sector. In a research colloquium, they are introduced systematically to media and communications research and given optimal supervision in the development of their bachelor's thesis.

The on-campus courses are supplemented by e-learning offers. English-language courses and stays abroad are offered regularly and in line with the professional area.

The course six semesters long and concludes with the completion of a Bachelor's thesis.

To do well in this course you'll need to be interested in concepts and models, communication and current events, be a structured thinker, and be willing to learn about ever-changing applications of digital media. A high degree of motivation and the capacity to understand other people's needs will also serve you well, as will an affinity for working in teams.

Higher education entrance qualification
You can apply directly for this course if you hold one of the following qualifications:

• Fachhochschulreife
• Allgemeine Hochschulreife 
• Fachgebundene Hochschulreife (subject-specific HE entrance qualification)
• Meister*in (vocational qualification – master tradesperson)
• Fachwirt*in (certified specialist)

Applicants who do not hold a higher education entrance qualification but have completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) and at least three years of subsequent work experience can apply under Section 38 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act, which sets out special provisions for these applicants (Besonderer Hochschulzugang für Berufstätige).

Find out more atAdmission requirements for a Bachelor's degree.

Pre-course experience
We do not require you to have completed pre-course experience for this course.

International applicants
If you completed your schooling outside Germany and want to study here for a Bachelor’s degree, you need to hold an academic school-leaving qualification which entitles you to admission to higher education; that is, it needs to be comparable to a German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. The organisation uni assist will check your certificates from school and any degree-level studies to establish comparability.
You can find more information about HAW Hamburg’s application criteria at International applicants.

Proof of English language skills
Additionally, applications must demonstrate English language skills at the B2 level (minimum) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.