Students prepare a presentation together

Communication Science

How does political communication work? What is the effect media have on us? How do social media and streaming services change our society? If you find these questions interesting, you have come to the right place! ​!
Students prepare a presentation together
Image: Designed by freepik / Freepik.com
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
NC
Supplement to degree
major in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 265,60
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Application & Deadlines

Content of the study programme

Who really cares when a sack of rice falls over in China? (German saying for ‘I couldn’t care less’) In Germany, probably nobody cares. In China, however, the situation can be quite different. A family’s livelihood or income might depend on precisely that one sack of rice. Journalists decide which reports make it into the daily newspapers or the radio news using various criteria. And news usually have quite a long way to go. When it comes to fake news, the situation is quite different. They usually spread extremely fast on the internet. But how does that happen? How dangerous are they and how can you recognize them? These are just a few examples and questions that you will explore in the study programme ‘Communication Science’.

The main focuses of the subject ‘Communication Science’ are production processes, processing procedures and the effect and impact of public communication offers. Besides mass media such as newspapers, radio and television, more and more organizations operate in the public sphere. These include, for example, political parties, associations, but also companies that use press releases and advertisements for their content. These and other political, social, economic, and societal communication processes are to be analysed, presented and, above all, critically evaluated.

This is why you will get to know various theories, models and concepts from several fields in the course of your studies:

  • empirical methods
  • digitization and the public sphere 
  • strategic communication
  • communication and media psychology with a focus on the internet community and social media 

On the basis of theoretical considerations, communication science tries to gain insights mainly with the help of empirical methods and evaluation procedures. What exactly does that mean for you? You will, for example, interview people about their opinions, observe their behaviour or examine websites according to certain criteria. 

Structure

major subject major subject Graphic: Sophie Bartholome

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. lectures, seminars or practical courses) are offered for the individual modules.

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP.

You can combine the major subject ‘Communication Science’ with all the minor subjects offered at the University of Jena. We recommend Sociology, PsychologyExternal link, Political ScienceExternal link and Economics and Business Administration, for example. We have made arrangements with these subjects to ensure that the compulsory modules do not overlap, so that there is no delay in the course of study.

There are 13 compulsory modules and eleven required elective modules in the major subject, of which you must successfully pass seven for the Bachelor's degree (20 modules in total). 

How might your study programme shape up?

This table is an example of how the major subject ‘Communication Science’ could be structured:

  1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester
Methodological foundations Empirical Research Methods
(5 CP)		 Descriptive Statistics
(5 CP)		 Inferential Statistics
(5 CP)		      
  Basics of Statistics
(5 CP)		        
Theoretical foundations Introduction to Communication Science
(5 CP)		 Internet and the Public
(5 CP)		 Strategic Communication
(5 CP)		      
Journalism and News Production
(5 CP)		 Psychology of Communication and Media Use
(5 CP)		 Required elective module1
(5 CP)		 Required elective module1
(5 CP)		    
Key qualification Scientific Practice
(5 CP)		   Key Competencies in Communication Practice A
(5 CP)		 General key qualifications
(5 CP)		 Internship
(10 CP)		 Key Competencies in Communication Practice B
(5 CP)
          Work Areas of Professional Practice
(5 CP)
Research practice      

Required elective module2
(10 CP)

 Required elective module2
(10 CP)		  
Bachelor thesis           Bachelorarbeit
(10 LP)

Abbreviations: CP = credit points

1 In the elective area, the following modules are offered: Internet and the Public, Psychology of Communication and Media Use, Strategic Communication, Journalism and News Production.

2 Here, you can choose from the following modules: Interview Methodology in Research Practice, Content Analyses in Research Practice, Experimental Research Practice, or Computational Methods in Research Practice.

More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]pdf, 492 kb · de.

Why study in Jena?

  • Practice-oriented topics: In addition to market and opinion research, public relations or media marketing, the focus of the course is on central theories and empirical studies for researching mass media and interpersonal communication.
  • Set your own focus: In the elective area, you can choose seminars from various fields according to your interests and expand your knowledge in the desired area.
  • Excellent research: Benefit from our contacts to national and international research institutions. Our teaching staff is active in both basic and applied research.
  • Integrated work placement: Over a period of at least seven weeks, you will gain an insight into typical professional fields.
  • Possibilities without borders: Experience internationality! The University attracts students and scientists from all over the world with its appealing conditions and shapes Jena's character as a future-oriented and cosmopolitan city — ideal conditions for international prospective studentsmp4, 55 mb.
  • Adventure abroad: If you dream of spending a semester abroad, you can easily make it come true. Our University has a worldwide network of partner universities.

Behind the scenes

Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Studentin recherchiert am Computer
Keeping an eye on media change
The curriculum includes traditional media such as television, radio and print media as well as modern online media and their effect on people. You will also carry out some test series in your studies to gather results.

What can you do after your studies?

Female student sitting at a desk Female student sitting at a desk Image: Designed by lookstudio / Freepik.com

Areas of employment for graduates

  • strategic planning and analysis in the media sector, for example in market and opinion research or in advertising, PR or media agencies.
  • communications departments of companies, associations and authorities
  • corporate and political consulting
  • scientific or science-related field, for example at universities and research institutes

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

Master of Arts
Applied Ethics and Conflict Management
Master of Arts
Education ‐ Culture ‐ Anthropology
Master of Arts
Intercultural Human Resource Development and Communication Management
Master of Arts
Political Communication

Downloads and links for the study programme

What are the personal requirements?

  • good command of English
  • good written and oral communication skills
  • strong interest in the empirical analysis of political, social, economic and societal processes
  • basic knowledge of mathematics for statistical and methodological training

Admission requirements

University entrance qualification

A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

Language requirements

English; proof to be submitted by the time the bachelor thesis is registered.

Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international

Contacts

Subject-specific academic advisor — Carolin Wehrstedt, M.A. (advisory services, leave of absence for internships and stays abroad, recognition of academic achievements)
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-44935 +49 3641 9-44932
studienberatungkowi@uni-jena.de
Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations
Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena
+49 3641 9-411999
To Service-Desk
More information
Opening hours:
Please contact us by phone or via our ticket system.

Telephone enquiries:
Monday und Friday 9:00 to 11:00
Wednesday 13:00 to 15:00

The ASPA is mainly responsible for students at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Theology.
Tutor — Lara Kamprath
lara.kamprath@uni-jena.de
Student Representative Committee Communication Science
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-44944
fsr-kowi@uni-jena.de
More information de
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-411200 +49 3641 9-411111
To Service-Desk
To the advisory services
Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person, via video chat or telephone. Appointments can be made by phone or via service desk.

Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Video chat:
Videochat Zeiten
Monday to Friday 12.30 to 13:00
Videochat Passwort
ZSB2020
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-411111 +49 3641 9-411112
To Service-Desk
More information
Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 12
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12

Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!

We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.

You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - International students
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
incoming@uni-jena.de

Additional services