Media, Ethics, Religion
Media, Ethics, Religion (M.A.)

The Master’s degree program “Media, Ethics, Religion” offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the interplay between media, ethics, and religion. In an increasingly digitalized world, the media landscape plays a crucial role in the dissemination of ethical and religious values and norms. In doing so, media can have both positive and negative effects on our society. The course enables students to deal with these complex interrelationships and to take a critical look at the role of the media in our world. Not only theoretical knowledge is imparted, but also practical skills in the conception, production and analysis of media-ethical and religion-related topics.
- 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
- fully german
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
“Media makers are bridge runners in the modern world. They show love and death, hate and sorrow, dreams and boredom, right and wrong in the ‘global village’. Journalists are communicators of different world views, attitudes and religions. They are the prophets of today, and they heal through understanding.” (Prof. Johanna Haberer)
The Master’s degree program provides a broad practical training with simultaneous academic reflection. On the one hand, it is aimed at future journalists and other media professionals who want to report competently on religious and social topics or who want to work in the field of public relations for non-profit organizations. On the other hand, students will be enabled to assume media ethical responsibility in the field of mass media in the future, for example as journalists, but also in the field of media control bodies. But also educational work at the intersection of religion and mass media represents another field of activity.
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Semester 1
Module Fundamentals of Communication or Media Science
- Lecture on the fundamentals of communication or media studies Seminar with methodological component
- or in-depth study of communication or media science (depending on previous field of study)*
- Lecture or seminar: Two courses from the range of communication or media studies.
*Decision depending on the results of the student advisory service
Media Ethics
Seminar Fundamentals of Media Ethics
Media Systems, Journalism and Public Relations
- Seminar Media Systems
- Seminar Introduction to Journalism, Research and Journalistic Forms of Presentation Seminar Public Relations (Theory&Practice)
- Seminar Media Law
Semester 2
Practical module I
- Supervised twelve-week media internship with preparation and follow-up.
- The internship can also be divided into two or more shorter internships that total 12 weeks.
Advanced media studies and journalism. Practical seminars are offered in the areas of**
- Print journalism,
- publishing,
- radio journalism,
- online journalism and
- television journalism are offered.
- Introduction to theological and religious studies basics, depending on the choice of focus.
Option 1: Theological Foundations, Christianity and Media
- Seminar Basic Theology for Non-Theologians
- Lecture or Seminar Introduction Old Testament* Lecture or Seminar Introduction New Testament*
- Lecture or Seminar Introduction Church History* Lecture or Seminar Introduction Systematics*
- Lecture or Seminar Introduction Practical Theology* Lecture or Seminar Introduction to Religious Studies*
- or in-depth module Theology (depending on Bachelor’s degree program)
Option 2: Theological Foundations, Islam and Media
- Seminar Grundzüge der islamischen Theologie for non-theologians
- VL or SEM Introduction Koran* VL or SEM Introduction Hadith*
- VL or SEM Introduction to the Doctrine of Faith* VL or SEM Introduction Norms*
- VL or SEM Introduction Muslim Life* VL or SEM Introduction Islamic Society*
- VL or SEM Introduction Islamic History****
or in-depth module in theology (depending on bachelor’s program)
Religion and Media I (Islam and Media)
Seminar Islam in the Public Sphere
**Three seminars from the five areas must be taken.
***Three theological subareas must be chosen.
****Two theological subareas must be chosen.
Semester 3
Module Religion and Media, if focus on Christianity Lecture or seminar (alternating) Basic Questions of Christian Journalism.
- Seminar Religion and Media II
- Seminar Religion and Media with accompanying excursion of several days to media locations in Germany or abroad
Module Fields of Action and Reflection Media Ethics
- Seminar Fields of Action and Reflection Media Ethics I
- Seminar Fields of Action and Reflection Media Ethics II
- Seminar Fields of Action and Reflection Media Ethics III
Semester 4
Module Master Thesis
- Master thesis
- Colloquium for the master thesis
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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, this Master’s degree program is open to bachelor’s graduates from various humanities and social science programs. Under certain circumstances, graduates from economics and law fields may also be accepted.
If you are interested in the Master’s degree program and have a degree in a subject not listed here, from another university, or from abroad, you should be sure to contact the academic advisor.
A prerequisite for admission to the program is first and foremost a successfully completed (grade of 2.5 or better) specialized degree, primarily in the humanities, law or economics. Applicants must go through a qualification assessment procedure. After reviewing the application, they are then invited to an interview, which decides on admission to the program.
In principle, previous experience in journalism and public relations/PR is desirable. However, they are not mandatory. Social or religious commitment is also considered positive. A denominational commitment is not a necessary prerequisite for the degree program.
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.