Course structure

Communications Management and Public Relations

Symmetrical. Dialogue-oriented. Interactive. Communication is fluid. Strategic, forward-looking PR work is a management function and actively shapes processes in organisations. Tomorrow's communicators must not only have extensive specialist knowledge, but also be able to recognise current social trends and assess their impact on the communications industry. The new knowledge can thus be integrated into communication.

In the Master’s course in Communication, you will venture a look into the future of strategic communication together with the teaching staff. You learn to anticipate tomorrow's social developments and thus find answers to questions that no one is asking themselves today. You will analyse current trends in communication technology and examine their possible applications in the field of public relations.

The interdisciplinary teaching provides you with knowledge of social sciences, humanities and business administration in addition to specific subject and methodological knowledge. In twelve modules, you will gain insights into topics such as creativity, theories of public relations, leadership and management techniques, reference group research and value creation. The degree course optimally prepares you for your professional future as a leader in companies, organisations and agencies and enables you to pursue a career in academia.

Course structure

The duration of the full-time degree course is four semesters. The MKO follows the principles of "Explore - Develop - Test - Apply" and was re-accredited with a new curriculum for the winter semester 2015/2016.

Semester 1 – Explore

At the beginning of your Master's course, you will deal with current and future social developments. In addition, you will deal with social science approaches and theories of the public sphere.

Semester 2 – Develop

You incorporate social trends into the development of new media and communication strategies. In doing so, you will specifically train your creative and communicative skills.

Semester 3 – Trials

Do the developed models withstand the application? In the third semester, you analyse your own and external concepts, for example, on the basis of ethical, business management or social science considerations.

Semester 4 – Apply

In the fourth and final semester, you will write your final thesis to obtain your "Master of Arts (M.A.)". Here you will put the findings from the work of the previous semesters into a scientific context and reflect on an aspect of journalistic or PR work.

Modules