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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
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Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
major in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
with Numerus Clausus (NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Institute of Communication Science
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

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

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, Psychology de, Political Science and Economics and Business AdministrationExternal link, 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 degree 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 researchExternal link.
  • 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.

A look behind the scenes

  • Campus der Universität Jena
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
    Welcome to the Institute!External link

    The Institute of Communication Science is located in the city centre and directly on campus at Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8 (3rd floor).

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What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

Female student sitting at a desk

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  • 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

  1. Applied Ethics and Conflict Management Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  2. Education ‐ Culture ‐ Anthropology Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  3. Intercultural Human Resource Development and Communication Management Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Arts
  4. Political Communication Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • 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

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 planExternal link

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Tutor — Lara Kamprath
Student Representatives Communication Science

Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: Zoom – Video chat Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 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 planExternal link