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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!
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Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
with Numerus Clausus (NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
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

‘One cannot not communicate.’ You will certainly come across this significant phrase by communication theorist Paul Watzlawick in the course of your studies. It is one of the five axioms of his theory. The sentence sound simple and obvious, and yet it is highly complex. Communication is omnipresent, especially in the digital age. The forms it takes and the influence it has on us as a result is only one aspect that you will explore in your studies.

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

minor 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 minor subject ‘Communication Science’ with all major subjects offered at the University.

The range of modules offered in the minor subject includes eight compulsory modules and eight required elective modules, of which you must successfully pass three for the Bachelor's degree (eleven modules in total).

How might your degree programme shape up?

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

SRS Modules
1
  • Introduction to Communication Science (5 CP)
  • Scientific Practice (5 CP)
2
  • Basics of Statistics (5 CP)
  • Internet and the Public (5 CP)
3
  • Empirical Research Methods (5 CP)
  • Strategic Communication (5 CP)
4
  • Psychology of Communication and Media Use (5 CP)
  • Required elective module1 (5 CP)
5
  • Journalism and News Production (5 CP)
  • Required elective module1 (5 CP)
6
  • Content Analyses in Research Practice2 (10 CP)

Abbreviations: CP = credit points; SRS = subject-related semester

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

2 In addition, you can choose from the following modules: Interview Methodology 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, 433 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.
  • 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 universitiesExternal link.

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

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
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
  • a strong interest in empirical analysis of political, social, economic and societal processes

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