The ongoing media transformation shapes our future. More than ever, media permeate all areas of life. Despite the availability of so much information, forming your own opinion seems increasingly difficult. Moreover, traditional communication professions are losing their significance. At the same time, new professional fields are emerging and there are numerous new opportunities for creative self-expression and civil participation in current media environments.

With the Master’s programme ‘Communication, Culture & Participation’ you can pursue two goals simultaneously:
First, it provides you with the academic skills to understand media transformation. Second, it supports your professional profile development as a communicator of tomorrow who actively shapes the future.

Key facts & figures

4 semesters

Duration

120 ECTS

Credit Points

Master of Arts

Degree

English/German

Language

31st October 2024

Application Deadline EU/EEA

10th August 2024

Application Deadline non-EU/EEA

1st October 2024

Start Date

4 reasons to join us

1

Content that matters

Study with focus on contemporary social, political and cultural issues and trends in the field of communication and media
Develop your professional profile as a communicator of tomorrow
Explore the opportunity to choose a specialisation in one of three future fields: Professional Communication, Media & Culture, Democracy & Participation
Acquire expertise that combines analytic competence and practical problem-solving skills

Flexible study

Choose to learn and study in English and/or German
Commuter-/job-friendly courses only on TUE and WED
Participate in small groups and interactive discussions
Receive individual attention and regular feedback to reach your full potential
2
3

Open admission

Apply with a previous degree in communication and media studies on the BA-level or higher

Benefit from no enrolment quotas or exams
Pay low tuition fees

Personal benefits

Benefit from our programme’s focus on your unique interests and strenghts
Immerse in a lively and international university environment
Study at an old town university with great infrastructure at the heart of Europe
4

Your skills and career opportunities

The Master’s Programme ‘Communication, Culture & Participation’ prepares graduates to understand and master the impact of media transformation on the professional, socio-political, and cultural level. Our degree programme equips graduates with a diversity of theoretical approaches and empirical methods of media and communication studies. We teach the ability to analyse, plan, implement, and evaluate applied research and multimedia content. We prepare for working in diverse, rapidly changing media environments. Employers can be found in various areas, including academic and applied research, the media, art and cultural sector, agencies and consulting firms, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporations, non-profit and non-governmental organisations, politics and administration.

The following professional fields are open to our graduates:

Advertising and brand communication
Event management and communication
Sports communication
Strategic communication
Corporate communication
Leadership, team and project communication
Research and teaching in the university and non-university sector
Media, market and opinion research
Journalism and editorial activities
Publishing and media management
Media history
Public relations and public affairs
Media and communication agencies
Transcultural communication
Art and cultural work, mediation and communication
Communication coaching and counselling
Multimedia and audiovisual content development, design and production
NGO and NPO communication
Politics and political communication
Public administration
Media and communication policy
Content and web design
Social media communication

Specialise for the future!

From the 2nd semester onwards, you can choose from one of three future-oriented areas of specialisation. Each specialisation comprises with current challenges and trends (module 4), a two-semester research project (Module 5), two Master’s thesis seminars (Module 6), the Master’s thesis and the Master’s exam.

Professional Communication

Do you want to understand and engage with …

  • the dynamics behind rapid changes in the media and communications industry in recent years?
  • the skills and competencies of successful professional communicators of tomorrow?
  • the types of content, collaboration and business models fit for the future?

Then the area of specialisation Professional Communication is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced lecturers from the fields of journalism, public relations, organisational communication, leadership and team communication, multimedia production and media management will explore those questions with you.

Media & Culture

Do you want to understand and engage with …

  • how media content and usage shape everyday life, art and culture?
  • the opportunities of creative expression through new media?
  • the communication skills and competencies that are necessary to navigate successfully in global, intercultural contexts?

Then the Media & Culture specialisation is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced lecturers from the fields of intercultural and transcultural communication, media and technology studies, as well as art and cultural studies will explore those questions with you.

Democracy & Participation

Do you want to understand and engage with …

  • how media and communication are connected to democracy?
  • how local and global power relations between media, politics and corporates have shifted over recent years?
  • the skills and competencies crucial for civil action, participation and activism in digital media environments?

Then the area of specialisation Democracy & Participation is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced lecturers from the fields of public sphere and democracy research, inequality and activism research as well as media policy and economics will explore those questions with you.

Professional communication

Do you want to understand and engage with:

  • the dynamics behind rapid changes in the media and communications industry in recent years?
  • the skills and competencies of successful professional communicators of tomorrow?
  • the types of content, collaboration and business models fit for the future?

 

Then the area of specialization Professional Communication is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced lecturers from the fields of journalism, public relations, organizational communication, leadership and team communication, multimedia production and media management will explore those questions with you.

Media & culture

Do you want to understand and engage with..

  • how media content and usage shape everyday life, art and culture?
  • the opportunities of creative expression through new media?
  • the communication skills and competencies that are necessary to navigate successfully in global, intercultural contexts?

 

Then the Media & Culture specialization is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced lecturers from the fields of intercultural and transcultural communication, media and technology studies, as well as art and cultural studies will explore those questions with you.

Democracy & participation

Do you want to understand and engage with…

  • how media and communication are connected to democracy?
  • how local and global power relations between media, politics and corporates have shifted over recent years?
  • the skills and competencies crucial for civil action, participation and activism in digital media environments?

 

Then the area of specialization Democracy and Participation is the perfect fit for you. At the Department of Communication Studies, experienced experts from the fields of public sphere and democracy research, inequality and activism research as well as media policy and economics will explore those questions with you.

Study programme

The four-semester Master’s Programme ‘Communication, Culture & Participation’ is structured as follows:

In Module 1, we will get to know each other. Distinguished scholars of the department will provide insights into central theories and models of our programme. This will facilitate your informed decision on a possible specialisation from the second semester onwards. In Module 2 you will acquire the methodological research skills, and in Module 3 the practical skills in content creation, design and production. These skills will facilitate your work on study topics in an analytically sound and creatively convincing way.

In Module 4 you will gain in-depth insights into current trends, challenges and debates with the opportunity of specialisation. Module 5 gives you the chance to participate in the independent conduction of a two-semester project with the opportunity of specialisation. The Master’s seminars in Module 6 support you in the conception, conduction and writing of your Master’s thesis with the opportunity of specialisation.

The successful completion of the programme is marked by the submission of the Master’s thesis and its defense and discussion in the Master’s exam. In parallel, you can choose 12 ECTS from an interdisciplinary cross-sectional module on social-ecological crises and elective courses.

Curriculum Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation”

Module 1: Introduction to the Master’s Programme

Semester I

  • Orientation Workshop (UE, 3 ECTS)
  • Theories and Models of Communication Studies (UV, 3 ECTS)

Module 2: Research Design and Methods

Semester I

  • Empirical Research Design (UV, 6 ECTS)
  • Applied Empirical Research I (UE, 6 ECTS)

 

Semester II

  • Applied Empirical Research II (SE, 6 ECTS)

Module 3: Multimedia Content Creation, Design and Production

Semester I

  • Multimedia Content Creation, Design and Production I (UE, 6 ECTS)

 

Semester II

  • Multimedia Content Creation, Design and Production II (UE, 6 ECTS)

 

Semester III

  • Multimedia Content Creation, Design and Production III (PR/EX, 6 ECTS)

Module 4: Challenges and Trends – Specialisation I

Semester I

  • Key Literature in an Area of Specialisation (‘Democracy & Participation’, ‘Media & Culture’ or ‘Professional Communication’) (UV, 6 ECTS)

 

Semester II

  • Challenges and Problems in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (UE, 6 ECTS)
  • Current Debates and Phenomena in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (SE, 6 ECTS)

Module 5: Research Project – Specialisation II

Semester II

  • Project Part I (Introduction) in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (UE,
    6 ECTS)
  • Project Part II (Inquiry) in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (UE/PR/EX, 6 ECTS)

 

Semester III

  • Project Part III (Implementation) in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (SE/PR/E, 6 ECTS)

Module 6: Master’s Thesis Seminats – Specialisation III

Semester III

  • Master’s Thesis Seminar I in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (SE, 3 ECTS)

 

Semester IV

  • Master’s Thesis Seminar II in the Chosen Area of Specialisation (SE, 3 ECTS)

Master’s Thesis and Examination

Semester IV

  • Master’s Thesis in the Chosen Area of Specialisation, 20 ECTS
  • Master’s Examination in the Chosen Area of Specialisation, 4 ECTS

Cross-Sectional Module and Electives

Semesters I-IV

  • Cross-Sectional Module on Socio-Ecological Crises, 6 ECTS
  • Elective Subjects, 6 ECTS

Why Salzburg?

Enjoy the picturesque surroundings and classical music heritage (Birthplace of Mozart and UNESCO World Heritage)
Live in one of the safest cities in the center of Europe with freedom of travel to all European countries
Benefit from a high quality of life in a unique ensemble of the historical old town, vibrant cultural programme and alpine lakeside panorama

Why Salzburg?

Enjoy the picturesque surroundings and classical music heritage (Birthplace of Mozart and UNESCO World Heritage)
Live in one of the safest cities in the center of Europe with freedom of travel to all European countries
Benefit from a high quality of life in a unique ensemble of the historical old town, vibrant cultural programme and alpine lakeside panorama

About us

KoWi Salzburg

The Department of Communication Studies has a rich history of more than fifty years. It is proud to be one of the largest media and communication departments in the German-speaking countries Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It offers a comprehensive teaching and research profile in the field of media and communication studies and is committed to teaching and research at the forefront of social challenges and trends. We seek to understand the challenges by embracing a plurality of perspectives. We go beyond mere academic analysis and strive for socially robust and sustainable solutions.

KoWi

FAQs

Enrolment and admission

Which study degree is required for admission?

Admission to the Master’s Programme in ‘Communication, Culture & Participation’ requires the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies or a degree of at least the same higher education level at a recognized domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution.

The decisive factor is a comparability of 75% with the Curriculum of the Bachelor’s degree programme ‘Communication Studies’ at the Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS) regarding foundations, theories, methods, specialization, research fields as well as practical courses.

If the completed degree programme has 75% comparable teaching content to the corresponding Bachelor’s degree programme at the PLUS, an assessment can be carried out.

In the event of significant subject-related differences, additional courses of up to 45 ECTS credits may be prescribed to compensate for these differences and must be completed by the end of the second semester of the Master’s degree programme. The Rectorate or a person appointed by the Rectorate of the PLUS is responsible for determining whether there are significant subject-related differences. In the course of this, language and study knowledge skills can be verified in an online interview.

I have completed the Bachelor Programme in “Communication Studies” at the Paris Lodron University in Salzburg (PLUS). What are the admission requirements and what documents are needed for registration?

If you have completed your Bachelor’s degree in “Communication Studies” at the PLUS and would like to register for the continuing Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation”, simply send a message to the Office of Admissions from your student account, stating your matriculation number, your date of birth and the Master’s programme you wish to pursue.

It is not a problem if you do not yet have all the final documents. After the Bachelor’s thesis has been graded, you can submit the examination pass to the Examinations Office at the end of you degree programme. You can then write an informal email to the Office of Admissions, in which you express your interest in continuing your Master’s programme in Salzburg. This simplifies and speeds up the enrolment process.

I have completed another degree programme at the Paris Lodron University (PLUS). What are the admission requirements and what documents are needed for enrolment?

If you have completed another Bachelor’s degree than “Communication Studies” at the PLUS but would like to take up our Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation”, a message to the Office of Admissions from your student account stating your matriculation number, date of birth and Desired Master’s programme is sufficient. 

Please also send the completed Application for Admission to the Master’s programme and, if applicable, proof of English to the Office of Admissions. It is not a problem if you do not yet have all your degree documents, but the degree must be registered in PLUSonline.

In the case of significant subject-related differences in the scope of your Bachelor’s degree, additional credits of up to 45 ECTS credits can be required to compensate for these differences and must be completed by the end of the second semester of the Master’s programme. The Rectorate or a person appointed by the Rectorate of the PLUS is responsible for determining whether there are significant subject-related differences.

I am new to the Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS) and an EU/EEA citizen. What are the admission requirements for the Master's programme and what documents are required for registration?

If you are new to the PLUS, please complete the following four steps:

  1. Application for Admission

Before you can enrol at the PLUS, you must first contact the Office of Admissions by submitting the form of submission. The Office will clarify whether your completed Bachelor’s/Diploma degree at a domestic or foreign university or university of applied sciences is eligible for admission. Only continue with step 2 once you have received a positive letter of admission.

  1. Make an appointment for personal enrolment

This self-registration, during which your data will be recorded, takes place exclusively online.

  1. Personal enrolment

You must take the following original documents with you to enrol in person:

  • Valid travel document (e.g. passport or identity card)
  • Final documents from the previous degree programme
  • Certificate of additional examinations (if required for the chosen degree programme)
  • Letter of admission (if received)
  • Certificate of name change (if the name is not the same on all documents, e.g., marriage certificate)
  • Departure certificate if transferring from another Austrian university
  • Proof of national insurance number, if insured in Austria (e-card)

When you enrol in person, you will receive the PIN code to activate access to the PLUS systems and your student ID card.

  1. Redeem PIN and pay tuition fees



I am new to the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) and a non-EU/EEA citizen. What are the admission requirements for the Master's programme and what documents are required for registration?

If you are an non-EU/EEA citizen wishing to start a the Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation” at PLUS, you must first apply for admission. The processing of the application for admission can take several months, so we recommend that you submit your application well ahead. The exact admission procedure differs depending on your nationality and previous education and whether all documents are accredited and available.

What are the deadlines for registration?

Enrolment for the coming semester begins in July 2024. Non-EU/EEA citizens have to consider that the complete application for admission must be submitted by August 10th, 2024. It is important that all required documents are submitted by this date.

The general admission deadline for this Master’s programme is October 31st, 2024. To ensure successful admission, you should carefully review the specific deadlines and requirements. If you have any questions about making an appointment or submitting documents, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do I need a language certificate?

A B2 level of German or a C1 level of English is required for the Master’s degree programme in “Communication, Culture & Participation”. 

Persons whose first language is not the language in which the degree programme is taught must provide proof of the knowledge of this language required for the successful continuation of the degree programme in accordance with § 63 para. 10 UG. To this end, they can either submit a school-leaving, Bachelor’s or diploma certificate confirming instruction in this language, or one of the following documents: Language proficiency

Costs and scholarships

How much are the tuition fees? What tuition fees do non-EU/EEA citizens have to pay?

As an EU/EEA/CH citizen, you are exempt from tuition fees for the minimum duration of study plus two tolerance semesters and only pay the ÖH fee (currently EUR 22.70). After that, you must pay the tuition fee of EUR 363.36 euros (EUR 384.06 in total) in addition to the ÖH fee. 

Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay EUR 726.72 per semester plus the ÖH fee, unless they can apply for and achieve an equal status.

Are there scholarships?

There are both internal scholarships and grants, which are coordinated at the PLUS, as well as external ones. These can be accessed via the following link: Grants & Scholarships

Study programme and curriculum

How are the courses organised and what is the duration of the Master’s programme?

Courses are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to accommodate commuters and part-time employees. Exceptions can be block courses with experienced practitioners. The recommended semester schedule is 2 years (4 semesters), in which the courses offered, including the Master’s thesis, can be completed.

Do I have to commit to one areas of specialisation or can I take courses from different specialisations?

In the first semester, the programmes provide an overview in order to guarantee an informed decision on your further area of specialisation. 

Then, you can choose between the following areas of specialisation: ‘Professional Communication’, ‘Media & Culture’, and ‘Democracy & Participation’. 

However, you do not have to choose an area of specialisation, but you are free to take courses from all areas of specialisation. 

This allows you to choose between a broad-based programme in communication studies or profile development in a specialised area of expertise. 

A specialisation is considered successfully completed and is shown as such on the degree certificate if a total of at least 42 ECTS credits are completed in the area of this specialisation, in modules 4 to 6, the Master’s Thesis and Master’s Examination.

Do I have to commit to one language or can I switch between German and English courses during the degree programme?

You do not have to decide for one language of study in advance. Module are provided in German and English. Hence, you can either complete the entire Master’s programme in English, or you can switch between courses in English and German language. Exceptions are the two courses UV ‘Theories and Models’ in Module 1 and UV ‘Empirical Research Designs’ in Module 2, which are only offered in English, but can also be submitted in German.

The degree certificate can be issued in German and English language, the respective language of the courses is shown individually on the transcript of records.

Can I complete the Master's programme online?

No, the Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation” takes place exclusively in presence. This is not a distance learning course.

How is the curriculum structured and which courses are offered?

The Master’s degree programme “Communication, Culture & Participation” comprises six modules, for which 108 ECTS credits are allocated. In addition, 6 ECTS credits must be selected from the cross-sectional module on socio-ecological crises. A further 6 ECTS credits are allocated to the free electives. The Master’s thesis is worth 20 ECTS credits and 4 ECTS credits are allocated for the final Master’s examination.

What are the teaching methods in the course of the Master’s programme?

The programme consists of the following course types. They are all small formats (UE, EX, SE and PR max. 20 persons, UV max. 40 persons):

  • Exercises (UE): Courses of this type aim to convey, test and perfect practical skills and knowledge in the field of study or its subfields. Performance is continuously assessed and attendance is mandatory.
  • Exercises combined with lecture (UV): Courses of this type link the theoretical introduction of a subarea with the teaching of practical skills, whereby the exercise of practical skills dominates. Performance is continuously assessed and attendance is mandatory.
  • Excursion (EX): A course of this type is used to convey and illustrate specialist knowledge outside the location of the university. Performance is continuously assessed and attendance is mandatory.
  • Seminar (SE): Courses of this type are in-depth investigations of a specific subject matter. They serve the acquisition of a deeper specialized knowledge and a capacity for discussion and reflection on scientific themes. Collaboration between students may be involved. Attendance in seminars is mandatory. 
  • Practical Course (PR): Courses of this type allow the application and consolidation of acquired expertise and methods and serve the acquisition of practical skills. Performance is continuously assessed and attendance is mandatory.

Offer for students

Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary learning or courses from other departments?

Free electives offer the opportunity to take courses and lectures from other subjects and integrate them into the curriculum.  

Does the Master's programme offer opportunities for internships or work experience during the studies?

Yes, professional experience can be gained both during the summer months when there are no courses and alongside your studies.

What rooms and facilities are available to students?

All PLUS faculties have non-consumption areas for students. In addition to the ten libraries, there are so-called study spaces that offer a quiet atmosphere for joint or individual study. At the Department of Communication Studies, students can also borrow equipment such as microphones and cameras for projects. Further, computer rooms, editing rooms and podcast studios are available.

What events or guest lectures are offered to students?

As a PLUS student, you can attend all publicly held courses and guest lectures. In addition, the Department of Communication Studies offers several Lunch Talks, and lectures by guest researchers and affiliated staff during the semester, which you are open to attended.

What support is offered to students with special needs?

At the Disability & Diversity Office, students with disabilities or chronic illnesses can expect counselling on the topic of “barrier-free studying”. Further, the ÖH Salzburg offers free psychological student counselling. 

What accommodations are available to students and how can they find them?

There are three housing options for students in Salzburg: a room in a student hall of residence, a place in a shared flat or your own flat. You can find adverts for vacant rooms in shared flats and small flats in the ÖH housing exchange

International students

Are there language courses?

The Language Centre offers students at the PLUS a wide range of language courses. Courses are offered in a total of twelve languages. In addition to general courses, the Language Centre also offers various special courses – including courses in scientific language in German and English.

Are there special orientation events or programmes for international students?

The Buddy Network is a programme offered by the International Office of the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) in Salzburg. The Buddy Network is a programme designed to help you get started at the PLUS. The International Office of the University of Salzburg is also always on hand to help.

Semester abroad

At which universities can I spend a semester abroad during my Master's Programme?

Students of the Master’s programme “Communication, Culture & Participation” have the opportunity to gain international experience and expand their professional, linguistic and intercultural skills through one stay abroad, numerous mobility programmes and the worldwide university partnership network. Here you have an insight into the various international partner universities.

Reach us

If you are interested in information events or have any questions beyond what is covered in the FAQs: