Children’s and Youth Media Studies
Degree profile
Course Details
The Master's program in Child and Youth Media provides students with knowledge at the interface of media education, communication and media research.
The course brings together scientific knowledge from the following areas:
- Media and communication science
- Social sciences
- Pedagogy
- Literary education
- Childhood research
- Psychology
The main focus of the degree course in Child and Youth Media is:
- Analysis of traditional and modern media for children and young people
- Design and reflection of media mediated communication processes
- Observation and research on the importance of media for adolescents
- Development of the media competence of adolescents
Theoretical diversity, pluralism of methods and empirical as well as material-oriented research characterize the course. The Master's program enables an in-depth study of the complex network of relationships between the world of children and young people and the social conditions shaped by media and communication systems.
The Master's program is scientifically oriented and accordingly focuses on theoretical basic assumptions, methodological knowledge and relevant scientific findings. At the same time, the programme is strongly project-oriented and aims at the practical implementation of knowledge in pedagogical fields of action, in media production and in scientific research.
Job & Career Perspectives
Our graduates work in the following professional fields:
- in media pedagogical consulting
- in political consulting
- in media research
- in the management of (child) media companies
- in science (e.g. doctorate)
Children’s and Youth Media Studies in Detail
Structure of the study programme
The four-semester standard period of study of the Master's programme in Child and Youth Media comprises a three-semester study phase and one semester for writing the Master's thesis. The course offering is divided into the following modules:
Mandatory modules:
- Introductory module:
one introduction each to a field of study that has not yet been deepened, either an introduction to Media and Communication Studies or to Primary and Elementary Education, depending on the previous Bachelor's program - Basics Childhood - Media - Youth:
Overview of basic concepts, historical development of media for children and young people, course of socialisation processes through media, aspects of media ethics - Methodological foundations:
Creation of complex empirical research projects on and with children and adolescents, their theoretical foundation and appropriate presentation of findings - Children and youth media research:
a self-chosen project in the field of media education or children and youth media research - Applied media education and research on children and youth media:
Implementation of media education projects and empirical research projects
Two out of four elective modules for further study:
- Children and Youth Media Worlds
- Education with media
- Social framework conditions for child and youth media
- Production and design of media for children and young people
Teaching is project-oriented; the training includes in particular the implementation and verification of theoretical knowledge and the practical application of skills in academic teaching and research.
Cooperation in teaching
The course cooperates with actors of the initiative "Kindermedienland Thüringen":
Study abroad
We support you during stays abroad for study and research purposes. The 3rd or 4th semester is ideal for a stay abroad. We support you in choosing the university and courses as well as in finding financing.
Admissions qualification
- a relevant Bachelor's degree in communication science, journalism, education or pedagogy
- alternatively: related courses of study, provided that at least 30 LP are focused on the field of childhood/youth or communication science, such as media science and management or economics, journalism, psychology, sociology or social work
- Familiarity with empirical research methods (proof in the scope of nine LP in qualitative or quantitative research methods or in statistical or other evaluation procedures)
- successful participation in the selection procedure
Selection process
Selection interview and BA graduation grade
The selection procedure consists of the two components selection interview and BA final grade, which are weighted equally.
In the selection interview, a maximum of 10 points are awarded for each of the criteria:
- Communication skills and self-assessment
- scientific argumentation and problem solving skills
- relevant practical experience, and
- professional motivation to complete a scientific MA course of studies
so that a maximum of 40 points can be achieved here. The letter of motivation is included in the assessment of the selection interview.
The BA final grade is converted into points. The maximum score of 40 points is achieved by those who can prove a grade of 1.0. For each gradation of 0.1 in the grade, one point less is awarded. If the BA final grade is not yet available at the time of application, the grade required by the applicant to be finally admitted by the examination board will be determined by evaluating the selection interview.
The selection procedure has been successfully passed by candidates who receive at least 60 of the 80 points to be achieved.
Language requirements
English language skills
- German: Upon application, international applicants must prove German language skills at level B1.
Language Center
The Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and ancient (foreign) languages. It supports you in acquiring and deepening your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum
International applicants
International applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of sufficient German language skills (level B1) upon application.
Information on required German language skills and the German language test for university admission (DSH):
Open Day
Open Day
Numerous information and advisory services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the open day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours. Information on the program: Open Day
Order or download information material
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Show moreI was lucky enough to gain some practical experience in my subject area of media education during my degree programme, either voluntarily or through the Studium Fundamentale and other courses. Make sure you do the same!
Master's thesis in the field of Children's and Youth Media
Show moreFor my master's thesis, I conducted a qualitative content analysis on the portrayal of coping strategies in children's films. To this end, I selected and examined the most successful international films of the past five years with an FSK 0 rating. In doing so, I discovered that coping strategies are a central component of children's films.
Experience reports and evaluations of the master's programme Children's and Youth Media Studies
Show moreI found the introductions to Children's and Youth Media Studies very interesting. However, I found the research practice particularly exciting. I was able to choose my own focal points and negotiate together in the group what exactly we would do, how we would proceed and who would take on which tasks.
The Children's and Youth Media Studies programme and the lecturers are very focused on the needs of the students, engage in dialogue, take feedback to heart and try to adapt the programme accordingly as far as possible. [...] The seminar programme is interesting and varied and is supplemented by external guest lecturers from the children's media industry, including through cooperation with KiKA, which is based in Erfurt.
I am very satisfied with the Children's and Youth Media Studies programme. Students have a good choice of modules in Educational Science, Media Production and Media Research. The university lecturers are accommodating and professional. I particularly appreciate the high level of flexibility - you want to do an internship semester? Do you have an idea for a project and want to write it down? Do you want to write your master's thesis in a team? No problem at all! And Erfurt is a beautiful city!
Curious about what happens during your studies? Want to stay up to date with information about student life as a KJM student? On the Children's and Youth Media Studies blog you will find the latest events, information on master's theses, media recommendations and much more.
Application
Apply for the winter semester from 1 January to 15 July. Please send your application for participation in the selection procedure by July 15. Please enclose your curriculum vitae, proof of previous studies and a letter of motivation (3-4 pages).
Checklist application documents
Tabular curriculum vitae
- tabular curriculum vitae including valid e-mail and postal address
Diploma
-
Certificate of the completed BA studies
If not yet available: Excerpt of the sheet music acquired so far and events attended (Transcript of Records).
Proof of methodological knowledge
- Proof of knowledge of methods (if necessary, marking in the transcript of records or explanation in the letter of motivation)
Letter of motivation
The letter of motivation includes on the one hand an overview of the academic and professional/practical training to date, such as projects and/or internships related to children, young people or media, experience abroad during the first degree, and/or academic activities. Proof of all activities must be provided. On the other hand, the personal ideas about one's own professional career with regard to the focal points of the present MA programme should be presented.
Information on application deadlines and application modalities, admission, enrolment can be found at
For international students
Want to study one semester or year at the University of Erfurt?
You come from abroad and are interested in studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Erfurt?
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Consulting & Service
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Flyer Welcome to the University of Erfurt in Englisch (in English)
Flyer Master program Children’s and Youth Media Studies (in German)
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