Language and Media Studies

You can pursue the Language and Media Studies programme entirely in English, but some courses are also offered in German.

This programme refines your international profile, benefiting from Viadrina’s strategic position at the interface of Eastern and Western Europe, and thus providing a distinctive pan-European perspective.

You have the option to select the interdisciplinary elective “Central and East European Studies,” gaining insights into the history, cultures, societies and literatures of Central and Eastern Europe. By choosing this elective for both elective modules, you can develop an additional specialisation and receive a corresponding certificate upon graduation.

We offer extensive study abroad opportunities at over 290 partner universities worldwide. At the Viadrina, nearly every second student is from abroad. This fosters an international community made of multilingualism, diverse perspectives and dynamic interaction.

The Language and Media Studies programme will give you insights into different academic cultures, enhance your language skills and prepare you to navigate international contexts in a confident manner. During your studies, you will establish a valuable international personal and professional network.

We are committed to being a university defined by short distances and direct interactions. Our excellent study and learning conditions ensure that, as a student, you remain in personal contact with our researchers. Teaching and research are conducted in an open atmosphere within small learning communities. From the programme-specific student advisory service to the Career Center, a wide range of advisory services is available to support you with any questions and challenges you may encounter during your studies.

The Language and Media Studies programme offers in-depth academic expertise for analysing audiovisual, digital, and linguistic phenomena within modern societies. It also provides you with practical skills in multimodal linguistic and audiovisual text and media design, with a particular emphasis on digital contexts.

This programme prepares you for a professional career as well as for pursuing further academic studies, such as a PhD.

The Language and Media Studies programme preares you for a range of professional fields nationally and internationally, including:

• Coaching, especially in intercultural environments
• Communication and writing consultancy
• Communication in public institutions and companies
• Higher education management
• Information design
• Marketing
• Project management
• Public relations and journalism
• Publishing houses
• Research and academia
• Social media management

Academic requirements

To enrol in the Master’s programme in Language and Media Studies, you will need:

• a first university degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits
• evidence of at least 30 ECTS credits in subjects with a focus on languages, media or humanities (e.g. Linguistics, Media Studies, Communication Studies, Journalism, Cultural Studies, Aesthetics)

Language requirements

You must demonstrate proficiency in English at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

• TOEFL (IBT): at least 80 points (before 21 January 2026) / at least 4.5 points (from 21 January 2026)
• Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency: at least 176 marks
• IELTS (IELTS for Study): minimum score 6.5
• UNIcert II

You do not need to provide proof of German language proficiency when enrolling; however, they are an advantage when choosing from the range of German-taught courses.

Additional information on the international double degree programme "Multimodality – Discourse – Media"

Applications for the international double degree programme "Multimodality – Discourse – Media" in cooperation with the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3 are only possible for the winter semester.

To apply, in addition to your English language skills, you have to demonstrate proficiency in German at the level of UNIcert II (B2) as well as proficiency in French at the level of UNIcert I (B1) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

In addition to the general application documents, the following must be submitted for the double degree programme:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae

Admission to this study course is unrestricted. You will be offered a place on the study course if you meet the requirements and enrol within the deadlines.

Application for the first subject semester is possible in both the winter and summer semesters.

If you obtained your school-leaving qualification abroad, you are classified as an educational foreigner. In this case, your eligibility for admission will be assessed by uni-assist e.V. and shorter deadlines apply. Our step-by-step guide will help you with your application. Once uni-assist has reviewed your application, your documents will be forwarded to us. You will receive your login details for our viaCampus portal and further information on enrolment from the Admissions Office.

If you have obtained your school-leaving qualification in Germany or hold German citizenship, you enrol online directly in viaCampus. There, you will upload the required documents.

Application for a higher subject semester is possible in viaCampus for both the winter and summer semesters. Please note that you will need a placement certificate to enrol in higher subject semesters. You can find information on the classification confirmation here. If you have any questions regarding credit recognition or planning your studies, your Student Advisory Service will be happy to assist you. For further information on enrolment, please visit our website Application and Enrolment.

If you are coming to Viadrina as a visiting student for a semester abroad, or if you have decided to complete your entire degree programme at Viadrina, you will find additional information for incoming students here.

Admissions Office: Advice on the application and enrolment process
Central Student Advisory Service: further advice on starting your studies (housing, financing, arriving)
Viadrina International Affairs: specific information and advice for prospective students from abroad

The introductory module provides a comprehensive foundation in linguistics and media studies.

Subsequently, you will select three specialisation modules (“topics”) from the following options:

• Aesthetics of Audio-visual Media
• Language and the Body
• Language in Media Cultures
• Language in Society

During the course of your studies, you will enhance these specialisations by selecting two elective modules. You have the following options:

• specialising in one of your topics from the core curriculum
• the fourth topic from the core curriculum
• the interdisciplinary electives:
• Central and East European Studies
• Cultural History
• Gender and Queer Studies
• Philosophy and Arts in Times of Crises
• the Language and Practice module, in which you can enhance your practical experience and/or foreign language skills. You have the opportunity to learn a modern European foreign language, with all language courses at Viadrina Language Centre offered free of charge. Alternatively, you can build practice-related skills by completing an internship, attending courses on practical skills, or obtaining additional certificates.

The research module is a key component of the Language and Media Studies programme. In this module, you will work in small groups to develop your own research project under the close supervision of lecturers over three semesters, culminating in your Master’s thesis. Through this project and with continuous support, you will learn to apply your acquired knowledge to theoretical, empirical and practice-oriented questions.

In the concluding phase of your studies, you will complete a Master’s thesis on a topic of your choice, followed by an oral examination (final colloquium).