Course Structure and Curriculum

The study framework for the Bachelor of Arts in Medical Journalism and Public Relations (BA) requires, as a prerequisite for admission, an internship in an editorial office, a recognised specialist medium, or a public relations department within an institution from the healthcare sector.

During the course of study, the following requirements must be met:

• Completion of 80 ECTS credits each in the study areas Medicine and Journalism/Public Relations,
• Fulfilment of an additional 10 ECTS credits through the Bachelor’s thesis,
• 10 ECTS credits for the assessment of internships accompanying the studies.

The standard period of study is six semesters. In total, 180 ECTS credits must be earned in the Bachelor’s programme in Medical Journalism and Public Relations.

Modules and Structure

The BA programme is organised into modules. Each module provides defined subject-specific qualifications and concludes with a module examination.

The Bachelor’s programme is divided into six modules in the study area Journalism and Public Relations and five modules in the area Medicine/Natural Sciences. In the final semester, a Bachelor’s thesis is written – for example, the production of a communication product (flyer, magazine article, website, public relations campaign) including a product analysis according to the criteria of qualitative presentation of scientific content and taking into account the specific requirements of the respective medium.

The practice-oriented BA programme combines journalistic competencies and those of public relations (theory and practice) with a broad scientific and medical foundation.

Graduates should be capable of taking on the role of a mediator and critical observer, thus being able to understand complex scientific, medical, health-related, and socio-practical interconnections in their ethical dimensions and to act responsibly.

The programme trains qualified professionals for careers in journalism and public relations in companies, associations, corporations, and public institutions, with a particular focus on medicine and healthcare.

The Master’s programme in Medical Journalism and Public Relations (MA) can be studied consecutively following the corresponding Bachelor’s programme or as a first degree in Communication/Journalism Studies with a subject focus on Medicine/Health/Natural Sciences.

It can also be pursued after completing a relevant degree in the Life Sciences (Medicine, Biology, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, etc.). While the Bachelor’s programme provides an initial orientation and qualification for professional practice as a medical journalist or a specialist in public relations within medicine or healthcare, the Master’s programme serves to provide theoretical depth and further professional qualification. Accordingly, the modules are not designed to give a general overview but rather to offer in-depth study of selected examples.

The standard period of study for the consecutive Master’s programme in Medical Journalism and Public Relations (MA) is four semesters, during which a total of 120 ECTS credits must be obtained. The required course offerings amount to 90 semester hours.

For the Master’s thesis, a total of 20 ECTS credits are allocated. Graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Medical Journalism and Public Relations (BA) or a corresponding first degree have their internships recognised accordingly. Students entering this Master’s programme with a background in the Life Sciences must demonstrate relevant practical experience in journalism and/or public relations, or alternatively complete a professional internship of at least two months during the course of their studies. In addition, applicants must provide proof of relevant statistical knowledge from their prior studies. If such knowledge is lacking, it can be acquired within the modules of the Master’s programme.

Modules and Structure

The Master’s programme in Medical Journalism and Public Relations (MA) is organised into modules. Each module provides specific subject-related qualifications and concludes with an examination. The Master’s programme consists of six modules in the area of Journalism and Public Relations. In the final semester, a Master’s thesis is written, based on an academic project.

In total, five modules amounting to 100 ECTS credits must be completed, along with the Master’s thesis (20 ECTS credits). Additionally, a professional internship of at least two months must be documented.