Who is the part-time Master's degree in Media Education suitable for?

The Master's degree programme in Media Education at the University of Applied Sciences South Westphalia is primarily aimed at graduates of pedagogically or media-oriented Bachelor's degree programmes. The offer is intended for people who wish to further qualify themselves for responsible activities in the field of media education alongside work and/or family commitments. The programme is designed as a blended learning degree to ensure good compatibility with employment and family. Ongoing employment is not a mandatory admission requirement, but it is supported by the structure of the course.

• Graduates of pedagogical or media-oriented Bachelor's degree programmes
• People interested in media-educational professional fields and activities
• Professionals who wish to deepen their media skills and work in institutions such as schools, kindergartens, open youth work, or counselling
• Employees who want to undertake academic further education alongside their job
• Those interested in research, counselling, or conception in the media sector

Admission requirements in detail

The Media Education degree programme (M.A.) at the Soest campus is offered in two variants: as a six-semester (120 ECTS) and as a five-semester (90 ECTS) blended learning course.

• Six-semester study variant: 
  • Completed Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits in a pedagogically or media-oriented degree programme
  • Overall Bachelor's grade of at least 2.5 or at least 2.7 if the Bachelor's thesis was graded better than 2.0
• Five-semester study variant:
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 210 ECTS credits or a diploma degree in a pedagogical or media-oriented subject
  • The same grade criteria apply as for the six-semester variant

The allocation of study places as well as the provisional assessment of double qualifications, recognition of creditable academic achievements and alternative admission routes are carried out on the basis of the respective valid examination regulations. Applications and enrolment are to be made directly to the University of Applied Sciences South Westphalia.

Personal requirements and recommendation

In addition to the formal requirements, the following personal prerequisites help to successfully complete the programme:

• Initiative, self-discipline and time management skills for part-time study
• Interest in media education and pedagogical issues
• Willingness to work interdisciplinarily and exchange ideas with other departments
• Initial personal experience in pedagogical or media-oriented fields of work is advantageous but not mandatory
• Openness to digital learning methods, personal reflection and academic work

The programme is particularly suitable for people who wish to prepare specifically for media-educational activities in education, counselling, conception or research and who are aiming for a practice-oriented, scientifically grounded Master's degree.

Course Content: Which Topics and Competences Does the Master’s in Media Education Convey?

The joint Master’s degree programme in Media Education (M.A.) at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest campus, covers key subject areas from pedagogy and media studies. Students acquire comprehensive specialist knowledge and practical skills to use media professionally in educational and upbringing processes. The following topics are central:

• Media education and literacy: Deepening educational tasks in the media context, including normative and legal frameworks. Media literacy in childhood and youth is a core topic.
• Media socialisation and psychology: Analysis of media usage behaviour, media effects, and biopsychosocial aspects of media socialisation in different social contexts.
• Media didactics and design: Development, evaluation, and design of media-based teaching and learning arrangements. Practical insight into the creation of digital learning environments.
• Media and information technology: Conveying fundamental knowledge for the use of current hardware and software in the media pedagogical context.

During the course, elective modules are also available to set individual priorities. From an extensive catalogue, the following topics, among others, can be chosen:

• Current research fields in media education
• Empirical media education research
• Social media in childhood and adolescence
• Education in the digital world
• STEM education digitally
• Promotion of physical activity and media
• Language in the media society

Individual learning paths fitting the student’s profile can thus be designed between compulsory and elective areas.

Course Structure: How Is the Course Organised?

The programme is offered in two variants: five semesters (90 ECTS, standard period of study 2.5 years) and six semesters (120 ECTS, standard period of study 3 years). The course starts in the summer semester (March) and winter semester (September).

• Module structure: Usually, three modules from compulsory and elective areas are to be completed per semester. In the final study phase, the master’s thesis and colloquium are prepared.
• Self-study: Students receive materials for the entire semester at the beginning of the semester. The self-study time amounts to about 18 hours per week. The concept is explicitly part-time and family-friendly.
• On-site phases: On-site sessions usually take place on Saturdays (biweekly, 9:00 am–4:30 pm) and can be attended on location in Soest or online. Attendance is recommended and allows active exchange and group work.
• Practical phase: The six-semester variant includes a supervised practical phase (at least 22 weeks full-time) in relevant institutions or at the student’s own workplace. This is supplemented by a seminar and a written final report.
• Examination formats: Performance is assessed through written exams, oral exams, presentations, written assignments as well as the master’s thesis and a colloquium.

The modular structure and the blended learning concept enable a flexible and practice-oriented course with individual specialisation.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives After the Master’s in Media Education

The Master's degree qualifies graduates for a variety of professions in media education-related fields. Graduates can work both directly in educational contexts and in advisory, further training, or research roles.

• Educational work: Employment in kindergartens, schools, and open child and youth work to promote media literacy.
• Development of media educational concepts: At educational providers, institutions, or organisations that develop and deliver media offerings for children and young people.
• Consulting and further training: Media educational advice for educational professionals, parents, institutions, and educational providers.
• Research and evaluation: Participation in projects on empirical media research or evaluation of digital educational media.
• Other activities: Positions in academia, educational administration, or as multipliers in the field of media education.

The degree opens access to higher civil service as well as to doctoral studies.

Costs and Financing of the Course

In addition to the enrolment and re-registration fees at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, additional media and service fees per semester apply for the joint course in Media Education:

• 5-semester variant: €95.76 media and service fee per semester
• 6-semester variant: €79.80 media and service fee per semester

Further costs may arise from travel and accommodation on on-site days if attendance in person takes place. Financing can be organised via classic student funding (e.g. BAföG, education loan), scholarship programmes, or if applicable, employer subsidies.

Information current as of: May 2025.