Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the part-time Master's in "Journalism and Media Business" suitable for?
You are a good fit if you already work in a media company and want to combine studies with practical experience. Typical candidates are trainees in daily newspapers, magazines, or book and specialist publishers, as well as trainees in corporate publishing or content marketing units. Even if you have completed a first degree and are taking on responsibility in an editorial office at the same time, this model is attractive – the combination of a part-time study programme and on-the-job training is designed for compatibility with work.
Admission requirements
Enrolment takes place each winter semester (without NC, i.e., without numerus clausus). Key criteria are qualifications, employment in a media company, and professional experience:
- First qualifying university degree (e.g. bachelor's degree). Applications are also possible if you are missing a maximum of 15 ECTS credits from your first degree and have a provisional average grade.
- Employment as a trainee or intern at a media company that has a contract with HAW Kiel for participation in the part-time Master's programme "Journalism and Media Economics".
- Qualified professional experience of at least one year, typically.
- Language of instruction: German. Applicants without German university entrance qualification and without a German university degree must provide evidence of sufficient German language skills (enrolment requirement).
- Application window for the first semester: May to 4th September (winter semester). For higher semesters: November to 3rd March (summer semester) or May to 4th September (winter semester).
Personal prerequisites
Studying part-time means prioritising, coordinating, and staying engaged. You need self-organisation for online phases, attendance dates, and submissions, as well as the willingness to closely integrate editorial everyday life and studies – especially during the practical phases in the company (3rd-5th semester). Realistically plan about 10-15 hours per week for preparation, projects, and exam preparation; allow for extra time during peak production times in the editorial office.
- Experience in research and writing – plus openness to feedback and editorial standards.
- Reliability and perseverance over 6 part-time semesters.
- Communication skills and teamwork for work in small study groups and in the editorial office.
- Basic understanding of business-related issues in media companies as well as interest in media law and ethics.
It is helpful if your employer supports your study planning (e.g. fixed study times or time off for attendance dates). This way, you ensure quality in your job – and in your studies.
What do you learn in the Master's programme in Journalism and Media Business at HAW Kiel?
You combine solid journalistic practice with management know-how for media companies. During your studies, you strengthen research, writing, and multimedia work, learn about legal and ethical foundations, delve into media and communication science, and develop business management skills for publishing and editing.
Journalistic Competence: From research and editorial departments to journalistic writing and mobile work. You practice news, background, and reportage formats, develop tone and style, and implement content in a platform-appropriate manner - including "Mobile Journalism" and online communication.
Media Knowledge and Law: Media and communication science provide you with the theoretical framework. Additionally, you deal with law and ethics in journalism - from copyright to duty of care in editorial and publishing.
Media Management: You analyze the goals, structures, and markets of media companies. Content on business administration, marketing, and brand management in media companies prepare you for roles at the interface of editorial, product, and business.
Visual and Digital Production: Communication skills for image and design as well as online formats expand your toolbox - from layout perspective to visual dramaturgy for different channels.
Practice and Completion: The part-time model integrates "Editorial Practice / Working in Publishing" directly in the media company over several semesters. The Master's thesis and colloquium form the conclusion. This way, you seamlessly link theory, project work, and corporate responsibility.
How does the part-time Master's programme in Journalism and Media Business work?
The programme is designed for six semesters part-time, combining online learning with presence at HAW Kiel and practical experience in a cooperating media company. The start is always in the winter semester, and admission is open.
Formats: Online Phases plus Presence Learning
You learn in blended learning format: digital self-study and exchange phases are combined with presence on campus. Added to this is the firmly anchored practice in the publishing/media house, where you are employed as a volunteer or trainee. This enables an immediate transfer to real editorial and publishing processes.
Examinations: Organized by Module
Performance assessments are defined by modules and aligned with the respective learning objectives - from written work and practical projects to the Master's thesis with colloquium. The module descriptions and the examination regulations of the course of study are crucial.
Presence: Mandatory Dates in Kiel
With "online and presence components," there are mandatory presence days in Kiel. In addition, you spend significant time in practical experience in the media company. If you are looking for complete location and time independence, you should consider this format not as a traditional distance learning course.
Time and Flexibility: Part-time over 6 Semesters
The structure is designed for employed individuals: part-time over six semesters with scheduled teaching phases. Realistically, depending on the phase, you should plan several evenings weekly plus occasional weekend or block days for presence and project work. An extension is possible within the university framework; in this case, only the regular semester fees apply.
How much does the Master's programme in Journalism and Media Business at HAW Kiel cost?
There are no ongoing tuition fees. Per semester, you pay a mandatory fee (student services, student government, semester ticket, administration fee) as well as a one-time administration fee for enrollment. This keeps the financial outlay significantly below that of private providers.
Important for planning: Additional costs may arise for specialist literature, travel, and accommodation for presence dates in Kiel, as well as for work materials. For the Master's thesis, you need to budget for expenses for research, data, or design, depending on the topic. An extension of the program is not provided for a fee - additional semesters usually only incur regular semester fees.
Expenses for a part-time Master's program can usually be claimed as work-related expenses for tax purposes (e.g. semester fees, specialist literature, travel expenses). Employer contributions are common in the media industry - especially if you are studying as part of a voluntary or trainee program.
What careers and salaries are possible after completing the Master's in Journalism and Media Business?
You qualify for editorial roles and positions in media management. Typical fields of work include daily newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, media companies, corporate publishing, and content departments of companies.
- Editor (Print/Online): approx. €36,000-€55,000 gross/year, with experience and responsibilities also above
- Product Manager in a publishing house or media company: approx. €45,000-€65,000 gross/year
- Editor-in-chief / Editorial Management: approx. €50,000-€70,000 gross/year
- Content Strategist/Content Manager in companies or agencies: approx. €40,000-€60,000 gross/year
- Marketing or Brand Manager in the media field: approx. €48,000-€75,000 gross/year
Perspectively, leadership roles at the interface of editorial, product, and marketing are achievable - such as in program planning, audience development, or publishing management. The Master's program also opens the path to academic careers, for example, through a doctorate in media or communication science fields.
Who benefits from the Master's in Journalism and Media Business - and who doesn't?
The program is beneficial if you want to combine journalistic skills with economic expertise and already work in a media company. The close integration of studies and practical experience accelerates your skills development and makes you connectable in editorial and publishing.
- If you are completing a voluntary or traineeship in a cooperating media company and want to simultaneously study academically at the Master's level.
- If you want to learn in a practical way - with mandatory practical segments "Working in Publishing" over several semesters.
- If you are interested in roles at the intersection of editorial, product, brand, and business.
- If you prefer a planned, part-time model with fixed semester cycles.
Not every situation fits this format. The program is not a fully flexible online distance learning course and requires specific employment conditions.
- If you are looking for a 100% location-independent online study without presence dates - there are mandatory presences in Kiel.
- If you do not have a voluntary/traineeship contract with a cooperating media company - the practical experience is an integral part of the program.
- If you can only start in the summer semester - enrollment takes place in the winter semester.
- If you need maximum flexibility in weekly hours - presence blocks and project phases cannot be shifted arbitrarily.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Journalism and Media Business? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution University of Applied Sciences Kiel or the editorial team will answer you.