Health Communication

Duration of the Master's programme

The Master's programme in Health Communication generally lasts four semesters (two academic years).

Modules in the Master's degree programme in Health Communication

The Master's degree programme in Health Communication comprises a three-semester study phase and one semester for writing the master's thesis. The programme is divided into the following modules:

Compulsory area:

• Introduction to media and communication science (depending on previous experience)
• Introduction to psychology (depending on previous experience)
• Fundamentals and theories of health communication
• Statistics
• Empirical methods
• Internship: Evidence-informed health communication
• Project module: Master's thesis

Compulsory elective area (1 out of 2):

• Medical foundations of health
• Introduction to Public Health

Elective area (3 out of 7):

• Behaviour change and health promotion
• Social scientific explanation of individual behaviour
• Psychological explanation of individual behaviour
• Public communication
• Interpersonal and organisational communication
• Ethics and morals
• Medical foundations of health or introduction to public health (if not taken as a compulsory elective)
• Consolidation of research skills

In an internship, contacts and experiences with practice are to be deepened. Partners from the fields of health policy, health reporting, health communication and the health industry enrich the range of courses on offer and provide points of friction for students' own experiences, internships and master's theses.

Health Communication examination regulations

Examination regulations for the Master's programme Health Communication 2023 (in German)

• Completion of a relevant academic degree programme in communication science or psychology
• Familiarity with empirical research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods as well as statistical evaluation procedures and/or empirical project work totalling 18 credit points)
• Successful participation in the selection process

Graduates of the degree programmes Media Studies, Journalism, Educational Science, Health Communication, Biology, Medicine or Public Health may be admitted under certain conditions.

Further information on the admission requirements

Don't be afraid of statistics: "Fit for statistics" preliminary course

At the beginning of each winter semester, we offer an advanced and refresher course in statistics in preparation for the advanced statistics in the master's programme in Health Communication.

The course covers the most important inferential statistical methods such as ANOVA, regression and repeated measures. The preliminary course begins with a two-week self-study unit, which is supported by online lectures. Voluntary participation in the course is recommended for all those who wish to refresh and supplement their knowledge of statistics.

Selection interview and BA final grade

The selection process consists of the two components selection interview and BA final grade, each of which is weighted equally.

In the selection interview, a maximum of 10 points are awarded for each of the criteria:

1. Communication skills and ability to self-assess,
2. scientific argumentation and problem-solving skills,
3. relevant practical experience and
4. professional motivation to complete a scientific MA programme,

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 every 0.1 drop 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 for the applicant to be finally admitted by the examination board is determined by evaluating the selection interview.

Applicants who receive at least 60 out of 80 points are deemed to have successfully passed the selection process.

Knowledge of English

We require a very good command of English.

Language Centre

The Language Centre offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and old (foreign) languages.
It supports you in acquiring and improving your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum

International applications

Student applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of German language skills (level B1) with their application.

Information on required German language skills and the German language exam for admission to higher education (DSH):

Language skills and admission requirements

The letter of motivation of max. 750 words should include an overview of the applicant's previous academic and professional/practical educational background, e.g. completed projects and/or internships, experience abroad during the first degree programme and/or academic activities in the field of health communication.

• Curriculum vitae in tabular form

• Transcript of Records (ToR)

Please upload your Transcript of Records as part of the online application process.

• Proof of a relevant previous degree programme (Bachelor's degree certificate)

If you do not yet have your Bachelor's degree certificate:

If you intend to complete your studies in the current semester and/or do not yet have a transcript of records or a degree certificate, please select "Studies not yet completed or certificate not yet received" in the online application process. You will then be asked to upload a transcript of records for all study and examination achievements to date during the application process.

• Proof of relevant internships and activities

• Proof of the required 18 credit points in social science research methods/statistics

We recommend that you complete the table of credits or mark the relevant courses in your transcript of records.