Health Communication
Degree profile
Course Details
Health promotion and disease prevention are among the greatest challenges facing modern societies. In view of social, demographic and health policy developments, the spread of unhealthy lifestyles and the increasing threat of epidemics, there is a growing need to create a health-promoting environment.
Communication about health and disease is an important part of this framework. On the one hand, it plays a role in health care, can be used to communicate risks and options for action and thus contribute to health promotion and disease prevention. On the other hand, suboptimal communication about health can also lead to a distorted perception of risk or reinforce unhealthy lifestyles.
Health communication as an interdisciplinary field of research deals with precisely this area of conflict and deals with the social and psychological conditions, meanings and consequences of health-related and health-relevant, intended and unintended, intrapersonal, interpersonal, media and public communication. This interdisciplinary program is dedicated to the theory and practice of evidence-based health communication.
Comprehensive and up-to-date information on the Master's programme, the team and research:
- Communication science
- Psychology
- Medicine & Public Health
- Empirical Methods & Statistics
From students for students: Brochure on the Master's programme in Health Communication
Our compact information brochure offers an authentic and comprehensive insight into the Master's degree programme in Health Communication.
In addition to valuable insider tips on how to apply, you will find detailed information on the programme content and exciting events.
Testimonials from current students and concrete examples show the wide range of opportunities available to graduates and where their career paths can lead.
Job & Career Perspectives
Our graduates work in the following professional fields:
- in health organisations or authorities
- in advertising or market research agencies
- in the health and pharmaceutical industries
- in hospitals
- in the field of health marketing and communication in companies
- in the field of health research and monitoring (e.g. in research institutes)
- in science (e.g. doctorate)
Health Communication in Detail
Structure of the study programme
The study of Health Communication comprises 120 credit points (LP) and is divided into a three-semester study phase (90 LP) and a semester for writing the Master's thesis (30 LP). The course offering consists of two compulsory modules and seven further modules, three of which must be chosen.
Compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Media and Communication Studies or Introduction to Psychology (depending on previous experience)
- Theories and Basic Principles of Health Communication
- Statistics
- Empirical methods
Compulsory elective modules:
- Medical basics of health
- Introduction to Public Health
Elective modules:
- Behavioural change and health promotion
- Explaining Individual Behavior – A Social Science Perspective
- Explaining Individual Behavior – A Psychological Perspective
- Public communication
- Interpersonal and organisational communication
- Ethical Questions of Modern Medicine
- Medical basics of health or introduction to public health (if not covered by the elective course)
- Advanced Research Competences
An internship is intended to deepen contacts and experience with the practice. Partners from the fields of health policy, health reporting, health communication and health economics enrich the course offerings and offer points of friction for own experiences, internships and master theses.
Study abroad
It is recommended to spend a semester at one of the numerous partner universities in Europe and abroad. The 3rd semester is ideally suited as an optional mobility window. University partnerships currently exist in Spain, Estonia, Croatia, Lithuania, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Indonesia and the USA, among others. We would be happy to advise you individually.
Admissions qualification
- Completion of one of the relevant scientific courses of study in communication science or psychology
- Familiarity with empirical research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and statistical evaluation procedures and/or empirical project work totalling 18 credits)
- successful participation in the selection procedure
Graduates in media science, journalism, education, health communication, biology, medicine or public health are admitted subject to conditions.
Selection process
Selection interview and BA graduation grade
The selection procedure consists of the two components selection interview and BA final grade, which are weighted equally.
In the selection interview, a maximum of 10 points are awarded for each of the criteria:
- Communication skills and self-assessment,
- scientific argumentation and problem solving skills,
- relevant practical experience, and
- professional motivation to complete a scientific MA course of studies,
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. One point less is awarded for each gradation of 0.1 in the grade. If the BA final grade is not yet available at the time of application, the grade required by the applicant to be finally admitted by the examination board will be determined by evaluating the selection interview.
The selection procedure has been successfully passed by candidates who receive at least 60 of the 80 points to be achieved.
Language requirements
English language skills
- German: Upon application, international applicants must prove German language skills at level B1.
- We require very good English language skills.
Language Center
The Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and ancient (foreign) languages. It supports you in acquiring and deepening your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum
International applicants
International applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of sufficient German language skills (level B1) upon application.
Information on required German language skills and the German language test for university admission (DSH):
International cooperation
German B1 is recommended for students of our international cooperation partners. If you have little or no knowledge of German, please contact the student programme advisor to clarify the options or find individual solutions.
Fast Track Promotion
What is the Fast Track program for promotion?
Fast Track means that talented Master students are given the opportunity to signal their interest in a possible doctorate at an early stage and to orientate their studies towards this goal. Important partial achievements such as the Master's thesis are designed in such a way that they enable a smooth transition to the doctoral phase, which significantly shortens the later doctoral period.
How does the Fast Track Program work?
In your fourth semester, you will write a Master's thesis, which will show that you are able to independently work on the topic within the time allocated using scientific methods and to present the results in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, this will also justify your acceptance as a doctoral student with a topic based on the content of the Master's thesis.
What is the added value of the Fast Track Programme on the way to a doctorate?
- Shortening the doctoral phase by at least one semester (due to the preparatory work during the Master's phase)
- After Master's degree, simplified admission to the doctoral school (preparation of an exposé is not required) and acceptance as a doctoral student of the Faculty of Humanities
- Early integration into the doctoral college ComDigMed - even the Master's thesis can be presented and discussed
- Follow-up support after the Master thesis and support in the exploitation of the results
Open Day
Open Day
Numerous information and advisory services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the open day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours. Information on the program: Open Day
Order or download information material
Would you like to hold the study program flyer in your hands? Then request our free information material without obligation. In a few days you will receive mail directly to your home.
You don't want to wait? Then download the flyer in the download center now.
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Application
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Apply for the winter semester from 1 January to 15 July.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the application: FAQs
In addition to a curriculum vitae in tabular form, proof of relevant previous studies, in particular a letter of motivation with a maximum length of 750 words must be attached to the application. This letter of motivation should include an overview of the academic and professional/practical training to date, such as projects and/or internships completed, experience abroad during the first degree and/or academic activities in the field of health communication. All activities are to be documented by appropriate evidence.
Further information on the selection procedure:
Examination regulations for the Master programme Health Communication
Checklist application documents
Letter of motivation
The letter of motivation (max. 750 words) should include an overview of the scientific and professional/practical training to date, e.g. projects and/or internships completed, experience abroad during the first degree and/or scientific activities in the field of health communication.
Tabular curriculum vitae
- tabular curriculum vitae
Diploma
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Proof of relevant previous studies (Bachelor's certificate)
If the certificate is not yet available, please submit the current transcript of records.
Proof of internships
Proof of internships
- Proof of relevant internships and activities
Proof of methodological knowledge
Proof of methodological knowledge
- Proof of the required 18 credit points in social science research methods/statistics
We recommend that you fill out the tabular overview of performanceor mark the corresponding courses in your overview of grades.
Information on application deadlines and application modalities, admission, enrolment can be found at
For international students
Want to study one semester or year at the University of Erfurt?
You come from abroad and are interested in studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Erfurt?
Foto Credits: Nataliia Sinchuk, iStock
Come to the Open day and find out more about the Master's degree programme in Health Communication from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the KIZ in the advisory room. The event will take place hybrid, you can also participate online.
Consulting & Service
Student advice and counselling
Downloads
Flyer Welcome to the University of Erfurt in Englisch (in English)
Further Links
Instagram: Master Health Communication (Geko)
Insights of the study programme and research at Linkedin
Alumni-Activities Communication Science
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