Media Management. Journalism. Development Cooperation.

Master´s Degree

International Media Studies (M.A.)

The Master's Program is a four-semester, full-time program. The bilingual curriculum combines the disciplines media and development, journalism, communications and media management. This is a joint project together with the University of Bonn, the Bonn Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster with headquarters in Bonn.

This unique Master's Program is conducted in German and English and is designed for young students from developing and transition countries who have previous media experience. The program offers an unparalleled mix of research, lectures and practical experience and prepares students for careers in the communications and media industries. As media become increasingly set in a global context it's important that media professionals understand the close connection between the media and development cooperation.

Application for the 2016 intake closed!

Applications for the 8th intake of the Master’s Program "International Media Studies" (starting in September 2016) are no longer accepted.You will be able to apply for the 2017 intake between November and March 2017.

Curriculum

Digitization as a focus

Petra Kohnen, senior lecturer for Media Management, Strategic Management and Media Practice, explains the importance of digitization and why it’s a core component of the IMS Master's Program.

Research

How do BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and Russia Today report about ISIS? (Photo: CNN)

ISIS in the media

Is our perception of ISIS influenced by the media? Are media reports on ISIS really unbiased? For her master's thesis, IMS student Nurzakiah Ahmad analyzed online articles by four major international media outlets.

Graduates

IMS alumni afternoon: The future looks promising

Six graduates from the International Media Studies Master’s program recently visited DW Akademie to share their experiences with students currently in their first and third Semesters.

"One country, hundreds of nations, thousands of stories"

Inga Höglund from Latvia and Evgenua Belyaeva from Russland are graduates of the IMS program (photo: Sayed Musaddiq).

Inga Höglund from Estonia and Evgenia Belyaeva from Russia are graduates of the IMS program. Their new blog "Multicoolty" takes a look at Germany as a multicultural society.

Blog Multicoolty

"Using the knowlegde I have gained"

Chheng Niem (photo: Charlotte Hauswedell/DW Akademie).

It's exciting times for the Cambodian Chheng Niem, who has just successfully completed his master's in International Media Studies in Bonn. Now he hopes to help improve the media situation in his home country.

Select the language

German - Deutsch

Students of the Master's Program International Media Studies at DW Akademie in Bonn (photo: DW Akademie).

Registrar's office

Mon - Fri | 9 am - 4 pm (UTC+1)

T:+ 49.228.429-2892
F:+ 49.2228.429-2890
E: ims@dw.com

01.2012 DW Akademie IMS Akkreditierung AQAS

Accreditation

The Master's Program has been accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Program (AQAS).

Class of 2015

Jenny Navarro, Ecuador

The range of experiences you encounter as a photojournalist is phenomenal. The profession allows you to dive into different realities and for me, it's the best way to express myself as a journalist. The IMS Master's Program allows me to share my experience with others from all over the world and develop an understanding of how the media works in their homelands.
Class of 2015

Duriya Hashmi, Pakistan

I'm passionate about independent journalism and multimedia storytelling. I have a master's in philosophy, which taught me the value of critical thought. The IMS program allows me to combine my journalistic skills with trends in digital media and filmmaking - and at the same time, I can enjoy the freedom of expression that Europe offers.
Class of 2015

Ahmed Yacoub, Egypt

I've worked in the media but now I'd like to gain some theoretical knowledge to complement my practical skills. The IMS Program offers a perfect balance of theory and practice. Learning about key topics such as media management, politics, society, and communication will stand me in good stead throughout my career.
Class of 2015

Jinhan Li, China

China's media landscape is currently in transition and that's intensifying discussions and people's self-awareness. At the same time, increasing contact with the West is creating misunderstandings that require more progress and bidirectional approaches. As a journalist, I feel responsible for helping shape this transformation.
Class of 2015

Estefania Oliva Romero Sosa, Uruguay

I have always been passionate about communication. The IMS Master's Program allows me to share my experiences as a communication consultant in Uruguay, and also to learn from colleagues from across the globe. The IMS is a unique opportunity to study media systems from an international perspective, and I feel honored to have been selected for it.
Class of 2015

Aida Azarnoush, Iran

I came to Germany in 2007 for a journalism traineeship at Deutsche Welle, and later worked as a freelance journalist for DW's Farsi desk and as a journalism trainer for DW Akademie. I've also worked as a consultant in Afghanistan for Germany's development agency, GIZ. I wand to expand my theoretical knowledge and I'm enjoying working in such a culturally diverse environment.
Class of 2015

Arnold Cosa, Germany

In this ever-faster changing world, phenomena such as globalization and the digital revolution are shaping our thoughts and our actions. These massive changes require us, as an international academic team, to develop new theories and approaches. My love of media, education and communication helps me slow down my own world so that I can observe what is happening more closely.
Class of 2015

Ding Ming, China

Europe is more important than ever in terms of global geopolitics, so it must be serendipity that I am here at the center of it, broadening my journalistic horizons together with students from more than 20 countries.
Class of 2015

Benjamin Figueroa Sanchez, Peru

I'm a communications expert and development worker and enjoy working in different languages. The IMS Master's Program offers me an international perspective on communication for development purposes. It's fantastic to be here at DW Akademie in Germany and studying together with people from 24 different countries.
Class of 2015

Nahla Ali Dinar Mohamdein, Sudan

I have a background in German, journalism and diplomacy, and I can put it to good use during the IMS program. I'd like to know more about media theory and better understand it, and I also believe the program will improve my career opportunities. My fellow students come from all over the world, and so this is a chance to learn more about their cultures and their experiences with the media.
Class of 2015

Danielle Balensifer, Brazil

As an academic researcher, TV producer and cineast I understand media like a society's mirror. Citizens want to see their culture, issues and news on a screen, with worldwide reach. With the IMS program, we channel management skills, journalistic wisdom and social awareness to provide such a local and global mirror.
Class of 2015

Khanh Ly Tran Phung, Germany

I grew up in between cultures, so identity has always been a key issue for me. As a member of the DW Akademie family I have the chance to live in what feels like a global village. It gives me the sense that I’ve arrived in a place where I can grow both personally and professionally. My background in the fine arts and media studies adds further color to this diverse group.
Class of 2015

Malak Qamhieh, Palestinian Territories

I aim to be a leading voice in, and for, Palestine. But a big dream like this requires concrete steps - and that's why I chose the IMS Master's Program, which will allow me to broaden my horizons and learn the latest methods of media production. The IMS is also an opportunity to interact with experts and exchange ideas with colleagues who will one day likely be at the top of their fields.
Class of 2015

María Paula Laguna Trujillo, Colombia

I love hearing people's stories and telling stories myself, and that was part of my work as a journalist in Colombia. I chose the IMS program because I want to deepen my understanding of media and communication. I'm excited to be part of such a culturally diverse environment and learning how stories are told in different languages and cultures.
Class of 2015

Katharina Wecker, Germany

The combination of journalism, media development and management is what makes the IMS Master's Program unique in Germany. It allows me to combine my practical experience from print and online journalism with my degree in international development. Being part of an international team is a huge advantage because we learn from each other as well as from our lecturers.
Class of 2015

Pamela Guachamin Heredia, Ecuador

The IMS program offers an exciting journey and I can share it with colleagues from so many different countries. Journalism is a powerful tool that can be used to view the world from a variety of perspectives. As reporters, it's important not to lose sight of our social and ecological responsibilities, especially with technology offering so many options to promote understanding and change.
Class of 2015

Nataliia Manych, Ukraine

For me, journalism is all about the people - it can open up new perspectives on events, actions and countries. The IMS Master's Program is an incredible opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and also to learn about different cultures. I'm relishing every second of the culturally diverse environment. One day I hope to contribute to media development in Ukraine.
Class of 2015

Ricardo Rojas, Venezuela

As a journalist, I learnt about the important role of media in my country. They facilitate or prevent messages from going across audiences impacting on public policies, and local and international public opinion. At the DW Akademie media and development come together. I would like to provide a multicultural, trans-disciplinary approach to all kinds of social issues.
Class of 2015

Samuel Mgbecheta, Nigeria

I'm interested in the role of the media in the digital age. Given the fundamental shift taking place in journalism, I feel it's important to keep up with the latest media theories and explore the relationship between culture and the media. The IMS Master's Program will also be a good stepping stone into the media world.
Class of 2015

Ricardo Kauffmann Lee, Mexico

I was sixteen when I started making short films, a hobby that I later turned into a career. I see myself as a storyteller, and the IMS program will help me hone my storytelling skills. My goal is to give a voice to the people around me so that they can tell their stories.
Class of 2015

Nadia Issufo, Mozambique

I studied linguistics and literature in Mozambique and have worked as a journalist since 2004. The IMS Master's Program gives me the chance to expand my theoretical knowledge and gain new skills. My dream is to one day share this knowledge with my people back home.
Class of 2015

You Y Ly, Cambodia

I completed a degree in media management before working as an assistant lecturer in TV and radio production. I'm very happy to be part of the IMS program and to learn about media theory and practice together with students from all over the world. My ultimate goal is to return to my native Cambodia to lecture at university and to produce professional media content.
Class of 2015

Soline Ngoufo Ngumouo, Cameroon

I've always wanted to work internationally and to use the media to contribute to the development of my country. That's why I chose an international Master's Program. The IMS offers a multicultural environment and I enjoy the exchange with colleagues from so many different countries.
Class of 2015

Sonia Valdés, El Salvador

It's always been my dream to work in the media. That's why I started my blog soniavaldes.com, which is well-known in El Salvador. The blog gave me the chance to work on a morning TV show discussing the topics I wrote about. I chose the IMS Master's Program to satisfy my passion for media and to increase my media skills.
Class of 2015

Sandra Gaviria Vera, Peru

I'm a responsible, reliable and persistent person, and studying industrial engineering taught me to think critically and analytically. I now have a clear goal in sight: to work in online and TV and produce films. The IMS Master's Program is a great opportunity to learn how to develop and implement media projects across a variety of platforms.