Knowledge and Communication

Bridging Science and Society In this MA programme, students learn to analyse the role of knowledge communication in society. The programme broadly examines how knowledge is created, processed, disseminated, and used, including the effects of knowledge and knowledge communication. Our concept of knowledge encompasses not only knowledge validated by the scientific system but also alternative forms of knowledge and everyday understanding. Following this approach, knowledge can be generated in many different ways, with data playing a central role. By specialising in computational communication science, students gain expertise in linking large volumes of data and knowledge, and in processing, organising, and interpreting knowledge in the form of data. With its emphasis on highly topical content and computational social science, this Master’s programme develops sought-after specialists who are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities. Three key aspects distinguish the “Knowledge and Communication” programme from other study programmes at the Department of Communication in Münster, as well as from those at other universities: It offers a consistent specialisation in knowledge communication while being integrated with other areas of communication science. It emphasises computational communication science while also covering other methodological skills. It is the department’s first programme offered in English. This thematic focus, combined with a concentration on computational methods and English as the internationally applicable language of instruction, makes the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication truly unique. Prospective students can find all the important information on the structure and organisation of the MA in Knowledge and Communication, as well as on the admission requirements, student life, accommodation, visas and financing, in an FAQ on our website. The modules of the MA Knowledge and Communication build upon one another. The first semester provides advanced knowledge in the field of knowledge and science communication. It also expands expertise in methods of empirical social research. The basic concepts, i.e., approaches and theories of knowledge communication, are anchored in clearly defined compulsory courses in Modules 1 and 3. Module 1 ("Concepts in Knowledge and Science Communication") teaches basic notions of knowledge communication and related theories and models in two seminars. The "Knowledge Transfer" seminar in Module 3 spotlights mechanisms of knowledge communication practice. The MA Knowledge and Communication is a consecutive programme. Therefore, it builds on the knowledge that students bring from their BA programmes. In this respect, Module 2 ("Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research") builds on students' basic expertise in quantitative ("statistics") and qualitative social research. The second semester deepens disciplinary and specialist knowledge. Particular emphasis is placed on broadening and deepening analytical and methodological skills. In Module 6 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communication I"), students extend their skills in the field of knowledge communication. In Module 5 ("Computational Communication Science"), students receive an introduction to computational methods as a specialisation of the programme. The modules in the first semester are fundamental to complete the research module, Module 4 ("Research Module: Knowledge and Communication"). In this module, students design, plan, and carry out a comprehensive research project. To have sufficient time to complete the research project from conception to final analysis, the research seminar, unlike other seminars in the programme, is held for four hours per week instead of two and lasts for two semesters: the second and third semesters. In the third semester, students conduct independent research and round off their disciplinary knowledge repertoire. Both in Module 9 ("Specific Aspects of Knowledge Communicatio