Media Management. Journalism. Development Cooperation.

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.

Master's Program "International Media Studies": Apply now!

Students of DW Akademie's Master's Program International Media Studies, photo: IMS

Applications for the 9th intake of the IMS Master's program are now being accepted. The program gets underway September 2017 in Bonn.

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 International Media Studies 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 knowledge 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).

International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Eesha Bansal, India

As a lawyer and freelance journalist I believe it's vital to gain constant exposure to today's globalised economy and to understand different aspects affecting our world. The IMS program provides an ideal international platform for developing multi-cultural skills and enhancing the learning process. My aim is to achieve a high level of expertise by combining the fields of law and the media.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Sinenhlanhla Buthelezi, South Africa

Having studied media and cultural studies I've seen the importance of information and the right to access it, regardless of where one comes from. I'm excited that the IMS program will equip me with in-depth international and theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These will help me make a valuable contribution to media-related projects that I would, in future, like to be a part of.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Ani Mosinyan, Armenia

Being a philologist by profession, I've always been interested in the media and have worked for Armenia's public radio. After cooperation projects with European broadcasters I realized it was important to take part in the IMS program. I'd like to learn more about the world's media systems and about the media sector as a way to open new doors and horizons.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Priscila Jordão, Brazil

As a reporter from Brazil I'm particularly interested in how media systems and media literacy can help advance developing countries. With the IMS and its international approach I'll be able to learn more about these and other topics in order to strengthen my skills and become a more versatile journalist.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Eva M. Rosas-Ramiro, Mexico

I'm glad to be part of the Master's Program because the content and objectives are in line with my own career aims. The IMS complements my educational and professional background, and I'm now looking for new goals in terms of my passion for social media and journalism.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Tomás Gutiérrez Ahumada, Chile

I worked as a TV reporter and later as a teacher for the organization Enseña Chile (Teach for All). That's where I discovered that as a journalist, I wanted to focus on educational issues. With the IMS program I'm hoping to learn how to run media projects in order to generate discussions on education and give Chilean children a chance to get a better education.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Vanessa Lage, Brazil

I really believe that you can broaden your horizons if you look at things through the eyes of others. I'm a PR manager and see the IMS program as a terrific opportunity to get a global perspective on communication and to better understand how media function in other countries.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Sherly Kusuma Setiadi, Indonesia

I joined DW Akademie's IMS program because I'd like to develop knowledge and skills for managing, producing and distributing news and stories for the public. I hope that with this, I can foster cooperation opportunities with non-governmental organizations and communities back at home in providing quality content and managing news.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Merlis Sayoux Jeffery, Cuba

Communication is my passion. I worked as director of communications at the Hermanos Saíz Association, an NGO devoted to the creativity of young Cubans. Being selected for the IMS is like a dream come true! With the Master's Program, I can put my understanding of the media in an international perspective. I feel honored and proud to be a part of a global network.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Mia Calderón Simó, Dominican Republic

Coming from the field of advertisement, I understand how media strategies can influence society. The Media is a powerful engine to create consciousness, and serves not only as a tool for reporting, but also for education and change. With the IMS I can learn about using media resources for a positive impact and create a better society with an international perspective.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Rosa Castañeda Prado, Peru

Working as a video reporter and a photojournalist has given me an opportunity to tell amazing stories and raise awareness about social and environmental issues that are very important for my community. The IMS Master's Program will enable me to learn about different ways to use communication as a key to promoting sustainable development in my country.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Irene Najjemba, Uganda

Watching Uganda's media infrastructure continually face dire impingement has been a formative experience and has intensified my passion and ambitions for journalism and media development. I'm looking forward to examining the media through an interdisciplinary lens and hope to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to adequately address the circumstances in my home country as well as elsewhere.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Oksana Gutsol, Ukraine

I'd like to use the IMS program as solid preparation for a responsible position in the media sector and to advance my skills in international media, especially in media communication and media law. We're not only learning from the lecturers in this program but also from each other with our different cultural backgrounds.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Paulina Andrade, Chile

I'm a journalist working in the cultural field and have experience in investigative and freelance journalism. Participating in the IMS program is a great opportunity to deepen my understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. Its trans-disciplinary character also offers a broad range of approaches to communications - my passion.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Asma Abidi, Tunisia

I believe we live in a complex world. Global issues need to be covered and analyzed with a deep understanding of the media's major role in making complex information understandable, and in supporting freedom of expression. With the IMS program I'll be gaining expertise in international media, especially in regard to media development, international journalism and global communication.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Lionel Tchoungui Bidzogo, Cameroon

As an aspiring researcher in the communication field, the recent technological shift there has made me want to get a better understanding of growing trends and a feel for how the western media operate. The IMS program provides a suitable platform for networking with people from other continents and to share and tap from their diverse experiences.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Noor Haddad, Jordan

My professional background is in graphics and animation. Over the past four years I have successfully designed solutions for print media, 3D & 2D games, mobile apps & websites. My interest in obtaining a career in the media sector motivated me to join the IMS program. I believe that being apart of this program will equip me with the knowledge and the techniques needed to attain my dream career.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Lina Friedrich, Germany

As a kid I wanted to know where the rain comes from. These days I try to offer answers myself. A lot of people don't have full access to information on climate change and environmental protection. The IMS program gives me a chance to work on that and to share my passion for journalism, nature and international cooperation with media makers from all over the world.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Dayhana Melissa Molina Segura, Colombia

Working for a foundation gave me a sense of responsibility - a responsibility to be the voice of society. The IMS offers a curriculum focusing on international media. I'll be learning methodologies and skills for working with new media and communication tools that promote high quality journalism at both the national and international level.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Jose Andrés Bolanos Zamora, Costa Rica

Given my background in advertising and TV production I believe the IMS program will complement my understanding of media and its various components. I admire DW and how it seeks to produce innovative content for today's audience. We need to be aware that media now have digital actors that play different roles.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Giovanna Canela Pais, Brazil

As communicators it's our duty to inform, entertain and share different perspectives on the world. Participating in the IMS program and sharing ideas and concepts with colleagues from more than 20 countries gives me a broader and comprehensive view of the international media sector. It's a far-reaching experience that will guide me throughout my career as a correspondent.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Erick Elola, Mexico

I obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Relations in 2010 and after that working with radio and social media were my daily activity. It's great to be part of the IMS program. It fulfills my desire to learn more about media in a multicultural environment, surrounded by stories and different backgrounds from colleagues around the world.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Britta Nolte, Germany

I'm really looking forward to my time with the IMS. This combination of journalism, media studies, political and intercultural communication is more than relevant these days and for me, this group of students from all over the world is what makes the program so unique.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Gabriel Ramadan Hassan Eljack, South Sudan

I've always wanted to work in the media and that's why I started as a trainee journalist. I chose the IMS Master’s Program to learn more about the media and to improve my journalistic skills. I hope to contribute to media development in my country because in South Sudan the media is still underdeveloped compared to other countries.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Olena Opanasenko, Ukraine

I've worked for broadcast, print and online media in Ukraine and am now happy to be part of the IMS program. I hope that the next two years studying here in Germany will give me a great opportunity to move beyond local obstacles and toward new avenues of professional growth.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Cindy Portillo, El Salvador

I’m passionate about supporting the development of the society through communication. For 6 years I worked as head of communications for an energy program of the GIZ. In parallel, I completed a Master in Renewable Energy. The IMS-Master now rounds out my skillset and brings together my international experience, my professional expertise and my ambition to support the development of Central America
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Chakir Bouchenafa, Morocco

I learned about the IMS program in 2009; I strengthened my profile in the media field both in practice and theory by attending a media training and, for my BA thesis, by analyzing the role of social media during the Arab Spring. Being accepted into DW Akademie's Master's Program is a great opportunity to get involved in the media together with students from different cultural backgrounds.
International Media Studies: Class of 2016

Carolina Caicedo, Colombia

I've been interested in the media since I was a child. My dream was to work in radio and TV and that's what I did after graduating as a communicator in Colombia. When I complete the IMS program I hope to work in the German media sector. I love TV production and working as an anchor. This year I started my own YouTube channel about my experiences here in Germany.