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Welcome to the FAQ section for the MA programme in “Knowledge and Communication”.

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions, providing comprehensive information and links to further resources. Browse through the information below to find all the answers you need to be best prepared for applying and studying our Master's programme. This section covers topics related to the application process, programme content, financing, visas, accommodation, and student life in Münster. For more general information about studying at the Department of Communication, please also refer to our general FAQs. This includes answers to questions about all our Bachelor's and Master's programmes, particularly with regard to programme requirements, the structure of the course, registration for courses and examinations.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses FAQ nur auf Englisch verfügbar ist.

 

Application Process: Schedule 

 

Admission requirements

Please also check the general FAQ for general questions on the application for our MA programmes.

 

Language of instruction & language requirements

 

Student Financing

 

Visa

 

Studying & course structure

 

Student Life in Münster

 

Accommodation

 

 

FAQ – MA KnowCom

 

Application Process: Schedule 

When and how can I apply?

The application procedure for the Master’s degree programmes at the University of Münster takes place via an online portal, which is activated at the beginning of May. Further information on the application portal can be found here (change to the English version by clicking on “EN” on the top right).

When does the application period start?

The application period starts at the beginning of May.

When does the application period end?

The application period ends on July 15.

What happens after my application has been submitted?

After submission, your application is received centrally by the Student Admissions Office. The Student Admissions Office is your point of contact for technical issues with the application portal and is also responsible for grade conversion for international applications. Once your application is complete, it is forwarded to an independent selection committee at our department, which checks whether the admission requirements are met. Eligible applicants are then ranked based on their final grade, and admission offers are made accordingly. A follow-up procedure may take place if places are declined. Please note that no waiting list or ranking position is communicated. Further details on the selection process are available here.

How long do I have to wait for an admission or rejection?

Applicants with good grades may receive an early (preliminary) admission offer before the application deadline. For all other applicants, admission and rejection decisions are issued after the application deadline (15 July), once the selection process has been completed. Please note that the exact timing may vary slightly depending on the volume of applications.

 

Admission requirements

How and when can I apply for the Master’s programme in Knowledge and Communication at the Department of Communication?

You can find out more about the application process for the Master’s in Knowledge and Communication on the “Application and Enrolment” page.

What requirements do I have to fulfil to be admitted to a Master’s degree in Knowledge and Communication?

To be admitted to the MA Knowledge and Communication, you must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science or a closely related field and a solid social science background, in particular in empirical research methods and statistics, as specified in the programme’s admission regulations (available in the Downloads section on the programme website).

Is there a current numerus clausus (NC) for admission to the Master’s degree programmes?

In contrast to the Bachelor’s degree programmes, there is no fixed or published numerus clausus (NC) for the MA Knowledge and Communication. The NC varies from year to year depending on the applicant pool. Therefore, you should not make your decision about whether to apply based on your grades: If you meet the admission requirements, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Do I really need a BA degree in Communication Science or Media Studies to be eligible for the programme?

Your degree programme does not necessarily be labelled as Communication Science, Media Studies, or alike but it should conform with the admission requirements as outlined our page “Admission and Enrolment”: Applicants must demonstrate at least 70 ECTS in relevant subject areas. The MA in Knowledge and Communication is a consecutive Master’s programme that builds on a social science background. This is also why applicants must have obtained a minimum of 20 ECTS in social science research methods and statistics during their previous degree. These credits must come from degree-related coursework. We strongly recommend reviewing your Bachelor’s coursework carefully to ensure that it meets the academic requirements outlined on our website.

Can I catch up on missing credits/competencies in Methods and Statistics?

No, unfortunately not. The programme does not offer preparatory or bridging courses in methods or statistics, and missing credits or core competencies cannot be made up during the Master’s programme. Applicants are expected to already meet the methodological and statistical requirements at the time of application.

Why do I need to fill out the course overview for my application?

The course overview helps you check for yourself whether you meet the required 70 ECTS and makes it easier for the selection committee to identify the relevant credits in your transcript of records, especially in methods and statistics. It also includes a free-text section where you can add additional information on your degree and/or clarify course content if it is not sufficiently clear from the transcript.

What is a module handbook?

A module handbook is an official document from your Bachelor’s programme that describes the content of all relevant courses you completed. It is mandatory because the selection committee must verify that your coursework meets the eligibility criteria. If no module handbook exists, you must submit a comparable official document with course descriptions, and if it is not in German or English, an officially certified translation is required.

The credits of my degree are not certified as ECTS. What should I do to prove that I have reached 70 relevant ECTS?

If the credit point system used in your BA programme is not ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) compliant, you will need to demonstrate how the credits you have earned during your studies can be represented as ECTS — in other words, what ECTS value they correspond to. The template for this conversion is available for download here (for conversion or foreign credit points to ECTS) and here (for conversion of course hours to ECTS).

Do work experience or recommendation letters help with my application?

No, unfortunately not. Work experience and recommendation letters do not count toward the required ECTS credits and cannot replace missing academic coursework.

Is it possible to send you my documents before the application time frame to let you check if I’m eligible to apply?

No, this is not possible. Unfortunately, we cannot pre-check application documents before the official application period. Eligibility is assessed exclusively by an independent selection committee after submitting a complete application via the official application portal.

I have already completed more than one Bachelor degree, or I have completed another Master degree. Can I use courses from both degrees to fulfil the admission requirements?

If this applies to you, please submit all relevant documents that prove the completed courses and ECTS credits from your degrees. The selection committee will then assess whether these courses can be considered for meeting the admission requirements.

Should I send my original documents?

No. The application process is entirely digital. You only need to upload scans of your original documents via the application portal.

 

Language of instruction & language requirements

What is the language of the programme?

The MA Knowledge and Communication is taught entirely in English, so no German language skills or German language certificate are required to complete the programme. However, applicants must provide adequate proof of English proficiency in accordance with the admission regulations.

Which kind of documents are accepted as a proof of English skills?

You can prove your English language skills in three ways:
a) by submitting an accepted English language certificate (as specified in the admission regulations),
b) by providing proof that you have completed a degree programme taught entirely in English, or
c) (prospectively) by presenting a German Abitur that certifies sufficient English proficiency.*
All accepted forms of proof are listed in detail in the admission regulations that you can find on our “Forms and Downloads” page.
*Please note that the acceptance of the German Abitur as proof of English proficiency is still under formal review and will be officially approved by the end of April. Therefore, please check the official admission regulations on our downloads page again before applying at the beginning of May.

Can I apply with a language certificate other than the ones listed?

Only the English language certificates listed in the admission regulations are accepted. Accepted certificates are TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and Cambridge CAE and (prospectively) CPE* certificates that evidence English language skills at C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Prospectively, an alternative to such a certificate is a German high school diploma demonstrating sufficient English language proficiency.
*Please note that the acceptance of the CPE as proof of English proficiency is under formal review and will be officially approved by the end of April. Therefore, please check the official admission regulations on our downloads page again before applying at the beginning of May.

Do I need a certificate certifying my skills regarding all four language skill areas (i.e. listening, reading, writing, speaking)?

Yes, the certificate that you submit should cover all four language skill areas and should not be reduced to particular skill areas like e.g. the “TOEIC Listening and Reading”.

Do all four language skill areas have to be on C1 level?

What matters is that the certificate evidences English language skills with an overall result at C1 level. This means that you do not have to have achieved a C1 level in each of the four skill areas (listening, reading, writing, speaking) individually.

I studied my first degree in English. Do I still have to prove my English language skills?

No. If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English, you do not need to submit a separate language certificate. Instead, you must provide an official document from your university confirming that the entire degree programme was taught in English.

I will only receive my English language test result after the application deadline. Can I submit it later?

No, unfortunately not. A valid English language certificate must be submitted by the application deadline. Applications without the required proof of English proficiency will not be considered.

Which level of German is required?

No German language skills are required for the MA Knowledge and Communication, as the programme is taught entirely in English. Accordingly, no proof of German proficiency is required at the application stage. However, the University of Münster offers German language courses for international students at various levels, which you can attend for free and on a voluntary basis. German language skills make everyday life easier and facilitate integration.

 

Student Financing

How much are the tuition fee and any other related fees?

No tuition fees are charged. However, all students pay a semester fee, which covers services such as public transport (semester ticket), student services, and university sports.

How and where do I pay the semester fee?

During the enrolment process, first-time students receive their university account details which include instructions on how to pay the semester fee. Students already enrolled at the University of Münster receive an email, sent to their university account, instructing them to transfer payment of the semester fee. At the same time, you will have access to the information on your re-registration via the SelfService.

What should I do if I have problems paying the semester fee or did not receive the payment email?

If you are experiencing financial difficulties in paying the semester fee, please contact the AStA Social Counselling Service via their contact form. If you have not received the payment email, please contact the IT Hotline (it@uni-muenster.de).

How much money do I need each month to study and live?

As a general guideline, students in Münster should plan on around €1,000 per month to cover living expenses without working part-time. This question is also answered in the FAQs of the International Office of the University of Münster.

Can I get a scholarship?

In Germany, regular degree programmes do not charge tuition fees, so full scholarships are uncommon. However, partial scholarships are available, such as the ProTalent scholarship at the University of Münster, as well as funding from external foundations (e.g. DAAD and other German or international scholarship providers).

Many scholarships have specific eligibility requirements (e.g. excellent academic performance, civic engagement, or particular citizenship statuses), and application processes often take several months. We strongly recommend consulting the International Office’s scholarship information pages early for up-to-date details and eligibility criteria for international students.

Does the university allow working part time to e.g. accommodate the cost of living?

Yes, students are generally allowed to work part time, but only under certain conditions. Please note that studying must remain your top priority, as the workload of a full-time Master’s programme leaves limited time for paid work. Students are therefore strongly advised not to rely on part-time employment as their primary source of funding. For non-EU students, legal restrictions apply: you may work up to 120 full days or 240 half-days per year in jobs outside the university. Freelance or fee-based work requires explicit permission from the Foreigners’ Office. Detailed information and job listings are available here.

How and where do I find a job?

Information on where to find job offers and how to search for student jobs is available on the University of Münster’s websites, in particular via the Career Service and the university’s Career Portal (UNIKAP.MS). In addition, it is often helpful to ask fellow students, lecturers, or professors directly, as many student assistant positions are filled informally. Student assistant jobs are also regularly advertised, for example on the IfK website or, in some cases, centrally via the university’s job portal. If you are looking for jobs, internships, or traineeships related to the field of communication and communication science, we recommend using the IfK job portal and related departmental resources.

Does the department offer student jobs?

Yes. The Department of Communication (IfK) regularly offers student assistant positions, for example in research projects or administrative support. Please note that good German language skills are often required. Current openings are published on our website.

Is there any emergency financing available?

Yes. In cases of short-term financial emergencies, several support options are available in Münster. These include emergency funds, counselling, and one-off grants or loans offered by student and church-affiliated organisations:
AStA Crisis Fund (Krisenfonds)
KSHG emergency financial support
ESG emergency support (international students)
Studierendenwerk Münster – loans and one-off grants

 

Visa

Do I need a visa?

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you will most likely need a student visa to study in Germany. Detailed and up-to-date information on whether you need a visa, how to apply for it, and how to obtain a residence permit is provided in the FAQ of the International Office. You can also use the Visa-Navigator of the German Federal Foreign Office to check your individual visa requirements.

When should I apply for a visa?

We recommend starting the visa process as early as possible. Since waiting times for embassy appointments can be very long, it is advisable to book an appointment already during the application process. Visa appointments and processing may take several weeks or even months. In some cases, proof of admission is not required to schedule an appointment. Once you receive your admission letter, you should make sure to submit it to the embassy in due time, in accordance with the embassy’s specific deadlines and procedures. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to inform themselves early about the relevant requirements.

How do I apply for a visa?

Visa applications can be submitted to the German Embassy in your home country. Further information about the student visa application process can be found in the FAQ of the Federal Foreign Office.

Is late arrival possible due to visa delays?

The University of Münster is a presence-based university. Attending in person is therefore essential for academic success. Since the course content builds on each other, students should be in Münster at the start of the first semester (the winter semester). In justified exceptional cases and by individual agreement, late arrival by a few weeks due to visa delays is possible. Please note that a late arrival is only possible in exceptional cases (e.g. unavoidable visa delays) and cannot be guaranteed. Students are therefore expected to plan their visa process in a way that allows them to arrive in Münster in time for the start of the semester. If you need to clarify whether a late arrival might be possible in your individual case, please contact knowcom@uni-muenster.de.

Can the IfK support me in getting my visa?

No, unfortunately not. The department cannot directly support or influence visa decisions and cannot intervene with embassies or consulates. The International Office of the University of Münster provides general information and advice on visa and residence permit matters, but it also has no influence on individual visa decisions. In individual cases, the counselling service of the MA programme (via knowcom@uni-muenster.de) can issue endorsement letters, if applicants think this may be helpful in their visa process. However, their effect might be limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I enter Germany with a tourist visa and apply for a student visa later?

No, changing visa status from a tourist visa is not permitted within Germany. You must apply for a student visa before entering.

Do I need health insurance in Germany?

Yes, it is mandatory. EU citizens may use their EHIC card. Non-EU students must purchase German public or private health insurance before enrolment.

 

Studying & course structure

What is the programme about and how is it structured?

For more Information about the programme and its structure, please check this page.

What is the semester system in Germany?

There are two semesters: The winter semester starts in autumn and goes from October through March; the summer semester starts in the spring and goes from April through September. Lectures usually begin one or two weeks after the official start of the semester. The lecture period ends up to two months before the end of the semester to give students enough time for examination tasks (e.g. term papers), internships, and holidays. All semester dates are displayed here.

Can I start the Master in spring or only in autumn?

You can only start the Master’s programme in the winter semester (autumn). Admission in the summer semester is not possible.

When should I arrive in Münster?

You should ideally arrive in Münster before the start of the winter semester, so that you can take part in the Orientation Week (O-Woche) organised by the departmental student body as well as the welcome and orientation programmes offered by the International Office. These activities are very helpful for settling in and getting to know other students. Most importantly, however, you should make sure to be in Münster by the start of the lecture period, as regular classes begin then and in-person attendance is essential. The lecture period starts in mid-October. The Orientation Week organised by the student body takes place immediately before the first week of classes.

Does the programme require you to live in Germany for the entire duration (2 years)?

Yes. The Master’s programme is a full-time, in-person programme, so students are should live in Germany for the entire duration of the programme (four semesters). Regular on-site attendance and active participation are essential for successful study.

Is the Master Knowledge and Communication a practice-oriented programme?

No. The MA Knowledge and Communication is a research-focused programme that emphasises theoretical foundations, empirical research, and data-based analysis, rather than practical training. Detailed information on the programme’s academic focus and study content is available on this page.

Are internships mandatory?

No. The programme does not require a compulsory internship, but voluntary internships and practical experience are encouraged. If you are interested, you can find offers on our job portal.

Can I freely choose when to take courses, or can I postpone modules to later semesters?

It is theoretically possible to postpone courses, but we explicitly do not recommend this. Postponing courses will usually extend the duration of your studies. The MA Knowledge and Communication follows a recommended degree plan with courses offered only once per academic year and is deliberately designed to allow students to build their knowledge and competencies step by step, as later courses explicitly build on the content and skills acquired in earlier modules. For some modules formal module-related requirements for participation (e.g. attending foundational courses before the research seminar) have been established (see the module handbook attached to the examination regulations). To be able to finish within four semesters, students need to follow the recommended study plan.

Can I choose from diverse courses within certain modules?

In most cases you cannot choose freely between different courses, as usually only one or two courses are offered per module. A link to the course catalogue and information on seminar allocation are published each semester on the page News for the semester.

Do I need to attend every class?

There is generally no formal attendance requirement, but regular in-person participation is essential for successfully completing the programme. Many courses award credits for required coursework that is often done in class. Moreover, course content builds on previous sessions, and there are usually no fully online or permanently hybrid courses, as the University of Münster is a presence-based university.

Are lecture materials available online?

Yes, most courses use the university’s Learnweb platform to provide lecture materials. The extent and type of materials available online depend on the lecturer and the individual course. Please note that access to this material does not replace attendance in class.

How do I register for courses and exams?

Please check the general FAQ for questions on course registration and examination registration.

Which career paths does the programme prepare me for?

For an overview of potential career paths and professional fields, please refer to the programme’s Career subpage, where this information is explained in detail.

How can I enrol for a higher semester?

For detailed information on enrolling for a higher semester, please refer to the general FAQ of the Department of Communication.

Where do I get a matriculation certificate?

Upon payment of the semester fee and registration for the following semester, you will receive a matriculation certificate for the upcoming semester. All administrative documents related to your studies are provided through the Self-Service, which is accessible to each student once they have their personal university account. Access to this platform is available via the university’s "Intranet". Step-by-step instructions are provided through the email which students receive each semester.

 

Student Life in Münster

What is the University of Münster like as a place to study?

The University of Münster is a research-focused university with a long academic tradition, founded in 1780. Today, it is one of the largest and most reputable universities in Germany, with over 42,000 students across more than 120 fields of study. Despite its size, the university offers a strong sense of community and is known for its academic excellence and research achievements. Unlike a traditional campus university, the University of Münster is fully integrated into the city. Its buildings are spread throughout Münster, meaning that the city itself becomes your campus. As a student, you are closely connected to urban life—whether studying in cafés, cycling between seminars, or spending time in the city’s parks—making Münster a vibrant and student-friendly place to live and study.

What is student life like outside the classroom?

Student life in Münster is active and diverse. The academic year starts with an orientation week, offering events and activities to help new students settle in quickly. Throughout the semester, there are regular student events, parties, and social gatherings. To stay up to date, you can follow the University of Münster’s Instagram account, the Instagram account of the International Office, and the Instagram account of the Communication Science student body.

What cultural and leisure activities are available for students?

Students benefit from a rich cultural scene. With the cultural semester ticket, many museums, theatres, concerts, and sports events are free or discounted. Münster also offers festivals, open-air cinemas, markets, and a nightlife scene. The ticket can be downloaded via the university’s SelfService portal.

Which sports activities are available?

The University of Münster offers a many sports and fitness activities through its University Sports programme. Students can choose from over 160 different courses, including team sports, fitness classes, outdoor activities, and competitive sports—most of them free or offered at low cost—making it an excellent way to stay active and meet people beyond your programme.

Are there opportunities to get involved in student organisations?

Yes. Münster offers a wide range of student groups and associations, including cultural, social, political, entrepreneurial, and sports-related groups. Joining them is a great way to gain practical experience alongside your studies.

 

Accommodation

Will I get a dormitory room during my studies?

You will not automatically be allocated a dormitory room when you are admitted to the programme. While many first-year students apply for accommodation in halls of residence run by the Studierendenwerk, you should expect long waiting times and are advised to explore alternative housing options early on.

When should I start searching for accommodation in Münster?

You should start searching for accommodation as early as possible, ideally as soon as you apply or receive your admission offer. Housing in Münster is competitive due to the large student population, but with early planning and persistence, most students are able to find suitable accommodation.

How do I find accommodation in Münster?

Finding accommodation in Münster can be challenging, as demand is high. Common options include student residence halls, shared flats (WGs), and private apartments, and many students begin searching during early summer for housing starting in September or October. To improve your chances, we strongly recommend starting early, using multiple platforms (e. g. Studierendenwerk, DRK, Bischöfliches Studierendenwerk Münster, na dann, AStA housing portal, WG-gesucht.de), applying to several offers, and networking with current students.