Contemporary History and Media (interdisciplinary Master's programme)
Source: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/contemporary-history-and-media-interdisciplinary-masters-programme/ Parent: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/
© Universität Wien / Barbara Mair
Based on contemporary developments and case studies of international and national media of the 20th and 21st centuries, the master’s programme in Contemporary History and Media at the University of Vienna aims at introducing students to a theoretical and application-oriented academic approach to a broad and applicable media competence. It also takes into account impact research (impact on political decision processes, public social debates, etc.).
Master of Arts
Degree Programme Code: 066 665
4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits
Language: German
NO entrance examination
Facts & Figures
- Students: 232
- Graduates in the last academic year: 25
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): 7,3
Data updated on: 26.11.2025
Information about presentation & calculation
Attention
Instruction Language German
Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a certificate of German proficiency on C1 level.
Admission Procedure
Information about the admission procedure
Admission requirement:
- completion of an eligible degree programme
- PLUS qualitative admission requirements
Information on Previous Studies:
In any case eligible degree programmes at the University of Vienna:
- European Ethnology (Bachelor)
- History (Bachelor)
- Jewish Studies (Bachelor)
- Mass Media and Communicaton Science (Bachelor)
- Poltical Science (Bachelor)
- Sociology (Bachelor)
- Theatre, Film and Media Studies (Bachelor)
- Master Access Guide
Getting started
Orientation in the first semester
Getting Informed
Students' Representatives History
Study Programme
The master’s programme consists of the following compulsory modules:
- Introduction to the Key Aspects of Theories and History of Media
- Introduction to Research, Research Design and Methods
- Empirical Research and Presentation
- Electives: Special Topics: Contemporary History and Media
- Master's Seminar
- Master’s Thesis
- Master’s Examination
Students have the opportunity to specialise in the following areas:
- Mass media and communication science
- Political science
- European ethnology
- Sociology
- Theatre, film and media studies
- Jewish studies
Five Concepts
which you will deal with during your studies:
- Science journalism
- Museology
- Analysis of images
- Media technology
- Interpretation of artefacts
... and many more.
Overview of the programme structure & topics
Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.
Introduction to the Key Aspects of Theories and History of Media (25 ECTS)
PM1a Introduction to the Key Aspects of Theories and History of Media I (10 ECTS)
PM1b Introduction to the Key Aspects of Theories and History of Media II (15 ECTS)
Research Process and Methods (16 ECTS)
PM2a Introduction to the Research Process and Methods I (10 ECTS)
PM2b Introduction to the Research Process and Methods II (6 ECTS)
Research Project and Presentation (20 ECTS)
PM3a Research Project and Presentation I (10 ECTS)
PM3b Research Project and Presentation II (10 ECTS)
Electives - Special Topics: Contemporary History and Media (29 ECTS)
PM4a Seminar: Contemporary History and Media (8 ECTS)
PM4b Electives - Special Topics: Contemporary History and Media II (21 ECTS)
Seminar from the Field of Contemporary History
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After Graduation
Graduates of this master’s programme can pursue a career in the following occupational areas:
- research-led culture journalism and science journalism
- public history
- applied museology
- project management
- consulting in politics and media, etc.
The master’s programme in Contemporary History and Media places great emphasis on teaching contemporary, cultural and social scientific approaches. In addition, the master’s programme prepares students for doctoral studies.
Continuing after Graduation
- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- Alumni of the University of Vienna
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna
Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme
#### Degree programme in retrospect
Graduates ...
- say that this degree programme receives the grade: 2.2 (good)
- rate the level of difficulty as: 3.5 (appropriate)
→ These results are based on feedback from 18 graduates.
*You can find further assessments of the degree programme from its graduates’ perspective in the graduate survey of themaster's programme in Contemporary History and Media (in German).
Graduates ...
- find employment within 4 months after graduation on average.
*You can find further information on career entry and career paths in the tracking of graduates "MA History".