Media Ecologies, M.A.

On the one hand, it opens up the possibility of understanding media in the sense of ecologies, i.e. not simply as individual media (radio, television, computers, etc.), but also in terms of media networks and milieus.

On the other hand, it explores the fact that ecological knowledge, ecological awareness and ecological perception are always based on media-related and mediatised matters, i.e. it demonstrates that it is “the” media that make the problem of the environment recognisable as such in the first place – from photographs of the Blue Planet, by way of maps, graphs and curves, to computer models of climate development. The course therefore shows not only media as ecology, but also the important, if not decisive, role that the media play in ecology.

The thematic focus is thus on issues not only of climate change, but also of digitalisation, updating the past and anticipating the future, always within the framework of the interests of students and teachers.

The study and project modules offered cover subjects such as Digital Environments, Planetary Media and Archive Ecologies, supplemented by lectures and courses on the History and Theory of Ecology, the Anthropocene and Natural Philosophy. The programme also includes interdisciplinary compulsory elective and elective modules, which can be chosen from the full range of courses offered by the Faculty of Media, in particular Computer Science, as well as the entire programme of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s Faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism, and Art and Design.

• Perspectives on MediaEcologies (basic module): introduction to core questions and methods
• Project modules: students work in interdisciplinary teams on subjects such as Digital Environments, Planetary Media und Archive Ecologies.
• Compulsory elective and elective modules: individual specialisation via modules from other university Faculties and Departments, including Computer Science and Civil and Environmental Engineering 
• Master’s module: completion and defence of Master’s thesis in English, comprising a total of 18 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points, including accompanying colloquium

Further information on the modules offered can be found in the degree programme’s Module Catalogue or by consulting the relevant course schedule directory in BISON.

The teaching of the Master’s degree programme in Media Ecologies is dominated by a culture of open-minded thinking and characterised by original and unconventional approaches and methods in which group work, film essays, excursions, e-learning and a lively, international culture of debate and discussion all play a vital part.

The aim is to develop in-depth academic knowledge and skills in dealing with media ecologies, as well as with social and cultural problems and issues.  These skills may be analytical-critical, historical, theoretical, organisational or practical in nature and are essential for the development and acquisition of academic knowledge.

The programme is aimed at graduates of relevant Media Culture and Media Studies degree programmes who can be assumed already to have acquired a broad theoretical and methodological knowledge of the subject. This will provide a sound basis for them to be able to develop specialised consideration, investigation and practical application of media as ecology and the media in ecology, especially within the framework of Media Studies.

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Culture or Media Studies, or an officially recognised first university degree qualifying for entry to a profession in a relevant subject, with a final grade of at least 2.3
• Letter of motivation (in English) of approximately 1-2 pages. This should include an overview of the applicant’s previous academic education and relevant professional/practical training, as well as a summary of their future (research) goals with reference to the focal points of the programme.
• Proof of English-language proficiency of at least B2 level as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), for example IELTS or TOEFL
  • a) Proof of native language skills (acquisition of a higher education entrance qualification or a first professional qualification in an English-speaking country) or
  • b) Proof based on one of the following certificates
    – IELTS band 6.5 or better,
    – TOEFL Internet-based Score 85 or better,
    – Cambridge Certificate (B2 First (FCE)) or an equivalent certificate.
  • c) German Abitur with English B2

Application deadline: Students may only commence their studies in the Winter Semester (application deadline: 30.09.; enrollment deadline: 30.09.)
» Online Application

Prospective students who have obtained their first university degree outside the European Union (EU), must apply via: www.uni-assist.de. (application deadline: 15 July; enrollment deadline: 30 September)