Sport, Media and Communication Research
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Are you interested in how sport is presented, communicated and commercially exploited in the media? If you’d like to gain a better understanding of the interplay between sport, the media, business and society – and play an active role in shaping it – the Master’s degree programme in Sport, Media and Communication Research (MKF) could be just right for you.
The degree programme is aimed at graduates with a basic knowledge of sport, media or social sciences who wish to engage in an in-depth and academically rigorous study of sport communication, sports journalism and sport-related PR and public relations. You should have an interest in analysing communication processes, conducting empirical research, developing strategies and implementing them in media practice.
If you enjoy working with data and texts, think analytically and wish to contextualise current developments such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence or new media formats within a sporting context, you will find a challenging academic environment here. The ability to work in a team, strong communication skills and confidence in dealing with specialist literature in English will help you to further develop your professional profile.
Key facts
Duration of study
4 semesters
Commencement of studies
Winter semester
Workload
120 Credit Points
Application deadline
- 31st of May (Non-EU)
- 15th of July (GER & EU)
Qualification
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Language of instruction
German
Fees
approx. 335€ (Semester fee)
University places
30 places per cohort
Admission Requirements
The Admission Requirements for this Master’s degree programme are a successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in which at least 180 credit points under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) have been earned, or an equivalent successfully completed degree.
The following requirements also apply to the programme as set out in sentence 1 of the Admissions Regulations:
- At least 15 credit points from the field of Sport science or from the field of social sciences.
- At least 5 credit points in the field of social science methodology (comprising key aspects of methodological and social science-based empirical research).
If you did not obtain your university degree in a German-speaking country, you must provide evidence of sufficient proficiency in German.
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save_altAdmissions Regulations 2026Download "Admissions Regulations 2026"Pdf, 327 KB
Degree Structure and Content
The MKF Master's degree programme is designed as a four-semester, modular course. You will earn a total of 120 credit points and complete eleven modules, each with clearly structured content and learning objectives.
The programme focuses on combining communication studies theories with empirical research and practical applications in the context of media-mediated sport. Right from the first two semesters, you will focus on academic work and methods of empirical social research. These are closely linked to content from sport-related communication and media research, media psychology and media economics.
As the programme progresses, you will deepen your knowledge through project-based teaching formats. Case studies, group work and media-based exercises enable you to independently develop solutions to real-world problems. A compulsory research placement in the third semester provides you with insights into potential career fields and helps you gain practical experience.
Collaborations with international partner universities, as well as projects with practitioners from the field, reinforce the programme’s international and career-oriented focus. In the fourth semester, you will write your Master’s thesis, in which you will explore your own academic research question.
Programme-specific documents
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save_altModule handbook MKFDownload "Module handbook MKF"Pdf, 601 KB
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save_altCurriculum schedule MKFDownload "Curriculum schedule MKF"Pdf, 153 KB
Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives
Here are your options at GSU and your career prospects after graduation.
Further options at GSU
With a Master’s degree in Sport, Media and Communication Research, a wide range of career paths awaits you in a dynamic and growing sector. The growing importance of media and communication in sport is creating high demand for qualified professionals who combine academic expertise with practical skills.
The degree programme equips you with knowledge in media and communication studies, economics and media psychology, enabling you to qualify for leadership roles in the sports and media sector – for example, in media companies, broadcasting organisations, corporate media departments, sports clubs and associations, or PR and advertising agencies.
Thanks to the methodological and theoretical training, you will also be qualified for roles in market and media research. If you are aiming for an academic career, the Degree programme also opens up opportunities in research and teaching, as well as the possibility of pursuing a PhD Programme.
Overall, you will benefit from an interdisciplinary profile that enables you to analyse communication processes in sport in a well-founded manner and to play an active role in shaping them.
Any questions?
International Office
Main Building, first floor
E-Mail: masterapplication@dshs-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221 4982-2160
International Office: Consultation hours
- Mon - Fri: 9 - 11 am
- Mon, Wed, Thu: 2 - 3 pm
Student Advisory Service: Guidance and academic advice
Main Building, first floor
E-Mail: studienberatung@dshs-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221 4982-2520
Student Advisory Service: Consultation hours
Via phone:
- Mon - Fri: 9 - 11 am
- Mon - Thu: 2 - 3 pm
On site:
- Mon & Wed: 9 - 11 am
- Mon & Wed: 2 - 3 pm
Cancellation of consultation hours:
- Mon, 31.08.2026, 10am - 11am