Convinced?
Find all the information you need about the application process and how to enrol on the Online Journalism study programme at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Online journalism
The study programme
Staying up to date, creating and updating cross-media content – whilst never losing sight of the target audience. Whether text, audio, images or film: students learn how to use the tools that media professionals need today. Agile, digital and networked – that’s how online journalism works at h_da. Over seven semesters, the study programme equips students with both core journalistic skills and an understanding of the technical, creative, economic and legal aspects of modern journalism.
Students learn to identify and research topics, conduct interviews, edit texts and present content in a journalistic manner. In addition, they develop digital skills such as multimedia design, working with web applications and AI tools, and the professional dissemination of their work via social media. Through projects focusing on the environment, sustainability and journalism, they can also prepare themselves for fields that will play a decisive role in shaping our future.
Study facts
- Maximise your academic success: a combination of small groups, personalised support and digital learning formats provides the ideal study environment and prepares you perfectly for your career.
- Professional experience as part of your study programme: A practical semester and projects with real-world clients help you build professional contacts early on.
- Benefit from our teaching staff’s practical experience: They come from the professional world, impart the latest knowledge and prepare you for the demands of the industry.
- State university: Our study programmes are accredited and therefore quality-assured. As a state university, we do not charge tuition fees.
- An outstanding place of learning: According to UNESCO,the h_da is an ‘outstanding place of learning for sustainable development’.
| Semester | 7 semesters |
| Location | Dieburg |
| Start of programme | Winter semester |
| Language of instruction | German |
| Admission | Admission restrictions apply; there is a numerus clausus for this study programme. |
| Dual/co-operative | No |
Find the right one
Further information
"During my study programme in online journalism, I gained such a wide range of insights into every area of journalism that I knew early on which topics suited me best. Thanks to the many lecturers from the industry and the practical projects, I was able to try out a lot of different things whilst I was still studying and then hit the ground running straight afterwards."
Caro Lobig
Investigative journalist and film director
Course structure
A detailed description of the course content can be found in the module handbook.
career prospects
The Online Journalism study programme provides an excellent foundation for a promising career start in journalism:
- permanent positions in editorial teams: daily and weekly newspapers, private radio and TV stations, public service broadcasters
- as a freelance journalist working for multiple clients
- in independent production companies or for independent organisations in the field of journalism (e.g. Correctiv, Paper Trail Media, Reporters Without Borders)
The Media Campus at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences trains the media professionals of the future. The range of study programmes includes around a dozen Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. The lecturers have practical industry experience and can draw on many years of expertise in their practice-oriented teaching. In addition, the Media Campus facilitates interdisciplinary work and connects young media professionals with one another.
For the study programme, you don’t need to be tech experts. We’ll teach you digital literacy and the basics of technology. You’ll learn how to shoot videos, record audio and everything involved in professional post-production. And, of course, we’ll be looking at artificial intelligence, because it’s going to shape our future.
The minimum entry requirement sometimes depends on the number of applications and therefore cannot be definitively determined. Here [link does not work] you will find an overview of the minimum entry requirements for previous semesters.
The study programme is designed to be highly practice-oriented. Firstly, the study programme includes a practical phase in the fourth semester. This means that you will undertake an internship of at least 18 weeks at a media organisation. Secondly, the modules are also practice-oriented: teaching editorial teams play a particularly important role in this regard. Here, you will simulate the work of a newsroom in a realistic setting and set up your own project. The lecturers come from the industry themselves and have many years’ experience in journalism.
However, an academic degree also includes a research component. In the area of academic work, you will learn how to carry out small-scale research projects, the role that theories and methods play in this, and how to write academic papers.
We offer a specialisation in sustainability and journalism. There is also an extensive catalogue of compulsory-elective modules from which you can choose courses to tailor your study programme to your individual interests.
The practical semester can easily be completed abroad. Indeed, that is precisely what the sixth semester is designed for: the‘Window of Mobility’. This semester consists solely of compulsory elective modules, which increases the chance of finding courses at partner universities that can be credited towards your study programme at home. We won’t leave you to find the right partner university on your own: the university has established contacts with nine colleges and universities that offer OJ students a wealth of opportunities.
Curiosity! One of the most important qualities for journalists. You should also be able to express yourself very well in writing and enjoy doing research. A healthy dose of tenacity and reliability are essential. If you’re creative and enjoy designing, format development offers an attractive playground.
Experience shows that graduates of the Online Journalism study programme are in high demand on the job market and find work quickly. This is partly due to the practical semester: during the placement, which lasts at least 18 weeks, students make their first professional contacts, and many have already met their future employer during this time.
If you have any questions about applications, entry requirements or funding, the Student Service Centre (SSC) is here to help. Our student counsellors are also happy to give you an insight into everyday student life. You can also meet us in person at the University Information Days (hobit) in January or, if you’re interested, arrange a visit to the Media Campus.
