“Oh, something to do with media” – pretty much anyone who decides to study media studies can hear this saying. There is even a grain of truth in this, because it is actually a very broad field of study that cannot be specifically specified. Below you will find out why I decided to study media studies, what speaks for it and what speaks against it.
My reasons for studying media studies
The diversity of the media studies course mentioned at the beginning was one of the most important reasons for me to choose this field. I have always been interested in journalism, literature, film, design and technology and hardly any course of study manages to combine all these aspects - except for media studies. Since I always had difficulty focusing on a specific career goal, the countless opportunities that this course of study offers were just right for me. I had previously tried biology - very exciting, but I couldn't reconcile myself with a genetics laboratory, which is why I ultimately decided on the creative path.
No sooner said than done: I enrolled in the BA Media and Communication at the University of Passau , I also had the appropriate NC and then I was ready to get started. I added the master straight away. But like any other course of study, it also has advantages and disadvantages.
Studying media studies – pros and cons
Since I only studied at one university, my judgment will be based heavily on what the University of Passau offers. Of course, the process of studying media studies can be completely different at other universities.
Per:
- I found the structure of the BA very appealing: the basic modules gave a good overview of what you can specialize in later: literary studies, journalism, psychology, education or market research were the biggest subjects you could get a taste of
- I also thought it was great to have the opportunity to choose media informatics - this way you not only got to know the creative side of the media world better, but also the technical side
- With the Center for Media and Communication (ZMK for short), the beautiful campus has been enriched with a state-of-the-art building that is equipped with the latest technology, editorial and studio rooms - the journalists, presenters and news anchors of tomorrow are thus offered a professional atmosphere
- If you don't have a specific job wish, you'll get to know your own skills better during your studies and can decide on one or the other over time
- You can also live out your creative side through the various campus media on offer, such as university radio, campus TV, magazines or blogs
- The career prospects are also very diverse: television, radio, print media, online media, film, PR, corporate communications, social media management, media education and, and, and are just a few of the possibilities
Cons:
- What is on the one hand an advantage can also be a disadvantage - I am often asked what I can do with a media studies degree and I can't really answer this question. With law I am a lawyer, with medicine I am a doctor, with a teaching qualification I am a teacher, but with media studies I am many things at the same time and nothing specific. That's all well and good, but it's also sometimes difficult, especially when looking for a job
- At the University of Passau, some courses sounded very interesting, but then turned out to be boring seminars in which only one presentation after another was presented and the lecturers hardly had to do anything - but this probably happens in every subject
- The job selection is varied, yes, but only in big cities - in the provinces you can't find a job so quickly or you have to make enormous compromises
- The pay for humanities courses is generally poor - not comparable to law, computer scientists or engineers
My previous experiences in media studies
Personally, I was impressed by the media studies course: I was able to get to know every area and ultimately settled on literary studies, especially since I wanted to focus on art and culture. In addition, I now have basic graphic design knowledge, could work as a journalist or in public relations, and shoot and edit films. If I had specialized in other areas, a job in market research or education would also be possible.
But there are also thousands of other job options for which a media studies degree prepares you. So it's perhaps less "something with media" than "something with media" that you can demonstrate - and at the job interview, the prospect of an employee who is completely unfamiliar with any media area is certainly exciting.
Are you already studying media studies and are you still looking for helpful literature? Then take a look at our list of the ten best books for studying “Something with Media” .
Would you also like to find out what reasons speak for a doctorate? Then read my experience report “Dream Doctoral Title: Why I’m Doing a Doctorate” .
Here you can find out my personal reasons for studying media studies.
