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M.Sc. Media and Communication Psychology

Media and Communication Psychology (M.Sc. Medien- & Kommunikationspsychologie)

Life without communication via digital channels, as well as the media landscape, is no longer imaginable today. A master's degree in media psychology will help you understand the underlying psychological processes that shape how people engage with these channels and respond to different forms of media. In the media industry, success lies in designing and building professional and sound strategies that are closely intertwined with the psychology behind them. Whether it’s Google, social media, artificial intelligence or traditional media formats such as print or media use and its impact – all of this requires a high level of expertise.

A Media & Communication Psychology master’s degree enables students to understand the broad spectrum of media, to create differentiated analyses of media use and to design new media formats and content that trigger a defined effect on the customer in the form of advertising campaigns. A critical view of the impact of media on people and culture is also required.

Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology – Your Career Path to the Future

A Renowned University with Top Rankings

Study at one of the leading business schools, backed by over 35 years of experience and consistently top-ranked in prestigious university rankings.

Exclusive AACSB Accreditation

Join the only distance learning programme in the German-speaking world offered by an AACSB-accredited university — a globally recognised mark of excellence among top-tier business schools.

Personalised and Modern

Benefit from one-to-one support through dedicated study coaches and tutors, along with cutting-edge learning materials designed specifically for distance education.

Overview of Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology

Normal study period

four semesters

Start of semester

at any time

Admission requirement

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in business sciences
  • At least 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects
  • English proficiency (B2)

Qualification

Master of Science

Language

English with moduls in German

Study locations

100% online studies, location independent or as face-to-face study

Practice

workshop / research project

Accreditation

Accredited by the Accreditation Council

Tuition fees

Different cost models to choose from 

Recognition of prior studies

recognition of prior studies is possible upon application. Our study coaches will advise you on this.

This is what the Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology looks like

The media psychology master’s online at ISM combines psychological expertise with digital communication, preparing you to analyse how people perceive, process, and respond to media. You’ll study key subjects such as applied psychological statistics, innovation and strategic management, and ethics and law, while exploring general psychology, media psychology, social psychology, and communication psychology. These modules equip you with the theoretical and analytical skills needed to understand behaviour in today’s media-driven world and reflect the depth offered by leading media psychology master’s programs.

As you progress, you’ll deepen your knowledge through practical seminars and electives focused on digital marketing tools, customer experience, and communication processes. Projects like the Digital Bootcamp and the Research & Consulting Project offer hands-on experience closely linked to real media environments. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop essential skills in leadership, negotiation, and consulting, preparing you for roles at the intersection of psychology and digital communication.

This curriculum provides a sample study plan for the full-time option. Would you like to see the part-time curricula as well?

Overview – Costs for the Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology

Fulltime

  • 4  –  Semester
  • 30  –  ECTS per Semester

  • 690 €  –  Enrollment fee
  • 13.170 €  –  Total price
    (incl. two additional
    semesters)

520 €/Month

Part time fast

  • 6  –  Semester
  • 20  –  ECTS per Semester

  • 690 €  –  Enrollment fee
  • 14.010 €  –  Total price
    (incl. two additional
    semesters)

370 €/Month

Part time slow

  • 8  –  Semester
  • 15  –  ECTS per Semester

  • 690 €  –  Enrollment fee
  • 15.090 €  –  Total price
    (incl. two additional
    semesters)

300 €/Month

Find out now in an initial consultation

Do you have detailed questions about the requirements, the content structure or the financing options for distance learning? Feel free to contact us - we will be happy to help you with words and deeds!

Your Benefits in the Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology at ISM

The media psychology master forms the foundation for your career. If you decide to pursue a distance learning degree at ISM, you’ll benefit from numerous advantages that offer you maximum flexibility and a first-class education:

  • Trial period during the first four weeks: You have the opportunity to test the concept of distance learning free of charge during the first four weeks. This allows you to make sure that a distance learning programme truly suits you.

  • Study whenever and wherever you want: All learning materials are available to you digitally. Whether at your desk, on the go, or on the sofa – you decide how your studies fit into your daily life.

  • Individual support: Our study coaches and support team are available to assist you at any time, to answer your questions and help ensure the success of your studies.

  • Interactive exercises and exam preparation: Numerous practical assignments, flashcards, and mock exams help you prepare in the best possible way for your exams.

  • Close contact with lecturers: Our experienced lecturers and tutors support you both academically and practically – so you always stay on top of things and reach your goals.

  • 100% flexible exams: No travel required – all exams are included in the tuition fees and can be taken conveniently online.

  • 2 free additional semesters: If you are unable to earn all the required credit points within the standard period of study (e.g. two years for a 120 ECTS programme full-time), you can catch up on the missing coursework during two additional semesters free of charge. This offer applies to every time modell.

Your Studies, Your Pace

Whether you choose a full-time programme or a part-time option alongside your job – with a distance learning programme at ISM, you can tailor your education to fit your personal circumstances. You remain fully in control of your time without having to compromise on a high-quality education.

Admission Requirements: Your Path to the Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology

Admission to ISM can be granted through several different paths.
The basis for enrolment is the official admission requirements set by our university. You will need a completed bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in the field of economics or business studies, including 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects. Any missing ECTS credits can be acquired through online bridging courses.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we are happy to advise you. Simply contact us by telephone or email – we will review your documents and provide you with reliable feedback regarding your individual chances of admission.

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Why Choose the Master’s Media and Communication Psychology at ISM?

Maximum Flexibility

Study full-time or part-time – design your studies according to your individual needs.

Personalised Support

Your personal study coach will guide you throughout your programme. experienced tutors are available to help with subject-specific questions in each module.
Schedule a consultation

Renowned University

Over 35 years of experience and top positions in university rankings.

AACSB Accreditation

The only distance learning programme in the German-speaking world to hold this prestigious distinction.

Up-to-Date Learning Materials

All materials are newly developed and based on current real-world examples.

Practical Focus

Workshops and research projects provide a hands-on, practice-oriented education.

Future-Proof Career Field

With a master’s degree you become part of a highly sought-after, future-oriented professional field.

Scientifically Grounded

The distance learning programme is based on the latest scientific research in the field of distance education.

Personal Atmosphere

As a smaller, more personal university, we offer you close support and an individualised learning environment.

Still Have Questions? We're Here for You!

Our academic advisory team is always available to support you with any questions you may have and to help you find the best path into your studies.

Already have all the information you need?

Start now – your dream degree programme is waiting!

Recognition of Prior Learning for the Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology

Have you already started or completed a degree programme or pursued specific continuing education courses? As part of your application – or even in advance – we will review which of your prior achievements can be credited towards your studies at ISM. This allows you to shorten your study duration, reduce tuition fees, and focus directly on new learning content.

We can recognise the following types of prior learning:

  • Academic credits from previous university studies (master’s programmes)
  • Further professional qualifications (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce – IHK)
  • Several years of relevant professional experience

Please send us the relevant certificates/proof along with a description of the learning content (e.g., module handbook, official curriculum plans) for evaluation.

Shape the future of communication with the Master’s degree in Media and Communication Psychology

By completing the media psychology master online, you’ll gain the expertise to understand, influence, and evaluate how people engage with media in professional and digital environments. The programme blends psychological insights with communication strategy, equipping you to analyse perception, behaviour, and decision-making across diverse media channels. You’ll explore topics such as media psychology, social psychology, communication processes, and digital user behaviour, while developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills. As one of the most forward-thinking media psychology master’s programmes, the master’s in communication psychology empowers you to shape digital communication landscapes where people, technology, and meaningful interaction come together.

Your study program director for
Your study programme Director for Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology (M.Sc Medien- & Kommunikationspsychologie)

Your study program director for
M.A. Sustainability Management

Prof. Dr. Nicole Behringer

Media Psychology MasterProf.

Dr. Nicole Behringer is a lecturer in business psychology at the ISM Campus in Stuttgart. She studied psychology at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and earned her doctorate at the Leibniz Institute for Knowledge Media. She gained international practical experience in the areas of Sales & Marketing Training and Human Resources & Organizational Development at Hugo Boss, Porsche and Daimler. As an agile learning coach and learning architect, she is passionate about developing learning formats that are fun and inspiring. "Studying at ISM means getting in touch with business experts and gaining interesting market insights," Prof. Dr. Nicole Behringer.

FAQ for Master’s degree Media and Communication Psychology

How much does the online Master’s programme in Communication Psychology at ISM cost?

The tuition fees for the master’s in communication psychology at ISM depend on the time model you choose – whether you opt for full-time study or one of the part-time options. According to the Distance Learning Costs, all services are already included in the tuition fees, meaning you will not incur any additional or hidden costs.

Is there a numerus clausus (NC) for admission to the Media Psychology Master online?

No, admission to the media psychology master at ISM does not require a numerus clausus. Your previous grades or overall grade point average are not decisive for acceptance, provided you meet the general entry requirements. This ensures that motivated applicants can begin their studies without grade-based restrictions. The flexible admission approach also makes it easier for professionals or career changers to enter the field.

Is the online Master’s in Media Psychology at ISM officially recognised?

Yes, the online master’s in media psychology at ISM is officially recognised and has been reviewed by reputable accreditation bodies. This means your degree is fully accredited and suitable for career opportunities both in Germany and internationally. In addition, ISM holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, a globally respected mark of excellence awarded to only around 6% of business schools worldwide. This further highlights the strong academic quality of one of the leading media psychology master’s programmes at ISM.

AACSB accreditation

Currently the only distance learning program in Germany with international AACSB accreditation

Accredited

All of our degree programs are reviewed and accredited by the Accreditation Council.

State recognized

With ISM you enjoy the best education – we are state-approved for an unlimited period of time.

Approved distance learning courses

Of course, all our study programs bear the seal of quality of the State Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU).