ERASMUS+ semester at the Institute for Journalism: Information for exchange students

Theoretical lessons in media law, media ethics or foreign correspondence go hand in hand with practical sessions in TV, print, online and radio journalism: The Journalism Studies program at Technical University Dortmund offers an unmatched combination of academic knowledge and training in research techniques and reporting. It prepares for challenging situations such as conversations with traumatized interview partners and does not miss reflecting the most recent trends in international media. In our training newsrooms, students produce multimedia content for the online magazine KURT digital, where they are introduced to the daily routines of an editorial team.

Eighty percent of past Erasmus students have rated their experience at the Institute for Journalism at Dortmund University as “very good”, twenty percent as “good”.  All of them stated that they would return for an additional semester at our institute if offered the opportunity. 

But what are the requirements for an Erasmus semester at the Institute for Journalism? Which specific courses are offered? The following FAQ gives an answer to the most frequently asked questions raised by our applicants. Basic information on the start/end of semesters or general application requirements and procedures can be found here. For questions on accomodation, please contact the Referates Internationales. 

Which language level is required?

_{As almost all classes are taught in German language, Erasmus students are obliged to obtain a German level of B1 prior to their semester in Dortmund.  For participation at our training newsrooms, level B2 is required. However, arriving at Dortmund with only B1 does not mean that a participation in practical training is impossible. There are intensive German courses offered at the beginning of our Erasmus semester. Participants of the four-week courses aim to acquire level B2 or higher. More information on the language courses can be found here.} 

Who can attend an Erasmus semester at our institute?

_{We collaborate with 25 universities in Europe, a list can be found here. If students with interest in journalism and media studies from other universities would like to attend an Erasmus semester at the Institute for Journalism, they should contact the International Office of their institution for requesting a partnership with out institution.} 

Is it possible to attend courses from different institutes/programs? 

_{The Institute for Journalism offers eight different programs: Journalism Studies (BA/MA), Science Journalism (BA/MA), Music Journalism (BA/MA) and Economic-Policy Journalism (BA/MA). However, Erasmus students usually solely take courses offered in the Journalism Studies BA program, except for occasional cases. If Erasmus students are interested in attending single courses at another faculty or institute (for instance a seminar on Politics of Physics), exceptions can be made as well. At least 50 percent of the credit points should be obtained at the Journalism department.}  

Which specific courses are offered?

_{The module catalogue for the Journalism Studies BA program can be downloaded here: PDF (English version). The German version can be found here.} 

_{Please note that Module 14 does not include regularly offered seminars. Each semester lecturers address different thematic priorities. Seminars offered in this module are being announced three to four weeks before the start of the new semester. For updates, please check the schedule of the current semester here (only in German).} 

And what’s besides the lecture rooms?

_{The Europe Club of the Student Council of the Journalism Institute offers leisure time activities for Erasmus students such as trips to Christmas markets, parties or sportive activities and ensures that exchange students are rapidly integrated to social life at the campus.} 

More questions? Please contact erasmusj(at)post.uni-dortmund.de