Campus-Center Forum

Dear University of Hamburg Team,

My name is Bhuyain, and I am currently completing my BA in Communication and Media Studies in Hungary (English-taught). I will officially complete my degree on 31 August 2026. I am fluent in English and have recently started learning German.

I am very interested in applying for the MA in Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society for the upcoming winter semester. Since the application deadline is 31 March, I would like to apply now because the program aligns perfectly with my current work in filmmaking and journalism research, and I want to continue developing my skills without any gap between my studies. I would like to ask:

1. Should I apply now even though my final degree certificate will only be issued in August? (Completed 165 ECTS out of 180 ECTS)
2. Do I need to provide any additional English language certificates for the application?
3. Are there specific requirements or recommendations for international applicants?

Thank you very much for your guidance. I look forward to your advice.

Warm regards,
Bhuyain

Dear Bhuyain,

1) I would strongly advise you to no publish any personal information or documents in this public forum and edit your post accordingly.

2) Please make sure you have read the general application information (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscenter ... master.pdf) for the current application period (February 15 - March 31) and the program-specific application information for "Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society (ComSustain) M.A." (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/onTEAM/studi ... schaft.pdf):

Please also take a look at the website for this degree program provided by the responsible department: https://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/studien ... stain.html.

3)
a) "Should I apply now even though my final degree certificate will only be issued in August? (Completed 165 ECTS out of 180 ECTS)"

Yes. You can apply even if you have not completed your degree yet. The final degree certificate has to be submitted until the end of the first master semester at the latest.

Admission Requirements
a) University degree (BA or equivalent)
You can apply even if you have not yet received your degree certificate. Please then submit your
Transcript of Records by the application deadline on 31 March.
If you are admitted to the program, you must submit your degree certificate by the end of the first
semester of your Master's program.
(https://www.uni-hamburg.de/onTEAM/studi ... schaft.pdf)

If you do not apply until March 31, 2026 the next opportunity will be next year from February 15, 2027 to March 31, 2027.

b) "Do I need to provide any additional English language certificates for the application?"

The specific regulations regarding the English language skills and the necessary documents are explicitly mentioned in the application information:

d) Proficiency in English
- TOEFL iBT (Test Date Scores): 92 points, with a minimum of 22 points in each skill area (Listening,
Writing, Speaking, and Reading),
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic: Overall Band Score of at least
6.5 (Good Competent User), with at least 6.0 in each skill,
- Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced (formerly CAE),
- Cambridge English Qualification C2 Proficiency [formerly CPE],
- Cambridge English Qualification C1 Business Higher [formerly BEC].
The following documents may also be accepted as proof:
- A university degree in an English-language program (confirmed by the university) or
- Six years of English instruction at a German school (confirmed by the Abitur certificate).
(https://www.uni-hamburg.de/onTEAM/studi ... schaft.pdf)

c) Are there specific requirements or recommendations for international applicants?

Yes. This information can also be found in the application information of this program (e.g. "Recognition of transcripts for degree programs completed at foreign higher education institutions"): https://www.uni-hamburg.de/onTEAM/studi ... schaft.pdf.

Best wishes,
Thomas Walter