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Communication is more than just words on a page

In the Master's degree programme in Multimodal Communication you will learn theories and methods for analysing and understanding how multimodal communication works.

You will look at how different forms of multimodal communication are crafted in different genres of communication. You will also examine how multimodal communication can be used to convey meaning in different ways (such as making abstract ideas easier to understand through metaphors).

Written and spoken language in combination with other modes of communication

You and your fellow students will explore how meanings, functions, and modes are integrated in different media, including the embodied medium of face-to-face interaction. You will also apply an array of theories and methods to analyse the complexity of audio-visual communication in various contexts—through the natural media of our bodies as well as other material and virtual means (such as documents, newspapers, websites, and apps). In this track, attention is given to the use of both written and spoken language in combination with other modes of communication.

Internationally known experts

Core courses in the programme are taught by internationally known experts in their fields. These include specialists in cognitive linguistics and gesture studies (Prof. Alan Cienki), research on the design and effects of different forms of communication (Dr. Luuk Lagerwerf) and metaphor studies and corpus linguistics (Dr. Tina Krennmayr). 

The study programme

In the first semester, you will take three required courses on multimodal communication. You will also take two core courses on how to analyse different genres of communication. During the second semester, you will follow two elective courses (12EC) and will also work on your master's thesis (18EC). 

Once you have started the programme, you will meet with a member of the staff who will help you to ensure that your choice of electives supports your career goals and provides you with a coherent course of study. 

The master’s thesis is an important part of the programme. It enables you to conduct original research under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. You will decide on the subject of your thesis along with your academic advisor.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master of Arts (MA) degree. You will find the study programme in our studyguide.

Courses

  • Talk is Multimodal
  • Text and Image in News and Advertising
  • The Power of Metaphor
  • Communication Design in Society
  • Effective Genre Design
  • Master Thesis Communication and Information Studies: Multimodal Communication

You will find the study programme in our studyguide.

Electives

You can choose your two electives from a range of courses in the study guide. These electives give you an opportunity to explore the particularities of multimodal communication in specific contexts.

Examples of elective courses are:

  • Brand Management
  • Health Communication and Social Media
  • Brand Management
  • English Text Editing, MA

Change your future! Choose the Master’s track in Multimodal Communication

Change your future! Choose the Master’s track in Multimodal Communication

On completing this Master’s programme, you can start work in a number of fields, including as an advisor at a communications consulting firm, or as a copywriter, designing and editing content for effective communication (e.g. in documents, websites, videos, and social media posts).

Explore your future prospects
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Questions about the programme?

For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Alan Cienki

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