"Burning for the European idea"
What sounds better than studying journalism in Mainz? Exactly, learning the journalistic craft in Mainz AND in Paris at the prestigious Sorbonne. This is made possible by the new German-French Master's program of the Journalism Department at JGU. A few days ago, the first class started their studies. At the start of the semester, Katja Schupp, professor of television journalism at the Journalism Department, once again answers all the important questions about applying and studying. Questions: David Kost
What can I expect as a student when I apply for the Franco-German Master's at the Journalism Department?
Katja Schupp: "In this form, the German-French master's program is a unique training opportunity in Germany for young people who are interested in journalism and want to look beyond the German horizon: Sound journalistic craft goes hand in hand with theoretical reflection on transnational contexts and practical hands-on training. The whole thing is also supported by the enthusiasm of those who conceived and developed the program: We are on fire for the European idea and would like to see more journalists who can shed light on and describe this idea in a competent and well-founded way, and critically engage with it."
What are the advantages of the Franco-German master's degree at the Journalism Seminar in Mainz compared to a traineeship or training at another journalism school?
"There are lots of advantages: It's bilingual, it takes place in Mainz and Paris and students spend time in both cities, it networks German and French students already during their studies and builds teams for life - and that's in addition to a practice-oriented education across all media, print, online, radio and audiovisual, based on a scientific-theoretical concept that understands journalism as an essential part of a democratic society and trains for it in a contemporary way."
What do applicants have to be prepared for during the two-day aptitude test in Mainz?
"The aptitude test asks for general knowledge with a focus on Germany and France, the students have to deal with both German and French-language texts and write in both languages themselves - and we take the time to get to know them in a personal interview. That's how knowledge and journalistic aptitude are tested."
Half of your studies will be completed in Mainz and half in Paris. What does the time allocation look like in concrete terms here? And is there any support for students in finding accommodation in France?
"What is special about the program is the networking and connection of the two courses: students who apply in Mainz also start here in Mainz and those who apply in Paris start there. After one academic year in each case, there is a switch: The students from Paris come to Mainz for the second academic year and meet the new freshmen there, who in turn start in Mainz. The students from Mainz switch to Paris for the third semester and meet the new freshmen from Paris there. And of course: students can take advantage of financial aid through the Franco-German University and through Erasmus. When it comes to finding housing, we also hope for a growing network effect."
How good does my French need to be in order to apply for the French-German Master?
"Applicants must demonstrate at least level B2 in German, French and English."
