Aptitude test for the Master's programme in Journalism
The aptitude test for the Master's programme in Journalism will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, on the JGU campus in Mainz. It has three parts: a knowledge test and two journalistic exercises.
Information Dates
We offer two information sessions about the Master's programme in Journalism and the aptitude
test. You can join the sessions via the following links:
Thursday, 09 April 2026 | 18-19 o'clock
Microsoft Teams-Besprechung
Wednesday, 06 May 2026 | 18-19 o'clock
Microsoft Teams-Besprechung
Requirements
You do not need any prior knowledge of journalism, internships or a bachelor's degree in journalism or communication studies. The Master's programme in Journalism is open to all disciplines! You must first submit a formal application to the Admissions Office. This is possible from the beginning of April until 15 May 2026. Once your formal application has been accepted, you will receive a written invitation to the aptitude test from the Journalism Seminar at the beginning of June. You can check here to see whether you are formally eligible.
Procedure
Saturday, 20 June 2026
11:00 – 12:00 | Registration + Welcome
12:00 – 12:30 | Knowledge test
13:00 – 16:00 | Writing a report
17:00 – 18:00 | Writing an opinion article
Location: JGU campus, Atrium Maximum & Left Aula (check out the
campus map and how to get there – Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)
The aptitude test is anonymised. Once we have verified your personal details, you
will be given a number under which you will take the test and which will be used to publish
your test results. The assessors will also only know the number, not the names of the
applicants. This is how we aim to make the selection process as unbiased and fair as possible.
Knowledge test (general knowledge)
The knowledge test is the first part of the aptitude test. It is a paper-and-pencils test. The purpose of the knowledge test is to find out whether you are up to date with what is happening in the world. After all, journalists who have a wide range of interests, can quickly access basic knowledge and understand how things are connected are ideally equipped for the job. Don't be put off by the knowledge test – on the contrary: if you regularly follow current affairs, you are already very well prepared. What's more, you don't have to know everything to get ahead. Nobody knows everything! You can find last year's knowledge test under Downloads.
Writing a report
For the report, we will present a topic, provide guidance on the format of the report and make relevant documents available. You will have three hours to write it. Last year, the task was to summarise a debate in the German Parliament.
Writing an opinion article
Writing the opinion article is the final part of the aptitude test. We will also provide you
with instructions on the format. You will have one hour to write it.
We know that you are not professionals and are still at the very beginning of your
journalistic careers, and that is how we evaluate your texts!
Examination
What you need to bring with you:
- Each candidate must be able to present a valid identity card.
- For the knowledge text, you need a pen that works.
- All texts must be submitted digitally in PDF format. Please bring a laptop with you so that you can save and transfer your documents.
- To transfer your texts on site, you should bring a storage medium (e.g. USB stick) with you.
If you do not have access to your own laptop, we can provide you with a limited number of
devices on request. Please contact us well in advance of the examination if you wish to make
use of this service (journal@uni-mainz.de).
Further information on the 2026 aptitude test will be sent by email to all
applicants who meet the formal requirements for application, together with the invitation to
the aptitude test at the beginning of June 2026.
Experience has shown that invitations are sent out very late (only once the admissions
office has checked the formalities), so we kindly ask you to do the following: If you know
that you are formally eligible and would like to take part in the aptitude test, please make
your train connections/accommodation arrangements etc. in advance.
We are looking forward to receiving your application and wish you all the best for
the aptitude test!
