Aptitude test for the Master's programme in Journalism

Requirement

Dear interested applicants, here you can find out everything you need to know about the aptitude test. Important to know: You do not need any previous knowledge of journalism, internships or a Bachelor's degree in journalism or communication studies. After a successful formal application, you will be invited in writing to the aptitude test by the Journalism Department. You can check whether you are formally suitable here.

Procedure

Mon, 16 June 2025
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

Ort: JGU Campus, Atrium maximum & Left Aula (see Campus map and directions - Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

The aptitude test is anonymised. Once we have established your personal details, you will receive a number under which you will take the examination and under which the examination results will be published. The assessors also only know the number, not the names of the applicants. In this way, we aim to make the selection process as neutral and fair as possible.

Knowledge test (general knowledge)

The knowledge test is the first part of the aptitude test. It is carried out as a paper-pencil test. With the knowledge test, we want to find out whether you are up to date with what is happening in the world. After all, if you have a wide range of interests, can quickly access basic knowledge and categorise contexts, you are ideally equipped to be a journalist. You should not 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.

Writing a report

When writing the report, we will present the topic, give advice on how to present the report and provide documents. You have three hours to write the report. Last year, the task was to summarise a debate in the Bundestag.

Writing an opinion article

The opinion article is written on the same topic as the report. We will also give you tips on how to present opinion pieces. You have one hour to write your opinion piece.

Examination

What you need to bring with you:

• Every exam participant must be able to present a valid identity card.
• All texts must be submitted digitally in PDF format. Please bring a notebook that you can use to save and transfer your documents.
• You should bring a storage medium (e.g. USB stick) with you to transfer your texts on site.

If you do not have access to your own notebook, we can provide you with a limited number of devices on request. Please contact us in good time before the exam if you would like to make use of this service.

All applicants who fulfil the formal requirements for the application will receive further information on the 2025 aptitude test by e-mail together with the invitation to the aptitude test at the beginning of June 2025.

As experience shows that invitations are sent out very late (only after the Admissions Office has checked the formalities), we would ask you to do so now: If you know that you are formally suitable and would like to take part in the aptitude test, please organise a train connection / accommodation etc. in good time.

We look forward to receiving your application and wish you every success in the aptitude test!