Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree Subject)To do Something With Media
Media change the way people perceive, generate knowledge and communicate. Understanding this requires a broad education and research into the functioning and social impact of media.
The profile of media studies in Basel is very well suited to this and is unique in Switzerland. It teaches a media science that draws on the theory and history of media to enable students to independently analyze, produce and critically receive media content. The aim of the media studies course is to provide orientation in rapidly changing media environments and the ability to classify these historically and culturally. Accordingly, the degree program teaches media skills in order to intervene in and help shape aesthetic, cultural, political and economic debates about media. The subject area ranges from the earliest forms of images, writing and numbers to book printing, photography, film, television, radio, music and sound through to digital media networks and computer code. Media studies examines the dynamics of these developments right up to our digital present. It analyzes the use of media and the material character of analog and digital media and examines the media conditions and possibilities of our thinking, perception and actions.
Focal areas of teaching and research
Media are studied in relation to basic cultural techniques (from reading, writing and arithmetic to programming, sharing and streaming) and in their functions of storing, transmitting and processing data and information. Accordingly, media studies is interested in
- the history of media, information and knowledge
- the analysis and criticism of media in the digital age
- the interrelationships between culture and technology
- the media and media technology conditions and institutions of societies
- the transformation of sensory experience and perception through media
- the aesthetics of media representations.
The Bachelor's degree subject teaches social, ecological and aesthetic as well as political aspects and implications of old and new media and their infrastructures. It is divided into the following modules: Introduction to Media Studies and Academic Work, Cultural Techniques, Media of the Digital, Aesthetics and Criticism, Theoretical Perspectives, Media Infrastructures, Media Ecologies.
Short profile
| Degree | BA in Media Studies |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 180 |
| Study structure | The Bachelor's degree is the first degree before the Master's degree. It comprises a total of 180 credit points (CP). Media Studies is studied as one of two subjects, each worth 75 CP. In addition, there is the free elective area (30 CP). One credit point (CP) ECTS corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | In addition to subjects from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, a non-faculty subject is also possible as a second Bachelor's subject. The free elective area is freely available to all students. It is generally used to acquire general skills (foreign languages, IT, rhetoric, etc.), for interdisciplinary learning (non-subject or interdisciplinary courses), to further deepen your own subject studies or to acquire a certificate. |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Subject area | Media Studies |
Bachelor’s admission requirements
The Student Administration Office at the University of Basel is responsible for admitting students to bachelor’s programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This is based on the admission regulations of the President’s Office:
- with Swiss educational qualifications,
- foreign educational qualifications, or
- as a visiting student (not working toward a degree at the University of Basel)
Holders of a Swiss federal Maturität certificate will be admitted to all bachelor’s degree programs.
If you have any further questions, please consult the information provided here.
Registration dates
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
Information events
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
Deadlines and dates for the Bachelor's studies
Students who have earned 60 CP in the subject to be examined or 120 CP in the degree program and have completed the seminar papers that count towards the degree in the subject to be examined or in the degree program may register for the Bachelor's examination. Proof is provided by submitting the module assignment.
Only one subject per session can now be examined. This means that the two Bachelor's examinations can be spread over two sessions (note: only for subjects - it is not possible to separate the two examinations for degree programs).
BA examinations: Due to the free availability of AI text generators (such as ChatGPT), the Faculty of Phil.-Hist. has decided to adapt the way in which the BA examination is conducted. This adjustment is intended to ensure that students are able to do their own work. From spring semester 2023, the BA examinations will once again be written in the university rooms under supervision. These will be digital "bring-your-own-device" examinations. The examination dates remain unchanged.
Please note the updated information sheet on the procedure for BA examinations and the new registration form (subject, degree program). If you have any questions, please contact the Student Administration.
Examinations & graduation
Further Master's studies
Career opportunities
The skills acquired during the course enable students to work in an analytical, advisory, communicative, creative and organizational capacity in the media, in the cultural sector and in companies. The focus here is on media agencies, journalism (print media, radio, TV and digital formats), cultural institutions (e.g. museums, theaters, cinemas, festivals), foundations, advertising and corporate communications as well as support and advice in the application of artificial intelligence.
Student advisory service
Teaching commission
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