Although popular music and media have had a decisive influence on the cultural history of the 20th and 21st centuries, their academic research has long been neglected in German-speaking countries. While specialised study programmes and research approaches have emerged internationally since the 1980s, pop music culture research in Germany continues to face major challenges. There are still only a few programmes that take an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to pop culture in all its facets - from performance, studio work and events to media, fan cultures and artistic practices.
This is where the unique Bachelor's and Master's degree programme "Popular Music and Media" comes in, which has been building a bridge between academic research and practical application for over 20 years. Students acquire in-depth knowledge in the fields of pop, music, media, business and culture and at the same time gain practical experience in the music and media world - for example through artist coaching, excursions, self-organised festivals or co-teaching on topics such as sustainability, gender, A.I. or journalism. The aim is to train reflective practitioners and practical theorists who can critically analyse, apply and shape music and media cultures, from songs and stars to technologies, games and films, and thus position themselves academically and professionally in a targeted manner.