Master's
degree
Winter and summer semesters
4 semesters
Special conditions
Giessen
Semester fee
They combine technology with pedagogy, media with content, and use text, images, and sound as their tools. In an increasingly complex world, they ensure that technical processes become comprehensible. With us, you will receive comprehensive training in communicating technical content clearly – whether in companies, institutions, editorial offices, or public relations. You will learn how to handle information of all kinds – from user manuals and animated and explainer videos to interactive learning content on desktop and mobile devices.
If you enjoy delving into complex topics, have a technical interest, and are also creative, then this Master's program offers you the ideal foundation for a career in the media industry. No prior relevant knowledge is required, and career changers are expressly welcome. You can effectively apply the knowledge gained from your previous studies in modules covering topics such as language, videography, audio, technology, and editorial systems.
We are the only Master's program in Hesse that combines multimedia training with technical writing content. 95% of our alumni successfully launch their careers immediately after graduation.
The degree program is closely linked to practical application. Companies in the industry regularly confirm the high demand for qualified specialists.
“As Product Manager CCMS at gds, I see every day how urgently we need qualified specialists in technical communication. Graduates of the trmd program bring precisely the knowledge and practical experience that drive our industry forward.
The program is absolutely relevant – now more than ever.”
Tobias Kreimann, Product Manager ECMS at gds GmbH.
More testimonials from the field →
Studies
Study content
The focus of our studies is on professional work with images, video, and audio, as well as target group-oriented and media-appropriate text production. You will learn how to use common video, image editing, and audio editing programs, as well as desktop publishing tools and editorial systems.

Practical learning
Interaction and active participation are paramount in our programs. In our seminars, you can actively participate, discuss topics, and directly implement your ideas. This hands-on learning approach offers you the opportunity to develop your skills and gain valuable experience for your future career.
State-of-the-art technology
Our degree program offers you state-of-the-art technical equipment to explore your creativity and versatility. From day one, we train you to master our highly mobile film equipment as well as our sound and photo studio. Whether at the microphone, in front of or behind the camera, at the editing suite or the mixing console – discover your strengths and interests and set your own priorities in media production.
Exciting projects through collaborations
In addition, we offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience in projects with the Hessian Film and Media Academy (hFMA) and in collaborations with companies. Here you can contribute your ideas and make valuable contacts for the future.
Study program
The following is a list of the courses offered in the degree program. The numbers indicate your weekly contact hours (SWS) or the credit points (CrP) you will receive for successful participation in the course.
1
| MODULE | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to the field of technical writing | 2 | 2 |
| Fundamentals of technical communication – focus on technology | 4 | 4 |
| Fundamentals of technical communication – focus on communication | 2 | 2 |
| Information acquisition and leadership skills | 2 | 2 |
| Journalistic text forms/Technical journalism | 2 | 2 |
| Introduction to Applied Linguistics | 4 | 4 |
| Theory and application areas of audiovisual media | 6 | 8 |
| Documentation management and editorial systems | 3 | 6 |
| TOTAL 1ST SEMESTER | 25 | 30 |
2
| MODULE | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| Image editing and video editing | 2 | 4 |
|
Choice of 2 modules out of 3 Special aspects of image and sound 1, infographic Special aspects of image and sound 2, animation Special aspects of image and sound 3, digital object photography |
3 3 3 |
4 4 4 |
| XML-based editorial systems | 3 | 4 |
| Instructional films and video tutorials | 6 | 8 |
| Marketing and Technical Writing (in the summer semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Project management, controlling, cost accounting (in the winter semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Press and copyright law, data protection law (in the winter semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Standards and guidelines, product liability (in the summer semester) | (2) | (3) |
| TOTAL 2ND SEMESTER | 21 | 30 |
3
| MODULE | SWS | CrP |
|---|---|---|
| E-learning: Conception, creation and implementation | 2 | 4 |
|
Choice of 2 modules out of 3 Special aspects of texts 1, texts for the internet and mobile media Special Aspects of Texts 2, Texts for the Spoken Word Special Aspects of Texting 3: Texts for Advertising and Presentation |
3 3 3 |
4 4 4 |
| Structured and modular information products | 3 | 4 |
| Digital specialist communication information products | 6 | 8 |
| Marketing and Technical Writing (in the summer semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Project management, controlling, cost accounting (in the winter semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Press and copyright law, data protection law (in the winter semester) | (2) | (3) |
| Standards and guidelines, product liability (in the summer semester) | (2) | (3) |
| TOTAL 3RD SEMESTER | 21 | 30 |
The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.
Career prospects
Perspectives
Every year, far more technical writers are sought nationwide than are trained at universities. This gives you excellent job prospects – especially since rapid technological Further are leading to an ever-increasing need for explanations of technical issues. 95 percent of our graduates enter the workforce directly, applying their skills in technical writing, product development, technical journalism, marketing, or even research and teaching.
User reviews
Alumni
Katharina Gerung studied technical writing and multimedia documentation and is now a marketing manager at Leitz-Park Marketing GmbH. In this role, she is responsible for communications for the Leica World in Wetzlar.
What I learned at trmd still helps me today to develop creatively in my profession.
The practice-oriented Trmd program provided the perfect foundation for my entry into corporate communications. I was particularly impressed by the strong practical focus: through numerous projects, I was not only able to deepen my knowledge but also build a diverse portfolio showcasing my skills in text, image, and design. This portfolio significantly facilitated my entry into the professional world.
Working with layout, documentation, and image editing software was something I particularly enjoyed during my studies and is now a central part of my work. My knowledge of photography and film production, which I acquired during my studies, is also regularly applied in my professional life.
What is particularly important to me: I still have contact with my classmates. This network means a great deal to me, both professionally and personally.
Flora Balestra studied technical writing and multimedia documentation and is now Head of the Rovema Academy and thus head of the training department at the packaging machine manufacturer of the same name.
Studying at trmd has opened many doors for me!
At Rovema, I head the academy, where we develop programs that empower both our customers and our employees to make the most of our company's processes and machine solutions. During my time at trmd, I learned to present complex content clearly and in a structured manner – a skill that plays a key role in my current position.
One of the biggest challenges is designing learning modules that are simultaneously clear, concise, and engaging. This requires considering the needs of diverse target groups: customers often want practical and easily understandable content, while internal employees expect in-depth technical background information. Finding this balance is a major challenge and an ongoing learning process, not only during studies but also later in one's career.
Another exciting task is communication between the various departments – from engineering and sales to product development. My university studies consistently help me in moderating discussions so that everyone involved pursues the same goals and can collaborate effectively.
Foreign reports
Samantha Steinhauer completed a semester abroad in Turkey at Ege University in Izmir during the winter semester of 2022/2023. As part of her trmd studies, she opted for an Erasmus+ experience that had a lasting impact on her both academically and personally, and which she describes here.
Kolay gelsin! (Turkish for "May it for you ")
From my very first semester, I had the desire to study abroad for a while. The decision to do a semester abroad had therefore been made long ago. However, due to the pandemic, I only decided to do so after completing all my trmd courses and before starting my master's thesis. I would make this decision again in a heartbeat, as I was already familiar with my course content and was able to delve deeper into it at Ege University.
Why Turkey?
Spending a winter semester in a warm, sunny country was an enticing prospect. But my passion for Turkish culture, the delicious food, and my desire to improve my Turkish language skills also played a significant role. This allowed me to make the most of my semester abroad.
My experiences at Ege University in Izmir
Ege University has a huge campus which, despite its size, is completely fenced in. There are security checks at every entrance, so only students and faculty have access – which I found very impressive.
As one of the few Master's students in the entire Erasmus program, I had only one other classmate with whom I attended classes at the Center for Media Application and Research. The instructors seemed particularly keen to ensure that we international students had a rewarding stay. For example, we went on excursions to the university's own radio studio, "Radyo Ege," and visited the in-house television studio. The content from my trmd studies ideally prepared me for these practical experiences.
A pleasant surprise was that a doctoral student gave us the opportunity to participate in a symposium. Each of us chose our own research topic, which we then developed and presented. This experience went far beyond what I had hoped for and imagined as a learning objective in the academic sense.
Leisure and life in Izmir
During my semester abroad, I lived alone in a two-room apartment, which was financially feasible thanks to the Euro-Lira exchange rate. Living in a student residence wasn't an option for me because of the three-bed rooms. Throughout my time abroad, the Erasmus group at Ege University provided excellent support. Even before the semester began, we received valuable information in video tutorials, such as how to use public transportation in Izmir. A WhatsApp group was used to regularly organize activities, which helped me make friends quickly. These friendships are now so strong that we're still in regular contact even after my semester abroad.
Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made, both academically and personally. I not only learned a lot about myself, but also about cultural differences and international friendships.
Ultimately, my semester abroad far exceeded my expectations. It was an experience that went far beyond purely academic learning. The encounter with Turkish culture and language was particularly formative, constantly opening up new perspectives for me. One example is the greeting "Kolay gelsin" ("May it for you "), which is frequently said in Turkey when you see someone at work—whether a baker, dentist, or teacher. This greeting expresses appreciation for the person's work, regardless of whether you know them or not. Thus, by learning the language, I not only expanded my foreign language skills but also developed a deeper understanding of another culture. I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend this experience, gained through my studies at trmd, to everyone.
Theresia Kiesel completed an ERASMUS semester abroad in Estonia at Tallinn University of Technology (TUT) during the winter semester of 2016/2017 as part of her TRMD studies.
Estonia's parliament is elected online, and they invented Skype!
At that point, I had already completed all the TRMD courses and used the semester to gain additional foundational knowledge in computer science. When I went through the list of partner universities, Estonia immediately caught my eye, as I had heard that the country was well-positioned in the field of information technology. Upon researching this further, I discovered, for example, that Estonian parliament elections are held online and that Skype was invented there.
The fact that I had never been to a Baltic country before reinforced my decision to apply to Estonia. The process went smoothly, and so I flew to Tallinn at the end of August 2016.
I lived in a hostel for exchange students, which I really enjoyed because it allowed me to meet many other exchange students. I spent a lot of time with them, exploring Tallinn and taking many trips. During my semester abroad, I visited the following places: Tartu, an Estonian national park, the two largest Estonian islands, Riga, Vilnius, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Lapland, Stockholm, and Oslo.
I took these trips on weekends and attended five courses at TUT during the week: Programming I, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Information Technology, Estonian Language and Culture, and Russian for Beginners. All the courses were taught in English, and thanks to the orientation days at the beginning, I had no problems at TUT. I enjoyed all the courses very much, even though the structure was somewhat different from what I was used to in Germany. For example, I had midterm exams in almost all subjects and had various assessments throughout the semester that counted towards my final grade.
I used my weekdays to explore Tallinn. There was so much to see there; I strolled through the beautiful Old Town again and again, visited the trendy Telviskivi district, the Kalamaja district, and the Rotermanni district. I also frequently went to the beach in Pirita and visited the old City Hall, the Linnahall. In addition, I visited several museums, such as the Tallinn History Museum and the Seaplane Harbour Museum. And I can highly recommend all the restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Old Town!
I've never regretted my decision to do a semester abroad, even though it extended my studies by a semester. Besides learning the fundamentals of computer science, I also gained a lot of intercultural experience, both through my travels and my international roommates at the hostel. Estonia was perfect for that!
Topics from the study program
Student projects
On this page, we present a rotating selection of student projects. Numerous other student film productions can be viewed on the YouTube channel . The project work undertaken during the course of study goes beyond simply depicting technical processes and can encompass challenges from social, cultural, or societal fields, as will become clear below.
The 35mm camera – a revolution in photography
A film by Niklas Friedrich, Daniela Müller, Felix Schulz, Maryna Stoliar.
AWO Giessen : Helping people out of homelessness through a support network
A film by Hazal Datli, Jan-Erik Koob, Kirstin Mehling and Larissa Remlinger.
Stop Motion
A film by Martina Fernandez, Moritz Leander, Gerrit Priester and Olaf Wollny.
Voices from the field
Stefan ZINDEL,
Managing Director of Zindel AG
: “As CEO of ZINDEL AG, I would like to emphasize that we, as a medium-sized company, are particularly dependent on recruiting graduates from your degree program. In our field, the demand for highly qualified employees is already significantly higher than the supply of skilled workers. We would be happy to support you by offering student trainee positions, internships, topics for master's theses, practical presentations as part of your courses, or excursions to our technical writing department.”
Martin Schlicksupp,
Managing Director of commatec GmbH & Co. KG:
“Anyone who is supposed to explain technology must understand technology and be able to communicate effectively. The professional use of language is just one of many qualifications. Others include didactics, mastery of diverse tools such as photography, video and audio technology, and proficiency in editorial and content management systems. These are a multitude of skills and abilities that are needed in business. They ensure compliance with legal requirements for product documentation and create a competitive advantage. That's why we need Degree Courses like trmd at THM, where these qualifications are taught in a practical way.”
Tobias Kreimann,
Product Manager ECMS at gds GmbH
: “As Product Manager CCMS at gds, I see every day how urgently we need qualified specialists in technical communication. Graduates of the trmd degree program bring precisely the knowledge and practical experience that drive our industry forward. The degree program is absolutely relevant – now more than ever.”
Siegfried Klingelhöfer,
Editor-in-Chief of Mittelhessische Druck- und Verlagshaus GmbH & Co. KG:
“The Technical Writing and Multimedia Documentation degree program is a great asset for employers in the region. Students acquire an interdisciplinary education that combines technical understanding, communication skills, and analytical thinking. All of this is taught with a strong practical focus, ensuring a smooth transition into professional life. In a working world increasingly shaped by digitalization and AI, the need is growing for employees who can present complex issues clearly and effectively and act as intermediaries between different departments and areas of responsibility. TRMD graduates possess precisely these skills.
Our publishing house, Mittelhessische Druck- und Verlagshaus GmbH & Co. KG, has already benefited. One of the participants in the seminar “Journalistic Text Types,” which I teach as a guest lecturer, has been working as an editor at our publishing house for some time now. His skills, acquired through the diverse and practical THMdegree program, noticeably improve the quality of our products.”
Application and enrolment
Application
Degree awarded, standard period of study , accreditation, study formats, main language of instruction , study location, costs |
Master (MA) 4 semesters ACQUIN Bayreuth Full-time study German Giessen Semester fee |
| Requirements | Admission to the Master's program in Technical Writing and Multimedia Documentation (TRMD) requires a completed undergraduate degree (at least a Bachelor's) with a final grade of 2.5 or better. TRMD students come from a wide range of disciplines, including technical and scientific fields, humanities, social sciences, arts, and related fields. We value this interdisciplinary makeup and are aware that your areas of expertise may vary considerably. Therefore, in the first semester, we will bring you all up to a common standard in the areas of technology and communication. If you have any questions about admission requirements or the application process, please contact the program coordinator. |
| Start of studies | Winter and summer semesters |
| Application period |
June 1 to September 1 (winter semester) |
| Application period for international students |
from April 1st to July 15th (winter semester) and from October 1st to January 15th (summer semester) uni-assist |
Application |
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