The M.A. in Communication and Journalism has an annual intake of up to 20 graduates. The program provides an introduction to media theory and practice according to the European standards set by the Bologna Process. The M.A. is taught in German and Russian and takes four semesters. The first two semesters are spent at the Faculty of Journalism at the Lomonosov Moscow State University, followed by a third semester at Berlin's International Center for Journalism. The master's thesis is written during the fourth semester in Moscow. Internships in Russian and German editorial offices, news agencies, and press offices form one main plank in the program, with the respective universities supporting students in locating internship places in their cities. There is also an exchange of academic staff, with Freie Universität lecturers teaching and giving seminars during the Moscow part of the program and Lomonosov Moscow State University sending staff to teach on the program in Berlin.

The M.A. program is funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the Robert Bosch Foundation. In launching this M.A. program, both universities are playing their part in fulfilling the German-Russian agreement on collaboration in science and research, and the friendship and cooperation agreement between Berlin and Moscow. MSU and Freie Universität have had a partnership agreement since 1999.

The International Center for Journalism at Freie Universität has previously been running a scholarship program for young journalists from the CIS states to attend a one-semester course. This program has already attracted 200 media practitioners to Berlin.