Master of Science in Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
About this program
Master of Science in Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe
Become an expert in journalism and media in the capital of Europe
The Master of Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe is an academic master that prepares you to become a media and communications professional with a profound strategic and interdisciplinary understanding of journalism and media in a European context. You’ll study changing journalistic business models, journalistic practices in today’s digital age, and the relationship between journalism, politics, lobbying and ideology.
The first semester starts with seminar-based courses on ‘Journalism: trends and technologies’, ‘Journalism, politics and ideology’, and ‘Political economy of journalism in the EU’. In each of these courses you’ll consider journalism and media in Europe from a specific perspective, acquiring a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary understanding. In the second semester, you’ll develop a blueprint for an innovative media project in 'Journalism practice in Europe' and write a critical essay related to our high-profile lecture series ‘Brussels Talking: Europe, media, and society’, for which you’ll also develop an online communication campaign.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements:
If you have a Flemish ‘Bachelor of Science in Communicatiewetenschappen' (VUB or other) degree or a VUB Bachelor of Social Sciences degree you'll be directly admitted to the program.
Admissions after screening
With a different degree, your application will be screened on your academic background, results, motivation, and language skills.You must have an academic bachelor’s degree inCommunication, Sociology, Political Science, Economics or a similar field.
Should you have a different academic background, but preferably still in Humanities, the selection committee may assign an ad hoc preparatory program as a condition of admission. This programme can be combined with the master's program in the same year and typically consists of one or two additional courses to be taken in the first semester. These courses are ‘Introduction to Communication Studies and/or ‘Research Methods for Social Sciences’.
Language requirements:
Proof of English proficiency is compulsory and can be documented by the following certificates (provided by the institution):
- having successfully completed secondary or higher education with English as the sole language of instruction;
- having successfully completed Belgian secondary education;
- A language test: TOEFL IBT (min. 79), IELTS (min. 6.5), ITACE (min. B2) or Cambridge English (min. scale score 170) are accepted.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL iBT® test is accepted by 11,500 universities and higher education institutions in over 160 countries. Book your test today!
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Program content
Mandatory Courses:
- Journalism: Trends and Technologies
- Journalism, Politics and Ideology
- The Political Economy of Journalism in the EU
- Brussels Talking: Europe, Media and Society Lecture Series
- Journalism Practice in Europe
- Master Thesis
Traineeship or elective courses:
- Data, Privacy and Society
- Digital Methods and Innovation
- European Media Markets
- Media, Culture and Globalisation Theories
- Populist and Radical Political Discourses in Europe
- Influence and Lobbying (elective, at ULB)
- European Public Sphere
- Traineeship
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
- EEA students: 1,092 Euro per year
- Non-EEA students: 4,284 Euro per year
Qualification
Master of Science (MSc.) in Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe (60 ECTS).
Continuing studies
Students also can continue their academic careers as a PhD researchers.
Career paths
Our alumni are currently working as journalists and communication and media professionals in Brussels and across Europe and beyond in a variety of sectors and organisations. Positions include: journalists; press officers, communication officials and policy advisors in national, European and international institutions and NGO's; marketing managers and social media strategists; lobbying and advocacy; academic researchers, independent entrepreneurs in the media and communication sector.
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About this institute
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
VUB is a public and modern university located in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Ranked as one of the world’s top universities, it offers a full range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught in English. The University counts over 22,000...
Why study at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
When moving about in Brussels, you hear a lot of different languages. That’s no coincidence, because the city is a melting pot of cultures. With 35% of the population of foreign origin, you can expect a rich cultural environment. Brussels is home to the EU Institutions and several affiliates, NATO HQ, diplomatic representation offices, headquarters for many international companies, NGOs, trade associations, one of the world’s largest press corps, as well as a whole host of international and European schools.
It goes without saying that Brussels offers unique career opportunities. As the home to more than 2,000 international organisations and companies, it offers a wide range of internship possibilities and future career options. Flagship areas include ICT and communication, life tech, finance and law consulting, communications and media agencies, and creative industries.
VUB Education Delivers Strong Individuals, Critical Minds & World Citizens
Interactive and personal
Being a medium-sized university has its advantages. First of all, it allows frequent personal contact between students, professors and teaching assistants. This is part of a real direct contact culture that is well embedded within the university. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to interact with each other through group assignments within the curriculum and through the various extracurricular activities.
Choice and flexibility
VUB offers a full range of programmes taught in English where the key concept is flexibility. A system of majors and minors enables students to plan and personalise their curriculum in a way that best meets their interests.
Guidance and service
It is important to VUB to help students familiarise themselves with university life and to provide good guidance. Educational counsellors and study advisers provide students with personalised study guidance on a range of topics. The International Relations office provides students with information on university life and facilitates their integration by organising cultural, social and sports activities with student associations. They also provide information on administrative aspects regarding living in Belgium.
Contact info
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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