Media Studies - Journalism
Are you passionate about news and do you want to report and analyze current affairs? Do you want to know why journalism is transforming so quickly nowadays?
This internationally oriented programme trains students from diverse parts of the world to become journalists, with in-depth academic knowledge in the field of Journalism Studies presented by journalism researchers and intensive training by experienced journalists, offering a solid foundation in the skills that are needed to succeed in journalism today.
Theoretical Journalism Studies courses enable students to reflect on the nature of journalism as a profession and stimulate critical thinking about the future of news reporting. You will study how journalism culture and developments in globalization, citizenship, politics and digital journalism interrelate, while learning how to apply appropriate research methods and theories in empirical academic research focused on understanding the field of journalism.
The English-taught Master's track in Journalism takes a year and a half and has a study load of 90 ECTS. In the first two semesters, students will take academic courses and practice journalism skills. During the third and last semester students work on their master's thesis. They either complete an internship with a news organization or choose to work on an extended thesis.
Additional English language requirement (also for students wishing to pursue a premaster programme): a Dutch VWO diploma or Dutch VWO English certificate (grade 6 or higher), minimum TOEFL requirement iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 for writing skills), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 for all components) or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185. If you have a Dutch VWO degree, you do not need to submit a language test.
Admission is possible with all Bachelor's degrees from recognized research universities.
Candidates must have obtained at least 30 ECTS in the Journalism minor or the Media Studies minor from the University of Groningen, or comparable subjects from another university. Extensive experience in journalism may also count as 'previous education', to be determined by the admissions committee.
Candidates must take a selection test (you will receive this test after applying in the admission procedure via https://www.rug.nl/(...)ication-mediastudies, consisting of a scientific essay assignment and an assignment on current affairs and newsworthiness. The selection procedure closes 1 May.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
Job prospects
After graduation you can pursue a career in journalism. You can work as a reporter or an editor in a newsroom, using different kinds of media, such as print, radio, television and online. In addition, you can become a media or journalism researcher at a university or with a private research institute. Positions in public relations or communication are also possibilities.
The English-taught Master's track offers an excellent preparation for the job market. Most alumni work in journalism, self-employed or on a contract with a news organization. Others work in communication and public relations, mostly for non-profit or (semi) government organizations. Jobs in policy development and management, education and academic research are quite common as well.
Job examples
- Journalist
- PR professional
- Policy advisor
- Reporter
- Editor
- Academic researcher
