MA in Journalism University of Groningen

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 program 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 also take a second research seminar or complete an internship with a news organization.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• Hands-on-training in small groups
• State-of-the-art newsroom facilities
• Aims to develop a multimedia mindset
• A unique combination of practical skills and academic reflection

Students have access to professional facilities for their news productions, such as an exclusive newsroom with an instruction area, powerful workstations, radio and television studios, edit rooms, and recording equipment. The program has an excellent relationship with employers and internship providers. The department is proud of its longstanding collaboration with Dutch public broadcaster NOS in both education and academic research and has affiliated with universities in Sheffield and Cardiff (UK).

Year 1

The first two semesters show a parallel schedule of courses in journalism skills and in journalism studies.

Courses

• Journalism Skills I (5 EC)
• Journalism Studies 1: Theory (5 EC)
• Journalism Skills II (5 EC)
• Journalism Skills III (5 EC)
• Journalism Studies 2: Methodology (5 EC)
• Theoretical Specialization: Global Journalism (5 EC, optional)
• Theoretical Specialization: Journalism and Political Culture (5 EC, optional)
• Business and Ethics (5 EC)
• Journalism Skills IV (5 EC)
• Journalism Skills V (10 EC)
• Research Seminar I (10 EC, optional)
• Research Seminar II (10 EC, optional)

Year 2

The third and last semester is for writing the Master's thesis and taking either a second research seminar in Journalism Studies or an internship with a news organization.

Courses

• Master's Thesis (20 EC)
• Internship (10 EC, optional)

Curriculum

The 90 ECTS curriculum is 55% academic theory and 45% journalism skills. The academic theory courses include theoretical specializations such as Journalism and Political Culture, and Global Journalism, research seminars looking at topics such as News and Audiences, and of course a Master's Thesis. The journalism skills courses include topics like international reporting, feature writing, television, online journalism, and live radio. A two-month internship with a news organization is optional.

Program options

• Optional courses (specialization)
• Master's Honours Programme (honors program)
• Master's placement (specialization)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional
• Maximum of 10 EC

It is allowed to take an internship abroad. However, there is no possibility to do an exchange abroad.

Job prospects

The English-taught Master's track offers 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

• Reporter
• Editor
• Academic researcher
• Journalist
• PR professional
• Policy advisor