English-taught Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies starts September at University of Groningen

The new Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies starts in September at the University of Groningen. Central to this three-year programme taught exclusively in English is the – changing – role of media in digital societies. This timely programme will prepare students for the job market of the 21^st century. They will work in various media-related positions, some of which may not even exist today.

Media are at the heart of contemporary life. From social media to print, from websites to television, from search engines to apps: our understanding of the world is shaped by media. They have a major impact not only on how we communicate with one another, but also on how societies are organized: culturally, politically and economically.

Professor of Journalism Studies and Media, Marcel Broersma, says the new Bachelor in Groningen has a specific focus on the informative and social function of media. ‘The perspective of similar programmes in the Netherlands or abroad is more often grounded in popular culture, film and television studies, arts or languages. Our Bachelor offers a unique perspective by studying media in their cultural, international, historical, economic and political contexts.’ The programme has a professional side as well. ‘The theory courses will link to current developments, to media consumption and production. And students get hands-on experience, for example by analysing media use in a Social Lab’.

By taking courses such as media use and production, media industries and platforms, and audiovisual and digital culture students will be trained to work in media-related positions, in which a combination of practical, conceptual and strategic thinking really counts. Students will be able to target jobs in social media strategy, digital product management, policy advice, webtv production, communication or e-marketing, amongst others. Another option is to continue with a Master’s programme, for example with Media Studies in Groningen or a Master elsewhere in the Netherlands or abroad.

The Bachelor will start in September with a complete programme. The University’s Open Day on Saturday April 11 offers them the opportunity to acquire detailed information about the new degree and its content. Broersma adds, ‘We expect a lot of interest, both from Dutch and international students, in the years to come.’ The future-oriented character of this BA should make Media Studies one of the defining programmes of the Faculty of Arts.

More information

• Marcel Broersma
• Website Media Studies