Become an expert in European media in the capital of Europe
The Master of Communication Studies is a one-year academic master's with a focus on Digital Media in Europe. This unique English language programme focuses on the rapidly changing field of media and communication in a European context. The programme takes an original interdisciplinary approach and allows students to concentrate on business, policy and user aspects of digital media.
What do you learn in the master's programme?
How do new media affect our lives as citizens and consumers? How are European businesses impacted? Do they really suffer from the domination of American platform giants like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple? Can policy makers protect our privacy as citizens? How do media and new media affect democratic processes? These are just a few of the questions that we'll tackle in our 4 mandatory (elective) courses.
- Media, Technology & Society: What is the impact of technology on media and society? And what is the impact of society on technology?
- European Platform Policies: How do both national and European policies contribute or fail to contribute to quality of media, diversity, trust, freedom of expression, etc.? We explore the policies that impact Europe’s media and communications sectors in lectures by Prof. Tim Raats and group discussions.
- Critical Issues in Digital Economics: Topics such as innovation and diversity in media, advertising, competition and bottlenecks in new media markets, future networks for new media and net neutrality are part of this course, preparing you to go into strategy departments of media companies, management and interest groups.
- Lecture Series: The Lecture Series - Digital Media in Europe is a prestigious series of lectures and round tables on the role of digital media in the changing European societies. The series covers economic, political, technical, legal and societal aspects of media and their interplay with society. With invited guest speakers from the European media industry, journalism, academia and European institutions, the Lecture Series brings the digital media and the social platform changing reality right into the classroom.
On top of these courses, you’ll also demonstrate your analytical and critical skills or independent problem-solving capacity with academic research. The master's thesis reflects your general critical-reflective mindset or research mentality. You’ll complete the programme by choosing elective courses or the internship (combined with elective courses).
Core teaching staff
The master's is organised by the Department of Communication Studies. All our professors are academic experts in their field, and they draw on their own research in their courses. They are linked to one of the two research units: SMIT (Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology) and ECHO (Research Group on Media, Culture and Politics).
Meet the core team of professors in the Digital Media in Europe master's:
Prof. Luciano Morganti Prof. Marlen Komorowski Prof. Leo Van Audenhove
At the heart of Europe
This Master of Communication Studies gives you the unique opportunity to study in an environment with all European institutions right at hand. The European Union plays a crucial role in media and communication policies. It has tried to foster a single European market in media and services. Through several large programmes, it has stimulated innovation and the emergence of a European Information Society. The European Commission’s current Digital Agenda for Europe sets the framework for the coming years. In this master programme, you will gain an understanding of European policy and policymaking in the fields of media, innovation and the internet.
Nasia Tsimpoura (alumna):
"Starting from my Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, VUB has ignited my passion for critical thinking and effective communication, teaching me the power of words to inspire change. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to learn from some of the brightest minds, collaborate with talented colleagues, and challenge myself to grow both personally and professionally."
The strengths of Communication Studies: Digital Media in Europe
- 3 interlinked perspectives: the user, the market and the policy.
- International experience, thanks to an international student body and location in the heart of Europe.
- Small groups and interactivity maximise the learning and networking outcomes.
After graduation
You’ll be armed with the necessary skills and competences and the right mindset to perfectly function in a rapidly changing and demanding media job market. A variety of career opportunities await you. Your options? A role in a media company or in the innovation and strategy departments of diverse industrial sectors. Communication officer or policy advisor in a national, European or international institution or NGO. A marketing manager or social media strategist. Lobbying or advocacy. Academic researcher or independent entrepreneur in the media or communication sector. Or, of course, a journalist or press officer.
Is this programme for you?
A better idea of the programme?
Would you like to know more about this VUB programme? Take part in our (online) study choice activities. Leaf through our brochure, ask questions to our professors in an online information session, or read our alumni testimonials.