After graduation
A master's degree in Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe opens doors to many positions in a wide range of sectors in Brussels, Europe and beyond. 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.
A wide variety of job opportunities
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 NGOs; marketing managers and social media strategists; lobbying and advocacy; academic researchers, and independent entrepreneurs in the media and communication sector.
Throughout the master's year, and especially through your traineeship and/or thesis research, you will develop your own international network. Because of the inherently international group of students in the master's, you will make international friends for life.
Through our Facebook page we share relevant job openings, traineeship positions and interesting events for our current students as well as alumni. You can already follow the Facebook page to see what is happening in the master.
Job opportunities at VUB
You can build an exciting and meaningful career as a communication scientist or a specialist in journalism and media here at your alma mater. As a large organisation, we look for very diverse profiles.
Alumni testimonials
Anna Luo
“The Journalism & Media in Europe programme is a well-curated one-year programme that equips students with a critical lens to approach journalism and media in this rapidly developing era. With a range of courses led by passionate and engaging professors, the content of the programme not only offers fascinating theory but also engages with current issues that are nicely connected to the university’s international atmosphere in Brussels. I especially appreciated the diverse cohort that I was a part of, and the discussions in class offered rich insight into journalistic contexts in Europe and beyond. This programme is a rewarding endeavour and has provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience.”
Anna is currently a PhD Student at VUB, Department ECHO
Tim Kohnen
“The JME programme has profoundly changed my view of journalism as a profession and the (European) news industry as a whole. The courses offered in this programme helped me to better understand the many aspects of journalism, such as how journalism and politics affect each other, how the political economy of journalism works and which practices and technologies currently dominate and transform the industry. What is special about this programme’s approach is that it takes into account the regional and cultural differences of journalism throughout Europe, and on several occasions beyond that as well. The fact that many of my fellow students, including myself, came from abroad, gave great value to the discussions during classes and the insight I gained about journalism and the media in other parts of Europe and the world. The knowledge I gained from these interactions and experiences has been very valuable to me in my professional career so far, where I interact with journalists from different countries every day. Whether you are an aspiring journalist or academic researcher with a passion for journalism, the JME programme is a great opportunity that prepares you very well for your career in those fields.”
Tim is currently working as an Editorial Office Executive at the European Newsroom (enr) and volunteering Leading Editor for European Affairs at The European Correspondent.
Marisa Oschmann
"What really sets the Journalism & Media in Europe programme apart, are the small class sizes. This way it was possible to actively participate and interact with the other students. We were a very diverse group with people coming from all over the world, but I thought it was especially enriching that not everybody had an academic background in Communication Studies. This way, the issues we talked about in class were highlighted from many different perspectives and we had lots of lively discussions. All of this was led by competent professors, who are all very passionate about the issues they teach. Moreover, the courses throughout the year are multifaceted and all take a different approach to the world of media and journalism and we often discussed current issues. In this one year, I was able to get a good insight into the different ways of thinking and dealing with current trends in the industry and I was handed the tools I will need in my professional career. But also from a personal point of view, I am sure that I will live on this experience for a long time!"
Giacomo Toffano
“The Journalism & Media in Europe master's was an incredible opportunity to discover current developments in communication research: learning to stay with the trouble of the media and journalism environment, with a critical focus on social-political phenomena. The programme includes passionate lecturers, and teachers who are willing to stimulate analytical reflection considering forefront trends in media reporting and news writing. With a bird's eye view on contemporary media scholars, exploring original theories along with long-standing pioneers of the discipline, the course equips you with appropriate intellectual tools and concepts to make sense of the ever-evolving journalism environment.”
Giacomo is currently a PhD Student at VUB, Department ECHO
Arlind Cara
During this academic experience, personally, I learned, interacted, engaged, and grew a lot. Being part of this programme was a life-changing experience for me and my student mates from all corners of the world. The Journalism & Media in Europe programme sets a good example in helping international students to get adapted to a new challenging and multicultural environment such as Brussels. Our university, together with our dedicated and open-minded professors provides a good stimulating atmosphere for students to develop their scientific and intellectual capacities.
Arlind is currently working as a Project Coordinator at VUB
Axelle Asmar
The Journalism & Media in Europe programme was for me first of all passionate and international lecturers, and professors on top of their respective disciplines sharing their insight into the journalistic field while at the same time giving their students spaces to explore new ways of thinking. I particularly appreciated the focus of the programme on opening discussions on topics that ranged from online journalism and democracy to media discourses and representations of diversity. This programme has also provided me with resources, opportunities and skills that extended beyond the limits of the classroom. More than that, the programme was an amazing international experience; this master's being an international programme, I got to meet such a diverse group of students with different academic and educational backgrounds coming from Europe and beyond.
Axelle is currently working as a researcher at VUB's research department SMIT
Further study
Keen to continue your academic career? Excellent students can apply for a PhD position at VUB! All you need is a promoter, a research subject and sufficient funding. Are you up for the challenge? Or look into our Postgraduates and Microcredentials, short programmes that might meet your interest.
Join our community of former students
Upon graduation from VUB, you become part of a unique network of 75,000 former students (known as alumni) who are ready to build a better future. We exchange as many experiences, ideas and other forms of knowledge as possible to stand stronger together in our jobs, our lives and the world outside.
So, besides strengthening your position in the labour market, a VUB diploma gives you a network you can build on to realise your professional ambitions and make a difference in the world. Do you need more reasons? We list more below for you.
... it's worth it!
- Benefits on and off campus - A BasicFit annual subscription at half the price, student rates in the Resto... : being a former student pays off with a digital alumni pass.
- Help with job applications - It is sometimes hard for young alumni to find their way on the labour market. We help you get off to a flying start.
- Networking - Join your faculty or study-programme alumni association and keep up to date with the latest networking events and developments in your field.
- Career inspiration - Are you looking for a job that matches your passions? Read the career stories and tips of former students and discover the possibilities per diploma.
- Our continuing education - Society and the labour market are constantly on the move. Our continuing education courses keep your knowledge and skills relevant. For a lifetime.