Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master's track in Journalism at the University of Groningen is an internationally oriented program that trains students to become journalists with in-depth academic knowledge in the field of Journalism Studies. The program is presented by journalism researchers and experienced journalists, offering a solid foundation in the skills needed to succeed in journalism today.

Program Structure

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 take academic courses and practice journalism skills. During the third and last semester, students work on their master's thesis, either completing an internship with a news organization or choosing to work on an extended thesis.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MA in Media Studies
• Course type: Master
• Duration: 18 months (90 EC)
• Croho code: 60831
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September
• Faculty: Arts

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

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

Program Details

The program has an excellent relation with employers and internship providers, including a longstanding collaboration with Dutch public broadcaster NOS in both education and academic research. Students have access to professional facilities for their news productions, such as an exclusive newsroom with instruction area, powerful workstations, a radio and television studio, edit rooms, and recording equipment.

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, video, online journalism, and live radio. A two-month internship with a news organization is optional.

Study Load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average, with a lot of contact hours for practical courses.

Entry Requirements

• Previous education: 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.
• Grade list: An official overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Entry test: Candidates must take a selection test, consisting of a scientific essay assignment and an assignment on current affairs and newsworthiness.
• Language test: 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 all components), 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.
• Motivation letter: In your motivation letter, you explain why you want to pursue a career in journalism, what previous experience in journalism you have, what you expect from the programme, and why you are the right student for this track.

Registration Procedure

Selection Procedure

The maximum of 60 participants per year applies to the Dutch-taught track Journalistiek and the English-taught track Journalism combined.

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 01 May 2026
• Start course: 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 19200 (non-EU/EEA)
• Programme form: full-time

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.

Research

Our Journalism Studies staff implements diverse research projects in the field of Journalism Studies, sometimes collaborating with universities such as Sheffield and Cardiff. During the Master's track, you will learn about the staff's projects, for example, during the research seminars. You will acquire knowledge of theories and methodologies and learn to apply this in your own research projects, for example, with your master's thesis.

Study Associations

• Max. L. Snijders: A study association for students taking a Master's track in Journalism at the University of Groningen.
• MESA: The study association of the bachelor and master programs of Media Studies.

Student Profile

This track is cut out for students that:

• are interested in theory and Journalism Studies
• have a wide range of interests in journalism and to contribute to the improvement of journalism
• have a flair for language
• don't give up easily and are willing to work hard
• can handle stress and strict deadlines
• can't get enough of the latest news
• are very curious about people and the world

Study Support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor who knows all the ins and outs of the program and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial, and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.