| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-02-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Pre-Master's Programme
The pre-master's programme is a transfer and bridging programme designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful participation in the master's programme in Communication Science. This programme is intended for students who cannot be directly admitted to the master's programme, including those with a higher professional education (HBO) or university education bachelor's degree.
Start Date
The pre-master's programme has two terms of enrolment, allowing students to start in either the first semester (September) or the second semester (February). Upon completing the pre-master's programme, students can directly enter the master's programme, which also has starting dates in September and February.
Programme Structure
The half-year, English-taught pre-master's programme is offered on a full-time basis, with lectures and classes typically scheduled on three or four days per week. The programme is divided into two blocks per semester, each consisting of seven lecture weeks, followed by a week with minimal lectures, and concluding with two weeks of examinations. The full pre-master's programme comprises 30 European Credits (EC), with a nominal study load of 15 EC per block.
Programme Courses
The pre-master's programme includes four compulsory courses:
- Research methodology and descriptive statistics (5 EC)
- Inferential statistics (5 EC)
- Communication science pre-master COM (4 EC)
- Academic research project pre-master COM (16 EC)
The programme's structure is as follows:
| Semester | Block | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Sept-Jan) | 1A | Research methodology and descriptive statistics, Communication science pre-master COM |
| 1 (Sept-Jan) | 1B | Inferential statistics, Academic research project pre-master COM |
| 2 (Feb-July) | 2A | Research methodology and descriptive statistics, Communication science pre-master COM |
| 2 (Feb-July) | 2B | Inferential statistics, Academic research project pre-master COM |
Language
The pre-master's programme, including all literature, is taught in English.
Admission
Admission to the pre-master's programme depends on the student's previous education. The programme is designed for students with the motivation and capacities to obtain an academic degree from an English-taught Master's programme in Communication Science. Eligibility is assessed based on the student's bachelor's programme, and transfer minor students must have obtained all study credits from the first and second year of their HBO programme.
Rules of the Pre-Master's Programme
Two key rules apply to the pre-master's programme:
- Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the pre-master's programme within the maximum registration period of one year.
- Students must earn sufficient marks, with a maximum of one re-sit per course, demonstrating their commitment to the programme.
Pre-Master's Application Route
The application process varies depending on the student's personal situation and background. Students should check the application deadlines relevant to their background and situation before applying. For more information, students can refer to the general admission requirements.