Communication and Information Studies

In the Master's programme in Communication and Information Studies you will study the effects of communication by organisations and companies. This Master's programme has two specialisations, each with their own perspective on professional communication. You can either focus on the way in which organisations can use communication to influence people’s attitudes or behaviour (Communication and Persuasion) or on how organisations can optimize their communication with diverse target groups in international or intercultural settings (Global Communication and Diversity).
Specialisation
Global Communication and Diversity. How can organisations adapt their communication to diverse, international audiences? How can communication promote inclusivity? The Global Communication and Diversity programme provides you with the knowledge and skills to investigate such questions.
Something for you?
- A unique study programme that focuses on linguistic and intercultural dimensions of communication by international organisations involving stakeholders with diverse backgrounds;
- Offering you the opportunity to study in an international and multilingual learning environment;
- Optimal preparation for the labour market through an internship with a research assignment applying communication theory in practice;
- With room to develop your specific interests in one or more electives and your thesis project;
- You can add a personal profile of your choice, by means of the thematic areas Intercultural Communication, Diversity and Inclusion in Communication, and International Marketing.
The Master’s specialisation in Global Communication and Diversity teaches you about professional communication in multinational, multicultural and multilingual organisational contexts. This programme trains you to operate as an independent communication specialist. You will develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and methodological skills, and will learn to work in interdisciplinary teams through practical projects. After completing your studies, you will be able to design and conduct scientific communication research. You can make tailor-made recommendations to optimise communication with diverse target groups. You will explore themes such as the impact of globalisation and diversity on communication (e.g. in marketing and advertising, recruitment or corporate communication), the role of intercultural competence, and the consequences of language choice for effective and inclusive communication with international stakeholders. You will gain insight into the factors that can affect an organisation's communication with diverse publics and its reputation and performance in international settings.
Since the programme focuses on communication in organisational contexts involving target groups with diverse backgrounds, and on communication with international and linguistically and culturally diverse target groups in particular, many graduates have found jobs in organisations outside the Netherlands or with international organisations operating from the Netherlands. These include for-profit companies, non-profit organisations, governmental organisations, health institutions, SMEs, start-ups, and multinationals. Many graduates are responsible for the external or internal communications of such organisations.
Possible occupations
- Communication, marketing or PR consultant
- Marketing and communication specialist
- Manager of communication, marketing and/or PR
- Communications officer, marketing officer or PR officer
- Communications trainer
- Corporate recruiter
- Editor
- (Online) content creator
- (Online) marketeer
- Press officer
- Social media manager