Communication and Deafblindness

The Master's programme in Communication and Deafblindness at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and specialized degree designed to prepare professionals who aspire to work with individuals who have combined or multiple disabilities involving both hearing and vision impairments. This programme provides an in-depth understanding of the unique communication needs and challenges faced by deafblind individuals and equips students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and innovative approaches necessary to support and enhance their quality of life.

Throughout the curriculum, students explore various communication methods, including tactile signing, Braille, and other alternative and augmentative communication strategies. The programme emphasizes the development of a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from psychology, pedagogy, audiology, optometry, and social work, to foster a holistic approach to intervention and support. Students will engage in theoretical studies alongside practical training, including internships and fieldwork, which enable them to apply their skills in real-world settings such as special schools, rehabilitation centres, and community services.

The programme also focuses on research methodology and encourages students to critically evaluate existing practices while contributing to the development of new approaches in the field of deafblindness. Graduates of this master's programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers in education, healthcare, social services, policy development, and research. They will be capable of working with individuals with deafblindness across diverse environments, advocating for their rights, and implementing innovative communication solutions tailored to each individual's needs.

Moreover, the programme fosters an international perspective by integrating global best practices and encouraging intercultural awareness. Students have opportunities to collaborate with professionals from different countries and backgrounds, enhancing their adaptability and cultural competence. With a curriculum designed to meet current and evolving demands in the field of communication and deafblindness, this Master's programme prepares graduates to be leaders and change-makers dedicated to improving the lives of deafblind individuals and promoting inclusive communities. By completing this programme, students will join a network of professionals committed to making meaningful differences in the lives of people with complex communication needs.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Communication and Deafblindness at the University of Groningen is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to support individuals with combined communication and hearing/vision loss. This interdisciplinary programme combines theories from communication sciences, audiology, ophthalmology, psychology, and special education to prepare graduates for a variety of professional roles in supporting deafblind individuals in various settings, including healthcare, social services, and education.

Throughout the three-year course, students acquire an in-depth understanding of the sensory impairments associated with deafblindness, their impact on communication, development, and daily functioning. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, ensuring students develop the ability to assess communication needs, design effective intervention strategies, and employ specialized communication techniques tailored to the unique requirements of deafblind individuals. Key topics include sensory integration, assistive technologies, orientation and mobility skills, and family and community support systems.

The programme also offers extensive experiential learning opportunities through internships, fieldwork, and project-based assignments. Students collaborate with deafblind individuals, healthcare providers, and support organizations, gaining firsthand experience in implementing intervention plans and addressing real-world challenges. Additionally, the programme incorporates training in research methods and data analysis, enabling students to critically evaluate the effectiveness of different support strategies and contribute to advancements in the field.

Graduates of the Communication and Deafblindness programme are well-equipped to work as communication consultants, support coordinators, rehabilitation specialists, or researchers. They can pursue careers in special education institutions, rehabilitation centers, non-profit organizations, or policy development agencies. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach, combined with its focus on practical skills and research, ensures graduates are prepared to enhance the quality of life for individuals with deafblindness and to promote greater social inclusion.

The University of Groningen provides state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty members with expertise in deafblindness, and opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. By completing this programme, students join a vibrant community committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of deafblind individuals, fostering communication, independence, and participation in society.

Admission requirements

Possibility to follow a pre-programme.

Other requirements

1. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) Possibility to follow a pre-programme.
2. taaltoets cijfer The official language of the programme is English. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the following standard tests: TOEFL: ≥ 580 paper-based test, ≥ 237 computer-based test; ≥ 93 internet-based; IELTS (Academic): ≥ Band 6.5 Official test results must be supplied. Please note, we do not accept Institutional TOEFL results as evidence of English proficiency.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelor Pedagogical Sciences, Educational Sciences, Social Sciences or a similar relevant Bachelor's degree (e.g. Youth Studies, Special Needs Education etc.) and sufficient knowledge of methodology. Bachelor Pedagogical Sciences, Educational Sciences, Social Sciences or a similar relevant Bachelor's degree (e.g. Youth Studies, Special Needs Education etc.) and sufficient knowledge of methodology.
4. schriftelijk verzoek Please register through StudieLink. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for OAS (the Online Application System). See the following website for some guidance in OAS: http://www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure/ Please upload the following documents in OAS: * a certified copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your transcript of records (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (exc. for native speakers) * a copy of your passport or ID card * a letter of motivation * two references Please send all documents to: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Admissions Office, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen, Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands. If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: bss.msc.admission@rug.nl. Write (type) a letter (no larger than one A4 sheet) explaining your motivation to follow this programme. You should consider at least the following topics: * Your motivation to study at a Master's level; * Relevant study and/or work experience; * Areas of particular interest in this Master's programme; * Career perspectives and in what way completing this Master's programme would contribute to accomplish them.

The University of Groningen offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Communication and Deafblindness program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the available scholarships, grants, and loan facilities to support their studies. Dutch and international students may be eligible for government student financial assistance, including the Dutch national student loan system, which offers low-interest loans and flexible repayment options. Additionally, the university provides its own scholarships based on merit, need, or specific criteria such as nationality or academic excellence. Students are advised to consult the university's scholarship portal for detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Moreover, many students finance their studies through external funding sources, including international scholarship programs, private foundations, or sponsorships from organizations relevant to communication sciences or deafblindness. Part-time work is also a common method of financial support, with part-time jobs available on and near campus, conforming to Dutch work regulations for international students. The university's financial aid office offers guidance and support, including budgeting advice and information about work-study opportunities.

International students should consider the Erasmus+ program if they are from participating countries, which provides mobility grants for studies and internships abroad, and can sometimes be used to finance parts of the program. Students are also advised to look into student insurance plans that cover health, travel, and study-related expenses, which are often mandatory for visa applications or for securing certain financial aids.

The university emphasizes transparency regarding tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's residency status, with international students paying higher fees than Dutch residents. Payment plans are available to facilitate budget planning over the duration of the program. To ensure comprehensive financial planning, students are recommended to consult the university's financial services early in the application process and to make use of the financial planning tools provided by the university. Overall, the University of Groningen offers a range of financing options designed to support students throughout their studies in Communication and Deafblindness, making higher education accessible and financially manageable for a diverse student body.

The Master's degree programme in Communication and Deafblindness at the University of Groningen is a specialized advanced study designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to support individuals who are deafblind and their communication needs. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from communication sciences, psychology, pedagogy, and audiology to prepare graduates for diverse professional settings. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations of deafblind communication, assistive technologies, intervention strategies, and inclusive practices, enabling students to become effective practitioners and advocates. Throughout the programme, students engage in both coursework and practical assignments, including internships and fieldwork, to develop hands-on experience. The programme is suitable for future professionals aiming to work in education, healthcare, social services, or research related to deafblindness. The faculty consists of experts from various disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded education. Graduates of this programme are equipped to facilitate communication, enhance quality of life for deafblind individuals, and contribute to policy development in the field. The University of Groningen’s strong research focus and international outlook make this master’s programme a unique opportunity for students worldwide interested in this specialized area. The programme encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a commitment to inclusive society development, aligning with contemporary needs for accessible communication solutions. By completing this programme, students gain not only academic knowledge but also practical competencies, networking opportunities within the sector, and a pathway to further research or professional practice in the field of communication and deafblindness.