Communication Science (research)

The Research Master combines theoretical courses on the production, use and impact of information and mediated communication with a training in the conduct of academic-level research in these domains.

The Research Master in Communication Science combines theoretical courses with a thorough training in research, and concentrates on the production, uses and impact of information and mediated communication in informing, persuading and entertaining audiences. The current multimedia era, in which digital technologies not only provide new means of communication but also transform older ones is shaping today's information and communication processes to an increasing degree. This presents interesting challenges for theory and research. The approach is multidisciplinary: core theories are combined with those from political science, sociology, psychology and economics. Students develop their 'hands on' research skills by being in one of a research projects conducted within the Amsterdam School of Communications Research (ASCoR),the largest research institute of its kind in Europe and among the largest worldwide. Its facilities include a communication laboratory. Students have the option specialising in either empirical-analytical methodology or interpretative methodology, while at the same time gaining a broader methodological perspective.

The curriculum of the Research master in Communication Science comprises four compulsory elements:

• Theoretical element (30 EC): students follow seminars focusing on a specific substantive theme within communication science. In addition to literature study, these seminars comprise an empirical component.

• Methodological element (60 EC): this element entails training in methodological research skills. The courses in this element focus on methods that are used within empirical-analytical and/or ethnographical-qualitative research traditions. Students who started the programme per September 2011 or a later date, must complete the following compulsory seminars: 1) Research workshop, 2) Content-analysis, 3) Experimentation, 4) Survey Design. In addition, students must complete at least 12 EC of coursework from the following seminars: Advanced multivariate modeling, dynamic data-analysis, structural equation modeling, qualitative analysis or a related Research Master-level seminar concerning the analysis of empirical data. Moreover, students have a free choice of 18 EC elective courses. Within this 18 EC a maximum of 12 EC can be devoted to a research internship, but this cannot replace the aforementioned required coursework.

• Research experience element (6 EC): the student participates in a research programme of the ASCoR research institute. Participation involves assisting in the design, data collection, analysis and/or reporting of current research projects, and/or participating in research sessions. During this phase, students can also participate in training courses for academic skills such as academic writing, identifying grant opportunities, referencing papers, and project management to a maximum of 2 ECTS.

• Master's Thesis seminar (24 EC): a research project is carried out during this seminar, resulting in the Masters thesis.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a Research MSc in Communication Science.

Master's Thesis seminar

The last semester of the Research Master in Communication Science is fully dedicated to the design, execution and presentation of a communication and media research project. The Master's thesis is worth of 24 ECTS credits.

Internship

Each Research Master's student participates in one of ASCoR's research programmes for the duration of the programme. This includes taking part in both research meetings and the ongoing research of senior staff members. An internship worth 12 ECTS credits (as part of the methods curriculum) is optional.

Certified competences: Admission is based on: A. Academic level and background B. Motivation C. English language level Grade average: Applicants to the Research Master's programme are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least: * B+/A-/3.5 (GPA US System) * a first class honours degree * B (ECTS System) * 7,5 (Dutch System) Certified competences: Admission is based on: A. Academic level and background B. Motivation C. English language level Grade average: Applicants to the Research Master's programme are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least: - B+/A-/3.5 (GPA US System) - a first class honours degree - B (ECTS System) - 7,5 (Dutch System) Previous education Written request: Admission is not based on grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed in terms of their motivation and the content of their prior coursework. Please check our website for the requirements of your motivation letter. Additional language requirements:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1IELTS overall band: 6.5TOEFL paper based: 580TOEFL computer based: 240TOEFL internet based: 92 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
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Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands