International Communication

A unique joint programme

Four universities across Europe, all specialising in communication and public relations in international professional contexts, have joined forces to create a unique joint programme offering you the full benefit of their collective expertise and international networks. This consortium consists of:

• The Netherlands: Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
• The United Kingdom: Leeds Metropolitan University
• Italy: University of Languages and Communication, Milan
• Lithuania: Vilnius University

MIC graduates

Graduates of the MIC are interculturally competent communication professionals able to work in a global context. They anticipate change and are able to create, offer and manage sustainable and innovative solutions to problems from the professional field at a senior managerial or consultancy level.

Programme overview

The joint MIC programme is a full-time programme consisting of three semesters (90 European Credits). During the first semester you will study at one of the consortium universities, and for your second semester you will study at one of the other consortium universities. During the third semester you will write your dissertation under the supervision of these two universities.

Semester 1 – Core programme

The first semester introduces you to the full breadth of the profession. You can study at either Leeds Metropolitan University, Vilnius University, or Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, where you will follow three core modules:

The international business environment
Corporate communication in an international context
Communication planning and management

Semester 2 – Specialisations

During the second semester you will complete several specialisations from one of the other consortium universities. You can study at either IULM University, Leeds Metropolitan University, Vilnius University, or Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen.

Semester 3 – The dissertation

During the third semester you will write a dissertation under the supervision of the two universities that you have studied at. You will choose a professional role and in that role analyse and solve a problem for an outside client. Every problem requires a solution from an international or intercultural perspective. Students are free to choose where to do this: it can be anywhere in the world.

Specialisations

During the second semester, students take the specialisations of one of the consortium universities. The specialisations include:

• Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands

Designing strategic development communication: How can strategic communication be used to improve participation in UN and/or World Bank projects in the developing world? What are the major trends in development projects? Students will gain the necessary know how needed to be effective in development communication, and look at the facilitation of negotiations to build consensus.

International marketing communication: In an inter-connected world, organisations have a global reach. How can marketing communication campaigns be tailored to reach audiences across the world? Students will work on an international marketing communication project for a client.

International public affairs: The effective management of public affairs shapes public policy, public perception and public acceptance. How can communication strategies be used to exert influence and gain an advantage? Students must incorporate communication strategies in devising a realistic international campaign for an organisation.

• IULM, University of Languages & Communication, Italy

Development and communication: What does it take to become a communication professional in the field of development cooperation? Students will develop a critical understanding of communication theory and the practical application of media in development contexts for international organisations and/or NGOs working together with developing nations.

Public affairs and advocacy: Explore the art and craft of the lobbying profession. Students will be immersed in the strategies, tactics, methods, techniques, regulations, and ethics of those who advocate public policy options to public officials.

Social responsibility and communication: Social responsibility is one of the major focus areas of today. What is the role of the communication professional in relation to social responsibility? How can an organisation implement a socially responsible philosophy with the support of its stakeholders?

• Leeds Metropolitan University, the United Kingdom

Public relations skills: This specialisation helps students become more employable in public relations by developing their competence and confidence. With a focus on writing and professional skills, students will develop writing tactics necessary for crafting and delivering communication messages via traditional and social media. Students will develop PR consultancy and managerial skills, including crisis management and the role of creativity in communication management.

Communication audits: A thorough and effective communication audit ensures an organisation is using the best possible communication channels available. While gaining invaluable insight into the process, students will be challenged to offer creative proposals for improving communication processes and to critically evaluate the recommendations for the client.

Digital communication management: New media is rapidly re-shaping the communication industry. The aim of this specialisation is to develop a deeper understanding of new media, in theory and practice, and to critically analyse the implications for corporate communications.

• Vilnius University, Lithuania

International crisis communciation: An organisation must prepare for the unexpected. The way in which an organisation responds to the unforeseen can save or even damage its reputation. Students will focus on how to plan for a crisis and develop the skills needed to handle a crisis effectively.

Innovative methods in corporate communication: Effective corporate communication will build credibility and influence. Students will be exposed to the realities of a solid corporate communication plan and look at the innovative methods which can be used to improve and maintain an organisation’s reputation in an international setting.

Media and sustainable development: How can the use of various media channels support sustainable development? Why is it important to maintain an open dialogue between user and receiver? Students will critically evaluate media expression and the challenges and opportunities of using multimedia within the context of sustainable development.

Previous study in one of the following fields: communication, humanities, social sciences, business, management. Extensive work experience may also be considered.Certified/legalised copy of your bachelor’s degree and transcripts/grade lists, as well as certified/legalised translations of both.English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5, no subscores below 5.5 TOEFL : 575 (paper), 232 (computer), 90 (internet) Your IELTS or TOEFL must not be older than two years.Two letters of referenceLetter of motivation of approximately 500 wordsCurriculum VitaeCopy of your passport 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. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands