Communication Science

Communication is more than having a conversation. If you are reading a newspaper, watching a documentary or texting your friend, you are involved in communication. Communication is becoming increasingly important.

The role of communication and media in society is the central theme of the Bachelor's in Communication Science. In this programme, you will study the content, use and effects of communication and of various forms of media, from radio and television to newspapers and the internet.

Some of the questions addressed in this programme are: How does entertainment influence the lives of young people? What is the role of media and communication in political participation and citizenship? What are the effects of health communication and advertisements?

'You will study the content, use and effects of communication and of various forms of media.'

5 reasons to study Communication Science at the UvA

1. The number 1 Communication Science programme
   The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is ranked best in the world in the field of Communication Science and Media Studies in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
2. Top researchers as lecturers
   The College of Communication is linked to renowned research institute ASCoR. Their researchers cover all subfields of Communication Science. You will be guided by ASCoR’s top researchers, and immerse yourself in numerous research topics.
3. Broad range of subjects
   Four main topics of communication science are addressed: Persuasive Communication, Entertainment Communication, Corporate Communication and Political Communication.
4. Special focus on public and business communication
   The programme covers forms of media such as newspapers, radio and television as well as the information flows in companies and governmental bodies. Attention is also paid to information and communication technology (ICT) as well as the relations between the internet, email, additional forms of technology and the ways in which people communicate.
5. Amsterdam is a great city to live in
   Amsterdam is ranked 11 ^th globally in Mercer's 2019 ‘Quality of Living Survey’. The city is a hub of media and culture, and serves as an international junction for companies with a media presence (including Philips, ING and Heineken).

Is Communication Science right for you?

Communication Science is the ideal degree programme if you are interested in society, media and communication. Our students are challenged to approach the communication process from various angles. They may be interested in working as a public opinion researcher, social media strategist, news editor, campaign leader or a spokesperson, for example. Prospective students, should have a background in economics, history or social studies and need to demonstrate a good command of the English language. 

Rankings and reputation

The University of Amsterdam offers a world-class education:

• ASCoR, the research institute of the Communication Science programme at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, is one of the top Communication Science institutions in the world. This was measured by an independent international committee charged with evaluating communications research at the University of Amsterdam for the years 2008 to 2013.
• In the 2018, 2019 and 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Communication Science at UvA ranks first.
• The University of Amsterdam is ranked 57th in the world and is one of three Dutch universities in the top 100 according to the 2018 QS World University Rankings.
• The University of Amsterdam is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). LERU is an association of 21 leading research-intensive universities that value the need to offer high-quality teaching within an internationally competitive research environment.
• The University of Amsterdam is a member of Universitas 21, a network of leading research-intensive universities in 13 countries. The universities work together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research-inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalisation.

Accreditation and degree

The Dutch government has legally accredited this Bachelor's programme. Upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally accredited Bachelor's degree and the title Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Dutch track

Did you know that this Bachelor's is also taught in Dutch? You'll take the same courses. The language of instruction is the only difference.