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Bachelor
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Communication Science

Study programme

As a Communication Science student, you will study the impact of media on people from different cultures. You will learn to understand why people use different forms of media and what effect this has on societies worldwide. You will look at global media strategies and how communication works in international organisations. Developing research skills, including statistics, you will study all forms of communication in different areas like marketing, politics, business, and entertainment. The first year and a half is fixed, but after that, you can choose courses that match your interests. Take a look at what you will be studying below!
  • Year 1

    During the first year, you will be introduced to the most important theories within Communication Science. You will read literature to prepare for your classes and discuss this in tutorials and group assignments. You will learn to apply these theories to various cultures, contexts and current global events. You will also follow courses in statistics and research skills - for example, content analysis, designing surveys, and performing experiments. In the second semester, you will be introduced to Communication Theme courses 1: Media Innovations & Society and 2: Crises & Resilience. Throughout the year you will follow the course Skills Bootcamp which will lay the foundation for essential skills you will need throughout your Bachelor's programme and beyond.

  • Year 2

    During the second year, you will deepen and broaden your knowledge of Communication Science. You will take courses on quantitative and qualitative research methods and work on (group) projects to practice what you have learned. You will also follow Communication Theme courses 3: Marketing & Entertainment and 4: Health & Sustainability. In the second semester, you will use your knowledge to write an advisory report and apply your skills during an internship at an international-oriented organisation. This can be in the Netherlands or abroad.

  • Year 3

    In the third year, you can shape your studies to match your interests. Choose from different elective courses, follow a minor, or study abroad on an exchange! You can choose to deepen your knowledge of Communication Science or explore other subjects like Business Administration or Sociology. In the second semester, you will work on a research project, using everything you have learned so far. Here, you will bring all the knowledge you have acquired in recent years together in your own research. You will also learn how to share your research with both experts and the general public. 

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Introduction to Communication Science: Global and Comparative Perspectives
    12

    In this course, you will explore key theories and developments in communication science and learn how media influence people and societies. In addition, you will examine how these theories and concepts are similar or different across the world. You will also learn more about what makes 'good' and 'valid' research.

  • Communication Research 1: The Basics
    12

    In this course, you will learn important research methods and statistical analyses. You will be introduced to various research designs, data collection, and data analysis. In addition to attending lectures, you will also participate in tutorial sessions where you will practice using the statistical software package SPSS.

  • Communication Theme 1: Media Innovations & Society
    6

    Learn about the changes of digital media production and usage across the globe. You will look at how algorithms and AI influence what we see and how they impact privacy and societies in different countries. You will also learn how global media laws regulate them. Through examples and guest lectures, you will analyse the power and ethical challenges of today's media landscape.

  • Communication Research 2: Content Analysis
    6

    In this course, you will learn how to compare media content from different countries in a systematic way. We will cover various methods of content analysis and you will work on research projects both individually and in small groups.

  • Communication Theme 2: Crises & Resilience
    8

    How do we tackle big challenges in today’s world? This course looks at global issues like crises, fake news, and polarization through the lens of communication. You will explore how these problems affect society, organisations, and individuals - and how communication can help solve them. Through lectures and group activities, you will learn about crisis communication, media literacy, and other solutions to build a more informed and resilient public.

  • Communication Research 3: Survey & Experiment
    8

    Surveys and experiments are two research methods that may seem similar but answer different questions (like whether things are related to each other or if one thing causes another). In this course, you will explore their strengths and weaknesses through lectures, tutorials, and self-study. Most importantly, you will gain hands-on experience by working in teams to design and carry out your own survey and experiment.

  • Skills Bootcamp
    8

    This course helps you grow your confidence and develop the skills you need for an international study and work environment. You will improve your critical thinking and communication skills and learn to understand different cultural perspectives. Through interactive workshops and teamwork, you will practice how to build well-structured arguments, analyse complex texts and adapt your communication style to different contexts and cultures.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Communication Theme 3: Marketing & Entertainment
    6

    In this course, you will explore how entertainment and persuasive communication work together to create effective marketing strategies. You will learn how to use media, influencers, and storytelling to engage audiences worldwide. By understanding global market differences and current trends like gamification and viral content, you will gain skills to develop marketing strategies that are both entertaining and impactful.

  • Communication Research 4: Statistical Reasoning
    6

    Deepen your statistical skills and gain a better understanding of data analysis. You will explore the principles of inferential statistics, including sampling, estimating population characteristics, testing null hypotheses, and test power. Additionally, you will learn how to apply various models using SPSS.

  • Communication Theme 4: Health & Sustainability
    6

    Explore how health and sustainability problems are addressed by individuals, experts, organisations, politicians and journalists across different cultures. You will learn how to effectively communicate across borders for a healthier and more sustainable future, in a world that is becoming more divided.

  • Communication Research 5: Qualitative Approaches
    6

    This course is about the fundamental principles of qualitative research in communication science. You will learn the qualitative techniques that are needed to conduct research in an international and intercultural context. You will learn about techniques such as in-depth interviews and focus groups, and develop skills for data collection and analysis. You will write your own qualitative research proposal and learn to critically evaluate the trustworthiness of your project.

  • Communication Science in Practice 1: Global Case Studies
    6

    Learn how to apply communication theories to give advice on real-world situations around the world. You will develop skills to reflect on ethical issues and adapt your communication advice to different cultural contexts. You will work in groups and look at practical situations from different communication domains such as marketing, PR, internal communication, and political lobbying.

  • Internship
    24

    During the internship, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your studies in a practical setting at an international company or organisation. You will also gain new experiences that are relevant to your field of study. Additionally, you will conduct research as part of your internship and write a report on your findings.

  • Communication Science in Practice 2: The Internship Case
    6

    You will learn how to use your knowledge of communication science to give effective advice in a practical and professional setting, such as your internship. You will use an example from your internship and practice your skills in ethical decision-making and how to adjust your communication advice to challenges in an international context.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Elective space
    30

    The elective space can be customized according to your preferences, allowing you to choose elective courses, a minor, or participate in an exchange programme abroad.

  • Communication Topic
    6

    This is an elective course related to communication science. You can choose from a list of elective courses, for example: Content Marketing, where you learn how companies develop their own content to attract a specific target audience or Sports and Communication, where you explore how sports messages are created, shared, and understood by society.

  • Communication Research Project
    18

    You combine all the knowledge you have gained over the past years and apply it to your own research. You show your ability to conduct independent and systematic research.

  • From Research to Impact
    6

    In this course, you will learn how to turn your research results into something that different audiences and cultures can understand to make a real and lasting impact globally.

Compulsory course
Elective

Please note: The courses are subject to small changes.

Extra information
  • Internship

    You will follow an internship at an organisation of your choice (with an international-oriented focus), gaining valuable work experience and applying your academic knowledge of communication science in a professional setting. This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills, learn more, and enhance your resume. You can choose to do your internship in the Netherlands or abroad, broadening your horizons and expanding your global network. With support from an assigned supervisor, you'll make the most of this enriching experience.

  • Study abroad

    The UvA has partnerships and exchange agreements with more than 100 universities worldwide. During your elective space, you can participate in an exchange semester abroad, offering a valuable learning and cultural experience that greatly enhances your study programme.

    You can only go abroad in your third year, which means you'll use your elective space for an exchange semester.

  • Electives / minor 

    You have the option to select several courses yourself or pursue a minor. A minor is a cohesive six-month programme (30 ECTS) inside or outside of your main study area. It allows you to either deepen your understanding of a specific subject or broaden your knowledge. By doing a minor, you can explore new interests and develop skills in different fields. These are the most chosen minors by our students: Communication in the Digital Society, Business Administration: Managing Strategy and Marketing, Sociology, Amsterdam Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Mis- and Disinformation.

  • Career orientation and network opportunities

    We organise numerous events and workshops featuring alumni, such as our annual speed dating event called ‘ComScience Kickstarter’. These activities provide excellent networking opportunities and allow you to gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.

  • Honours programme

    Do you want more challenge during your studies? In the selective honours programme, you can take additional courses both within and outside your Bachelor's programme. This allows you to deepen and broaden your knowledge. The programme consists of 30 study credits and is completed alongside your regular coursework. Upon completion, you will receive an Honours certificate.

Armitha Karimi
I am currently writing my thesis and next year I am planning to go abroad for one semester. Read how Armitha personalised her programme
Time distribution and tutoring
  • Time distribution

    You have a limited number of hours in lectures, with a strong emphasis from the first year on working on challenging assignments with fellow students in tutorial groups. On average, you will have 4 hours of lectures per week, 12-14 hours of tutorial groups and 25-30 hours of self-study.

  • Teaching methods
    • Lectures: The lecturer explains the week's material to all students taking the course, and you have the opportunity to ask questions.
    • Tutorial groups: You practice the material interactively in smaller groups, under the guidance of a lecturer.
    • Guest lectures: A communication professional explains a real-life example of communication science to give you more insight into the work field.
  • Tutoring

    During your studies, you are supported in different ways. There is always a team of study advisers available if you have questions about your study planning or if you have difficult personal circumstances. You will also take the course Skills Bootcamp during the first two years of the Bachelor’s. During this course, you focus on improving your academic and practical study skills.

Dr. Annemarie van Oosten
How do media effects on attitudes and behavior come about? And to what extent do we determine our media use and how media influence us? Dr. Annemarie van Oosten about the course Introduction to Communication Science, read more
Frequently asked questions
  • What role does statistics play within the Bachelor's in Communication Science and can I prepare myself for it?

    Statistics and research methods play an important role within our programme of Communication Science. In Year 1 and 2, you will follow multiple statistics and methods courses and in Year 3 you will apply the skills you have learned to your bachelor thesis. We find it important that our students are being trained to assess the value of existing research and to be able to come to their own findings within the domain of Communication Science. After you have obtained your secondary education diploma (Dutch: vwo-diploma, i.e. pre-university level education), you should be prepared well enough to follow the courses on statistics and methods. Furthermore, actively participating in the UvA matching provides a good picture of what you can expect from the programme and the role of statistics within the programme.

  • Can I also follow this Bachelor's programme in Dutch?

    No, this programme is not offered in Dutch. We do have a Dutch-taught Bachelor’s programme in Communication Science, but the curriculum of this programme differs from the international programme so they are not comparable to each other.

  • What is the difference between Communication Science and comparable programmes in Media and Communication?

    Communication Science at the UvA is an academic discipline in the social and behavioural sciences and studies the contents, uses, and effects/consequences of media and communication. You will learn to analyse communication processes in media and digital technology from an intercultural perspective, which will prepare you for a career at an international-oriented organisation. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on statistics and research methods. Many of our lecturers are affiliated with ASCoR, the Research Institute for Communication Science. Also, in our programme you have to do an internship, which is rarely a standard part of other (similar) programmes. In this way, you can bring what you have learned into practice.

  • Can I keep my side job and on which days do I have classes?

    We understand very well that students have to work alongside their studies to earn a living. The study takes an average of 30 per 40 hours a week, so please keep this in mind while making your planning. The week prior to the start of the programme, you can see on which days you will have lectures and tutorials, which may differ per course.

  • I have obtained a Dutch hbo degree. Can I start a Master's in Communication Science right away or should I first do the Bachelor's?

    If you have obtained a Dutch hbo degree or you have obtained an international degree equal to a Dutch hbo and would like to start the Master's in Communication Science, you first have to follow part of the Bachelor's programme, also called 'de verkorte bachelor' (in Dutch only).