Why a Research Master's?

The increasing pervasiveness of media and communication in our lives forms many fascinating challenges. Older notions of media and communication need to be reassessed, the new media environment needs to be charted, and the consequences of the rapid changes in new media and digital technologies need to be understood. This forms the core of the Research Master’s programme in Communication Science.

Ambitious and personal

The Research Master’s in Communication Science is the flagship training programme at the Graduate School of Communication. It is an ambitious programme with courses taught in small and interactive groups. This allows you to work closely with highly motivated international fellow students as well as renowned researchers from the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), the largest research institute of its kind in Europe and among the largest worldwide. The programme also provides a high degree of personal guidance from our supporting staff.

The flexible curriculum allows you to pursue your own interests by specialising in or combining courses from one of our four domains: Corporate Communication, Persuasive Communication, Political Communication and Entertainment Communication. The approach is multidisciplinary: core theories and methods in communication science are combined with concepts from political science, sociology, psychology and economics.

In addition to theoretical modules, the Research Master’s offers you a wide selection of practical courses in empirical research methodologies, such as (automated) content analysis, social media analytics, experimentation, survey and qualitative analysis.

Hands-on research experience

As a Research Master’s student, you will actively participate in one of the ongoing research projects at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), the research institute in Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam. This hands-on research training creates a unique opportunity for you to learn from and work closely with leading international scholars. Should you wish to gain even more experience, you can also choose to replace part of your coursework with an optional research internship in an academic or professional research institution.

Excellent career prospects

The Research Master’s programme provides an excellent preparation for a PhD in communication science, or a related field, at the UvA or any other (international) university. But, of course, you can also put your expertise to use outside of the academic world. The programme provides a solid background for research positions at media corporations and production companies, marketing and advertising agencies, governmental organisations and consultancy businesses. 

Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam

You will graduate from an internationally consistently high ranked university with a supportive learning environment and outstanding academic staff. The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 lists Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam as the best in Europe, ranked first (no.1) worldwide.

The city of Amsterdam is a fascinating, media-saturated environment. Studying in this major European centre for media research and development provides you with an (international) network of contacts that helps you develop a career after graduation.

Degree certificate 

The Research Master's in Communication Science is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Communication Science and the title Master’s of Science (MSc). 

Application and admission

All students who wish to start the Research Master's are required to submit an application for admission. The sub-site will take you through the application process step by step and give you valuable information on entry requirements and deadlines.