Prepare for your Research Master’s thesis and take the first steps toward your own research project. In this course, you will learn how the thesis process works, explore current research themes in your track, and develop a first thesis proposal. With guidance from a senior researcher, you will choose a topic and research question. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to look for an ASCoR researcher yourself, who will supervise you in your thesis. This way so that you are ready to start your thesis in the final semester.

In this programme you choose two electives (one per year). The selection of electives may vary each semester. These electives allow you to create a curriculum that suits your interests best. You might dive into Investigative Journalism or learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility. Maybe you choose Climate Change Communication or prefer Persuasive Design in a Digital Era. There are lots of options for you to explore.

In this course, you will learn the principles of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), a key method for analysing relationships in large datasets. You will apply it to real data using AMOS software. You will also practice reporting results and testing published findings. By the end, you will be able to design, run, and interpret SEM analyses confidently.

Explore how to collect and analyse large-scale online data for social science research. In this course, you will learn how to scrape online data , prepare it for analysis, and use tools like Python, automated content analysis, and basic machine learning. You will gain hands-on experience turning dynamic online data into meaningful insights, while understanding the challenges and opportunities of working with big, constantly changing datasets.

Learn how to study change over time using advanced statistical models. In this course, you will work with longitudinal data to track how variables develop and influence each other. You will estimate and interpret models like latent growth and cross-lagged panel models, report findings clearly, and learn how to ask research questions about processes that unfold over time.

Under the supervision of an ASCoR researcher, you will gain hands-on experience on what it is like to do research in an academic environment. During your internship, you will participate in the conduct of an empirical research project. You will critically reflect on your own knowledge and practices and communication research practices within academic organisations in general, in dialogue with your academic supervisor. Doing this, you will strengthen your academic research skills.

See descriptions for these courses above.

Gain hands-on experience as a professional researcher in media and communication. During this internship, you will work on real research projects or provide research-based advice in an organisation, while developing your skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. You will reflect on your learning, contribute to meaningful work, and start building a professional network. This will help you prepare for a future career as a skilled research professional in media and communication.

How do you make scientific research meaningful and accessible to different audiences? In this course, you will use key science communication theories and practice storytelling, message framing, and audience engagement. You will also reflect on challenges like misinformation and public trust. By the end, you will be able to connect your thesis proposal to societal relevance and ethical, impactful science communication.

Choose between two methods courses in communication research. Big Data II teaches you how to use modern computational tools to study patterns in large datasets building on skills obtained in Big Data I. You will also reflect on ethical and societal impacts of big data analyses. Qualitative Analysis of Media Content shows you how to study media, social debates, or online discussions in depth, and turn your observations into meaningful insights. Both courses give hands-on experience and prepare you for independent research.

Complete your Research Master’s by conducting your own independent study in communication science under the supervision of an ASCoR researcher. You will design a research proposal, collect and analyse data, and write a full thesis. You will apply your knowledge creatively, generate new insights, and present your research. You will demonstrate your ability to plan, carry out, and report on a full-scale research project independently.