Give your future career meaning and value by becoming an international communication expert

Master
Full-time
3 semesters

International Communication

Level: master
Form: full-time
Duration: 3 semesters
Language: English
Locations: Groningen
Degree: Master of Arts
Credits: 90 ECTS
Startmonths: Start: September

Language and Communication

Are you interested in specialising in international corporate communication, in strategic brand management, or in global public relations? Do you want to advance a career as an intercultural communication consultant or a facilitation specialist? Or do you have communication skills and management abilities and want to develop these further so as to become a gifted communicator? Our Master of International Communication (MA) responds to the business need for a strong professional and impactful programme.

Apply for this programme Request brochure

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- Graduate stories
''Nothing is impossible the word itself says I'm possible.' - Audrey Hepburn.'

I am continuously learning and improving with all available tools to enhance my communication professionalism.

Projects with impact

During your master’s, you will be involved with projects that combine working in research, education and industry. Through applied research you come up with innovative solutions for genuine societal issues. Below, you can find some examples of projects our master’s students engage in.

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- Student stories
'I have always been interested in learning about different countries and cultures'

Some parts of communication and intercultural communication theory were already familiar to me. However, the master goes more into depth, and you go through more theory at a quicker pace.

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Margarida Jardim

Researcher

About this programme

This Master provides an excellent advanced knowledge and experience base for a successful career in a wide range of global communication areas. Our graduates develop competences that are valued most by employers and that are crucial for effective communication management. We train a new generation of communicators ready to take on each situation, equipped with problem solving skills, vision and strategic insights: international communication experts who are able to raise their game and inspire global as well as personal change.

Benefits of the Master in International Communication at Hanze UAS:

Develop a Global Mind-set by being able to work successfully across cultures and geographies, being adaptable, open-minded and having a deep knowledge of strategic communication practices in businesses, governments and non-profits.
Create Sustainable Impact by designing innovative, digital and sustainable solutions for organisations through mastering critical, creative and reflective skills, tools and trends and the latest practice-oriented research methods.
Brand Yourself for a career in international communication, by developing a personal brand tailored to your personal journey, your ambitions and needs and by building a professional network with fellow students, alumni and communication professionals.
Gain Experience through the acquisition of a thesis internship position in a wide variety of companies and organisations (e.g. Philips, Shell, Heineken, Microsoft, United Nations, Unesco) and through the opportunity to work with professional clients and the professorship Communication, Behaviour and Sustainable Society throughout the first and second semester.
Learn Strategic and Innovative thinking from highly committed academic teaching staff and experts; in a global classroom of problem-based, multidisciplinary learning, through immersion in case studies and by joining research & innovation labs.

Course overview

Semester 1 - Strategic Corporate Communication and International Brand Management

In the first semester, the programme focuses on communication in two domains: "International Reputation Management" and "International Brand Management". The curriculum emphasises the study of international organisations across various businesses and non-profit sectors. The programme includes cutting-edge critical approaches to international facilitation and international communication in both teaching and research. You learn from an international team that includes experienced researchers and committed practitioners. Teaching involves face-to-face and directed learning.

The two professional roles that you will be exploring and practising in this semester are Corporate Communication Consultant and Strategic Brand Manager.

For more information on the MIC courses offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

Semester 2- Digital Media Innovation and Sustainable Communication

In the second semester, you take specialisation courses here at Hanze UAS. We offer advanced courses around two central themes: 'Sustainable Communication' and 'Digital Media Innovation'. You will be offered the opportunity to participate in living labs, putting theory and research into practice in close collaboration with the professional field and the professorship Communication & the Sustainable Society. Students will also get a taste of Futures Literacy, an interesting approach that introduces new ways of looking at today’s communication issues.

The two professional roles that you will be exploring and practising in this semester are International Change Maker and International Facilitator.

For more information on the MIC courses offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

Semester 3 - The Graduation Project

The third semester consists of a Graduation Project. It is a consultancy-based project, which allows students to become an expert in the area of their career interests as a communication professional. The students can carry out this project either at or for international organisations in a form of an internship and/or as a consultant, or remain in-house and carry out a project for a living lab. The project builds on all knowledge, practical experience and competences gained during the previous two semesters.

The professional role that you will be practising in this semester is an International Communication
Consultant.

For more information on the MIC courses offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

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Summer Prep Course

An optional preparatory course to help bridge knowledge gaps in communication, basis personal branding, presentation and reporting.

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The entry requirements for our master’s programme are as follows:

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Business, Management, HR, International Relations, Linguistics, Sociology or Psychology
Proof of English Proficiency (see English Language Requirements)

Additionally, you need to submit:

A motivation video (see Motivation Video)
A CV in English
Copy of valid ID (EU/EEA) or Passport (Non-EU/EEA)

Applicants with international diploma: you need to prove that you have a sufficient level of English by submitting an IELTS or TOEFL ibt, or CAE certificate (should not be older than two years counting from the start of the programme). The criteria are:

IELTS (Academic): a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-scores below 6
TOEFL ibt: with a minimum overall score of 90 with minimum 18 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 19 in Speaking and 23 in Writing

Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): minimum of grade C

Exemptions:

If the applicant is a citizen of or holds previous qualification from the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain or Ireland. For non-citizens of the aforementioned countries, the exemption is only granted if the Bachelor’s programme was completed within two years prior to the starting date of the MIC programme in September.

If the applicant holds previous qualification obtained at an English-taught institution within the EU/EEA and can prove that your prior education was full time English-taught (through a Statement of medium of instruction). The dean may seek advice from NUFFIC in such a case. In addition, this exemption is only granted if the Bachelor’s programme was completed within two years prior to the starting date of the MIC programme in September. The applicants will be asked to submit an IELTS/TOEFL certificate if the English-taught degree programme was completed beyond two years prior to the starting date of the MIC programme.

Be creative and show us who you are! A strong motivation video will demonstrate a clear understanding of the MIC programme and who you truly are AND how it all fits together!

Instruction for content: you should at least include addressing the following questions:

How will studying at the MIC help you prepare for your future (career)?
Think: what are you passionate about? What have you planned for your future? What are your goals? How will studying the MIC help you achieve your goals? What do you wish to get out of the MIC?  
Demonstrate the following competencies with the support of relevant academic/professional achievements and/or international/intercultural experiences (give examples):
1. (applied) research skills
2. critical thinking skills
3. cultural sensitivity
What can you contribute to the MIC learning community?
Think of the skills, knowledge, experience, perspective, network you have that you can share with others and contribute to their learning?

Instruction for format:
No shorter than 2 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes.
You are free to edit how you want to but we must be able to see you for most part of your video.
We must be able to hear your voice clearly in the video.
Avoid reading or appearing to read from a script.
Upload your final video onto an online platform, preferably YouTube (upload your video as "unlisted"). Submit the video link at step 2: Hanze Application.

Already graduated: a copy of your original bachelor's degree and transcripts/grade list. If the documents are not written in Dutch, English or German, then you also need a sworn English translation of your bachelor's degree and transcripts/grade list.

Not graduated yet: a certificate of enrolment and latest grade list (see when to apply for final deadlines). If the documents are not written in Dutch, English or German, then you also need an English translation of the certificate of enrolment and grade list.
An IELTS or TOEFL ibt certificate
CV in English

Motivation video (see below for instruction)

Copy of ID (EU/EEA students) or valid passport (Non-EU students)

Application Deadlines

The application opens on the 1st of October and closes on the 1st of June 2024. Applicants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Iran have to submit a complete application by the 1st of May 2024 due to an intensified immigrations control.

If you have not graduated before the application deadline:

Non-EU/EEA applicants requiring a visa/residence permit have to submit a copy of diploma and transcript or a graduation statement and transcript by the 1st of July 2024 the latest. 
EU/EEA applicants and non-EU/EEA owning a residence permit have to submit a copy of diploma and transcript by the 15th of August the latest.

Please take into consideration:

Most scholarship deadlines are between March-May, strive to complete your application for the MIC if you want to be eligible for scholarships.

It takes time to find accommodation in Groningen. The earlier you complete your application, the earlier you can start looking for a room.

Selection Procedure

The MIC uses a holistic reviewing process that admits you base on the bigger picture regarding to who you are, what you have done and what you want to do in the future and why. We focus on the balance of your academics and language skills with your motivation and personal experiences. In case of needing more clarification, the Admissions Committee can request for additional supporting documents or examination in the form of an intake-interview.

We aim to notify you about your acceptance within two weeks after receiving your submitted application.

You can expect one of the following three letters:

Letter of Acceptance: you have been accepted to the MIC programme and can start planning for your study. Check out our International Office regarding housing and immigration. 
Letter of Provisional Acceptance: you have been conditionally accepted, provided that you submit a copy of your diploma and grade list before the final deadline (see when to apply). Once you meet the condition, we will issue you the Letter of Acceptance.
Letter of Rejection: Unfortunately, you do not meet our requirements. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary slightly every year and depending on your background. Please use the Hanze Tuition Fees Calculator to get an accurate indication of how much you will have to pay for the academic year.

The Master International Communication is a 1,5 academic years (3 semesters) programme, meaning you will have to pay tuition fees twice (for academic year 1 and academic year 2). Depending on when you graduate you may be reimbursed half or a fraction the academic year 2 tuition fee, upon completion of the programme. For clarification regarding this matter, please contact the Admissions Officer of the Master International Communication.

Non-EU/EEA students also need to transfer a Financial Guarantee, please find more information about this matter here.

Scholarship

Non-EU/EEA applicants of the MIC are eligible to apply to the Hanze Scholarship. More information about the Hanze Scholarship benefits can be found here.

Application for the Hanze Scholarship is open from 1 March up to and including 31 May 2023.

If you wish to be eligible for the scholarship you first have to be admitted to the programme itself.
Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply for the scholarship and a link to the Hanze Scholarship application form from the programme's admissions officer.
You will be informed about the result of our selection on 12 July 2023 at the latest.
Further practical information concerning acceptance of the scholarship, procedure and payment will be sent to you after selection.

Please note that in order to apply for the Hanze Scholarship, applicants must be fully accepted into the MIC programme first. Please indicate in your Hanze Application that you would like to apply for the Hanze Scholarship.

In order to apply for the Hanze Scholarship, MIC applicants must meet the following requirements and submit the following additional documents:

IELTS: an overall score of 7 with no sub-scores below 6, or other certificates with equivalent scores.

Motivation letter that answers and elaborates on the following items:
- Why are you in need of this funding?
- Why is the MIC important for your academic/professional career?
- How you will bring extra value to the MIC community and programme?
- And how do you see your role as an ambassador of the MIC programme after graduating? In other words, what will you give back in return?

Essay on a sustainability issue (approximately 1500 words): write a case study on an issue or trend related to the sustainability goals in your country. The sustainability goals are described here: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/. In the essay, you will need to address:
- What is an relevant and impactful issue/trend relating to the sustainable goal in your country,
  - Motivate why,
  - Describe the future impact of this issue/trend in your country and globally (you can also focus on surrounding countries or specific geographic areas such as Europe or Asia),
  - Suggest communication strategies to raise awareness of these future impact among the (native and global) citizens.

Only when the applicant have received the Letter of Acceptance for the MIC programme and fulfill the IELTS criteria (we will check this), we will send the scholarship application link. The applicant will be asked to upload the motivation letter and essay in one single pdf. file through the scholarship application link.

Application starting and ending date:

For academic year 2023-2024, the application form is open from 1st of March to 31st of May 2023.

If you want to apply for the study programme of your choice, you have to submit your request first in our national registration system Studielink. After this, we will start the admissions process through our own application system 'Hanze Apply'.

The general application deadline:

for EU students is 15 August
for non-EU students is 1 June

You can find the most updated information and exceptions here.

Please note that a Letter of Admission will only be issued after the Admissions Committee and Student Administration have assessed the application in full.