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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Projects with impact

During your master’s, you will be involved in 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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Margarida Jardim

Admission Officer & Communication Coordinator MIC; Researcher R2R4RR
Antonia Hein MSc

Programme manager
Alenka Lapornik

Programme Coordinator Assistant
Wim Elving

Lector Communication, Behaviour & the Sustainable Society
Astrid Berg

Academic Chair

About this programme

This Master provides advanced knowledge and experience for a successful career in a wide range of 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 can raise their game and inspire change.

Benefits of the Master in International Communication:

Develop a Global Mindset by being able to work successfully across diverse cultures and geographies, being adaptable, and open-minded and having a deep understanding of strategic communication management practices in businesses, governments and non-profits.
Create Sustainable Impact by designing impactful and sustainable communication for organisations.
Gain hands-on Experience through the acquisition of a graduation internship or partnership and through the opportunity to work with companies and NGOs.
Develop strategic and innovative thinking in a global environment through hands-on, problem-based learning. Engage with real-life clients and case studies to gain practical experience and tackle real-world communication challenges.
Boost your career in international communication management or consultancy by building a strong professional network with fellow students, alumni, and industry professionals, while gaining the skills and experience needed to achieve your career ambitions.

Course overview

Semester 1 - Corporate Communication Consultant & Strategic Brand Manager

The curriculum emphasizes the study of international organizations across various businesses and non-profit sectors in the first semester. The two professional roles that you will explore and practice in this semester are Corporate Communication Consultant and Strategic Brand Manager, by focusing on the topics such as: Strategic Corporate Communication theory and practice, Intercultural Communication, Applied Research, Brand Management, and Reflective Professionalism.

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

Semester 2- Issues and Crisis Communication Strategist & Behavioural Change Facilitator

You will explore and practice the roles of the Issues and Crisis Communication Strategist and the Behavioural Change Facilitator, by focusing on the topics of Issues & Crisis Communication theory , Online Media analytics, Personal Leadership, Communication and Behaviour, Intercultural Facilitation and Futures Literacy.

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

Semester 3 - The Graduation Project

The Graduation Project is a consultancy-based, applied research project that allows you to demonstrate expertise in the area of your career interests. You can carry out this project either as an internship or as a partnership with an international organization. The project builds on all knowledge, practical experience, and competencies you gained during the first two semesters.

Past graduation internships have included placements at renowned organizations such as Philips, IKEA, Unilever, Bosch GMBH, Open Government Partnership, Lilly Maas, Park Plaza Hotel, DAF Trucks, World Food Programme (UN), UMCG hospital, MF Shipping Groningen Seaports and many more.

You choose one of the four professional roles to practice in the graduation semester. For more information on the MIC modules 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
Pearson LTE Academic Pearson overall 61 and subscore: Writing: 63, Listening: 42, Speaking: 47 and Readin: 54
LanguageCert overall 70, subscores 33

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. The MIC only participates in Hanze Scholarships, so applications to Holland Scholarships will not be reviewed.

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 Bachelor International Communication (or any other Hanze programme), you must first submit your request in the Dutch national registration system Studielink. After this, we will start the admissions process through our own application system 'Hanze Apply'.

In Hanze Apply you will be asked to fill in information about yourself, including your prior education. This is also where you must submit documents such as your previous diploma and (if applicable) your certificate of English proficiency.

Please note: If you do not yet have one of the required documents (because you have not yet graduated from your previous education, for example), you must still continue the application in order to be processed! Fill in the date you expect to receive the missing document, and continue the application. Don’t forget to click ‘submit’. You will be able to log in and add any missing documents when you receive them.

Application deadlines

Dutch and EU students: 15 August
Non-EU students*: 1 June

There are exceptions for whom the deadline may be earlier. You can find the most updated information and exceptions here.

Completion of enrolment deadline

You must complete your enrolment, including setting up your tuition payment and submitting all required documents (such as diplomas and certificate of English proficiency) before 1 September.

The International Communication bachelor programme only has September enrolment; there are no other starting moments throughout the year. Missing the 1 September deadline means you must apply for the following year’s September enrollment if you still wish to join the programme.

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