Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

The Communication and Information Studies Bachelor's degree at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam delves into the intricacies of communication, emphasizing the significance of language across various media, persuasion techniques, and day-to-day interactions. This program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how communication operates within societal and digital frameworks.

What you'll study

The programme is structured around two specialized tracks, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests:

• Language and Media: Focuses on the role of language in media and communication, exploring topics such as persuasion, messaging, and the presentation and interpretation of information.
• Language and Mind: Examines language acquisition and processing, linking linguistic knowledge with cognitive functions, learning mechanisms, and the comprehension of language.

Throughout the course, students will engage in core courses that establish foundational knowledge in communication and language analysis, followed by track-specific modules that deepen their expertise. Typical components of the curriculum include:

• Core courses: Covering communication theory, language meaning, and methods for analyzing communication data.
• Track modules: Specialised lectures and assignments tailored to the chosen track.
• Research and skills: Emphasizing academic writing, critical reading, and evidence-based analysis.
• Final assessment: A capstone project, which may take the form of a research project or thesis-equivalent requirement, depending on the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme is contingent upon prior educational qualifications. International applicants are generally expected to possess a diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO (pre-university) diploma. Additionally, there are no specific GRE or GMAT requirements for this Bachelor's programme.

English proficiency is essential, with accepted tests including:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 92.
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.

Applicants may present proof of an accepted English-taught qualification instead of test results.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Communication and Information Studies programme can pursue a range of career opportunities in various fields such as media, public relations, marketing, education, and research. The skills acquired through this degree provide a solid foundation for understanding and navigating the complexities of communication in contemporary society. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to work in the Netherlands following their studies, contingent on relevant residence and work authorization regulations.