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Master
Vergelijk
Communication Science: Entertainment Communication

Study programme

The curriculum of the Master’s in Entertainment Communication comprises one year of full-time study. You will focus on the experience and impact of entertainment media and technology among a range of different groups, individuals, and contexts. We pay special attention to how content and design are related to the audience’s needs and preferences.
  • First semester

    You will start the Master’s with the mandatory specialisation seminars: Developing Media Entertainment and Clashing Views on Media Effects. Right from the start of the programme, you will also start your thesis process in the course Thesis Preparation Groups. Towards the end of the first semester, you take the course Research Methods Tailored to the Thesis, in which you will refresh and further develop your research skills before starting with writing your Master’s thesis in the following semester

  • Second semester

    In the second semester, you choose two electives, allowing you to create a Master’s programme that suits your interests best. There is a range of excellent electives offered, including, for example, Digital Media Lifestyles, Climate Change Communication, Digital Analytics, Representation in the Media or Investigative Journalism. You can find all electives here (selection of electives varies each semester).

  • Master's thesis

    In the second semester, you will complete your Master’s thesis. You will be guided and supervised in the creation, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of an academic empirical study. Previous research topics include:

    • The effect of Instagram on body image
    • Gender roles on Netflix
    • The effects of Virtual Reality gaming experiences
    • The influence of digital media use on emotional experiences
    • Social robot and human-robot interaction
    • The effect of humour in educational entertainment television programming
COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Clashing Views on Media Effects
    12

    In this course, we examine current debates about the role of entertainment media and technology in society. You will explore questions like the influence of video games on attitudes, the impact of social media on connections, and more. You will develop skills to critically look at and summarize research, and effectively convey academic findings to a broader audience.

  • Developing Media Entertainment
    12

    This course focuses on entertainment media and how they're used by different groups. You will learn about media users and their needs, as well as the latest research. In the "Company Meets Student" project, you will work as a consultant to help an organisation learn about its target audience. You will conduct research and share your recommendations in a consultancy report for your client.

  • Thesis Preparation Groups
    —

    This course serves as an introduction to the individual Master’s thesis you will write in the second semester. You will set up an Initial Thesis Proposal: select a core theme, central research question, and research methodology.

  • Research Methods Tailored to the Thesis
    6

    This course builds on your prior knowledge of research methodology and statistics. You will further develop your skills as a preparation for your Master’s thesis. You will focus on the research method you plan to use: content analysis, experimentation, survey, or qualitative research.

  • Elective 1
    6

    In this Master’s programme you choose two electives. The selection of electives may vary each semester. These electives allow you to create a Master’s programme that suits your interests best.

  • Elective 2
    6

    In this Master’s programme you choose two electives. The selection of electives may vary each semester. These electives allow you to create a Master’s programme that suits your interests best.

  • Thesis Entertainment Communication
    18

    For your Master’s thesis, you are linked to an individual supervisor. After passing the extended research proposal, you will continue with conducting your research, analysing your results, and writing your thesis.

Compulsory course
Elective
Find more information in the online course catalogue
  • Workload

    This Master's programme is a full-time study. A large part of your programme focuses on self-study, e.g. preparing for tutorials or working on assignments (32 hours per week). In addition, you have weekly lectures (4 hours per week) and opportunities for tutorials and group projects (4 hours per week).

Experience the programme

Academic staff of Entertainment Communication

Dr. Caroline van Straten
Virtual reality provides us with previously unthinkable experiences and generative AI challenges our ability to distinguish what is real from what is not. Dr. Caroline van Straten about the elective Digital Media Lifestyles, read more
Frequently asked questions
  • Is it possible to have a side job next to my Master’s?

    It is very personal how you experience the workload and how much effort your side job takes. Keep in mind that the Master’s programme is a full-time study and takes up about 40 hours a week (8 contact hours and 32 hours of self-study). The week before the start of the programme/semester, you can see on which days you will have lectures and tutorials which can help in making your (work) planning.