Bachelor's Communication Science - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Lead the communication revolution

Do social media lead to a less social society? How do journalists decide what qualifies as news? How can you make sure your advertisement is effective? Which persuasion strategies can we use to influence the ideas, opinions and behaviours of our audience?

We live in a world where media usage is constantly evolving, and (social) media are changing us. Influencers are the new superstars, and soon, our grandparents might be chatting with robots. This continual state of change affects individuals, businesses, media and politics alike. During the Bachelor’s in Communication Science, you’ll explore how media and communication impact what people think, do and feel on various levels.

At the macro level, you’ll study the impact of media on health campaigns and public debate. At the micro level, you’ll analyse interactions between individuals. Is media consumption just about relaxation and entertainment, or does it also serve a psychological purpose like regulating your mood or forming your identity? The programme also addresses the organisational perspective, where marketing and PR are key. How do you create the most effective advertisement and ensure your message reaches the right audience?

Project-based learning
During the Bachelor’s in Communication Science at VU Amsterdam, you’ll do what’s called project-based learning. Alongside curriculum- and methodology-based courses, you’ll work on a project with your fellow students. Together, you’ll select a research topic and present your findings externally or to an organisation – which means you’ll come into contact with industry professionals during your studies.

The programme is relatively small-scale, and the atmosphere is open and accessible. Many of your lectures will be shared with students from the Dutch-speaking track, which will expand your international horizons. Plus, there’s an active student association that regularly organises activities like social drinks, study trips and career weeks.

Would you prefer to follow this programme in Dutch? Then choose Communicatiewetenschap.

The start date of this programme is September 1^st.

8 February 2025

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1st year
2nd year
3rd year

First year

In the first year, you are immersed in the theme of media use. How do people use media and communicate with one another? Where do you get your news, and how do you know if it is reliable? You research your own media use and that of your fellow students. In the second semester, you study communication in and by organisations. How do they communicate with their own employees, and how do they convey their message to the outside world? You also pay attention to crisis communication: in the event of a scandal, how can a company reassure its customers and shareholders?

Subjects

Introduction to Communication Science
News and Journalism
Project 1: Mediated Reality
Interpersonal Communication
Social Research Methodology
Behaviour and Communication in Organizations
Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
Project 2: Strategic Communication
History of Social Science
Public Relations and Reputation Management

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Second year

The second year focuses on two key areas: marketing communication and political communication. How can you persuade others with your message? How do you set up a marketing campaign? Which messages work, which do not, and how can you test this? In the second semester, you investigate the role of communication and social media in society. How do people deal with health-related information? How do they discuss major events on Twitter?

Subjects

Marketing and Persuasive Communication
Quantitative Research Methodology
Project 3: Effective Persuasion
Media Entertainment
Media, Society and Politics
Philosophy of Science
Project 4: Social Media Analytics
Risk and Health Communication

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Third year

In the first semester of your final year, you shape your own curriculum. You can do an internship, study abroad or follow a minor. In the second semester, you research a relevant issue and write your bachelor’s thesis, making use of all the knowledge and skills you have acquired so far.

Subjects

Mentorship Communication Science Year 3
Multivariate Analysis
New Media Challenges
Bachelor's Thesis in Communication Science

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

1st year
First year

In the first year, you are immersed in the theme of media use. How do people use media and communicate with one another? Where do you get your news, and how do you know if it is reliable? You research your own media use and that of your fellow students. In the second semester, you study communication in and by organisations. How do they communicate with their own employees, and how do they convey their message to the outside world? You also pay attention to crisis communication: in the event of a scandal, how can a company reassure its customers and shareholders?

Subjects
Introduction to Communication Science

News and Journalism

Project 1: Mediated Reality

Interpersonal Communication

Social Research Methodology

Behaviour and Communication in Organizations

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

Project 2: Strategic Communication

History of Social Science

Public Relations and Reputation Management

Please consult the Study Guide for more information
2nd year
Second year

The second year focuses on two key areas: marketing communication and political communication. How can you persuade others with your message? How do you set up a marketing campaign? Which messages work, which do not, and how can you test this? In the second semester, you investigate the role of communication and social media in society. How do people deal with health-related information? How do they discuss major events on Twitter?

Subjects
Marketing and Persuasive Communication

Quantitative Research Methodology

Project 3: Effective Persuasion

Media Entertainment

Media, Society and Politics

Philosophy of Science

Project 4: Social Media Analytics

Risk and Health Communication

Please consult the Study Guide for more information
3rd year
Third year

In the first semester of your final year, you shape your own curriculum. You can do an internship, study abroad or follow a minor. In the second semester, you research a relevant issue and write your bachelor’s thesis, making use of all the knowledge and skills you have acquired so far.

Subjects
Mentorship Communication Science Year 3

Multivariate Analysis

New Media Challenges

Bachelor's Thesis in Communication Science

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

After the Bachelor’s, you can specialise further by following a Master’s programme.

As a graduate of Communication Science, you could work as a communications adviser or a spokesperson for a government ministry, a PR firm or a webcare department.

Explore your future prospects