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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Communication and Information Studies Computer-mediated Communication
Header image Computer-mediated Communication

Computer-mediated Communication

Are you interested in the technology behind smartphones, computers and the internet? Would you also like to know more about the communication elements of those media? Then this programme is for you.

Organizations communicate with their customers through a variety of digital and computer supported channels, like the homepage, social media, apps and email. In the track Computer-mediated Communication, you will study the specific characteristics and possibilities of all these channels. You will also learn about the relevant technologies and products.

In addition, you will look at the messages that are being sent via the computer. In this context, you will study the user friendliness of websites and interfaces, as well as the ways in which people communicate through the computer.

Three types of interaction are central to this programme: between people and computers, between people and organizations via the computer and between people amongst themselves. The aim of the programme is to familiarize you with the theories and methods to evaluate these interactions.

Depending on the courses you choose, you will either specialize in technology or in communication. The programme will always keep in touch with the latest developments in the field of information technology.

All courses are taught in English. If you need to follow a pre-master, a few courses are taught in Dutch.


Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Communication & Information Studies
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
66826
Language of instruction
Dutch, English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Het programma speelt zoveel mogelijk in op actuele ontwikkelingen op onderzoeksgebied en in het werkveld.
  • Stage op het gebied van ICT is verplicht.
  • De carrièreperspectieven zijn goed. Veel organisaties hebben functies waarvoor kennis en vaardigheden op zowel technologisch als communicatiekundig terrein gewenst zijn.
Programme
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Coding for Humanities (5 EC)
Database Design (5 EC, optional)
Communication Technology (5 EC, optional)
Computer-Mediated Communication (5 EC)
Conversational Interfaces: Theory (5 EC)
User Interface Evaluation (5 EC, optional)
Master's Thesis (20 EC)
Master's Work Placement (10 EC, optional)
Conversational Interfaces: Practice (5 EC, optional)

Curriculum

De MA scriptie is een verplicht onderdeel van de studie. Uit de vijfpuntsvakken dien je minimaal twee vakken te kiezen. De resterende ruimte kun je vullen met een vak naar keuze.

Het vakkenaanbod van de mastertrack Computercommunicatie is aan verandering onderhevig.

Programme options
Master's placement (specialization)

During this Master's track, you can follow a placement for ECTS credit points.

It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is discouraged

Studeren in het buitenland is mogelijk, maar wordt sterk ontraden vanwege studievertraging en beperkt vakkenaanbod.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
CommunicationHanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Het pre-masterprogramma van CIW is een voorbereidend jaar voor studenten uit een HBO-opleiding Communicatie, en door de toelatingscommissie toegelaten studenten met een andere HBO-opleiding of een WO-opleiding.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Communicationnhlstenden

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Het pre-masterprogramma van CIW is een voorbereidend jaar voor studenten uit een HBO-opleiding Communicatie, en door de toelatingscommissie toegelaten studenten met een andere HBO-opleiding of een WO-opleiding.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Communication and Information StudiesUniversity of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

Advies: minor en keuzeruimte invullen met vakken uit de bachelor Informatiekunde

Information ScienceUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Dutch Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

specialisatie Taalbeheersing of extra vakken in de keuzeruimte.

English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Geldt voor alle BA's Vreemde Talen en Taalwetenschap. Met een andere letterenopleiding: schakelprogramma van 60 EC. Informatie via studieadviseurs.

LinguisticsUniversity of Groningen

Pre-master at previous program with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Geldt voor alle BA's Vreemde Talen en Taalwetenschap. Met een andere letterenopleiding: schakelprogramma van 60 EC. Informatie via studieadviseurs.

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements with a maximum of 60 EC

More information:

Geldt voor alle BA's Vreemde Talen en Taalwetenschap. Met een andere letterenopleiding: schakelprogramma van 60 EC. Informatie via studieadviseurs.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Communication ScienceAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

Advies: minor en keuzeruimte invullen met vakken uit de bachelor Informatiekunde

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor in Communication studies. If you finished a Bachelor's at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences in a related field, you can send in your request for admission to sec-millc rug.nl. Students with a non-Dutch qualification can follow the admission procedure, which is published on https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

other admission requirements

Ben je niet rechtstreeks toelaatbaar? Dien dan een verzoek tot toelating in bij de toelatingscommissie vóór 1 augustus (om per 1 september te beginnen). Je kunt dit verzoek via e-mail indienen: sec-millc rug.nl. Vermeld je vooropleiding, voorkeur mastertrack en je adresgegevens. Wij adviseren in alle gevallen eerst contact op te nemen met de studieadviseur CIW.

Registration procedure

Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor in Communication studies. If you finished a bachelor at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences in a related field, you can send in your request for admission to sec-millc rug.nl. Students with a non-Dutch qualification can follow the admission procedure, which is published on https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/

language test

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items).

Registration procedure

Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The master's track in Computer-mediated Communication prepares you for functions in organizations where you need knowledge and skills of both technology and communication. This may concern a company that asks for user-oriented web design, but also advice regarding the use of digital media for customer service.

There is a great need for people who have a background in Computer-mediated communication, therefore it should not be difficult to find a job. An increasing amount of organizations are realizing that effective interactions and communication are fine-tuned to a target audience, also when it concerns digital media. When designing website, question-answer systems and choosing between different digital media platforms, it is of great importance to, on the one hand, understand the technological aspect of media, and on the other hand, realize the necessity of targeted communication.

Job examples

  • Online Marketeer
  • Social Media Advisor
  • Communications Advisor
  • Advisor Social Media
  • Advisor Multichannel Management
  • Web Developer
  • Advisor User Experience
  • Usability Expert
  • Usability Engineer
  • Researcher
Research

Research in the field of Communication Science at the University of Groningen focuses on oral, written, audiovisual and digital communication in one's mother tongue or in a second or foreign language, linking the functional characteristics of the various communication media and channels to the contexts and aims of the communication. In addition to careful analyses of the communication itself, experiments are also conducted to measure its effects.

The CIW research is coordinated by the   Discourse and Communication  group, which is part of the   Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen  (CLCG). This research group conducts both qualitative and quantitative research on the use of language and other semiotic systems in specific communicative contexts. Particular attention is paid to the effects of strategic (persuasive) communication in professional settings, such as organizational, media and health communication.

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Contact

Consultant bij Embrace

Momenteel werk ik bij Malengo. Dit bedrijf heeft twee producten genaamd Umbrella en Embrace. Bij Embrace ben ik werkzaam als consultant. Hier wordt software aangeboden om een privénetwerk voor organisaties in te richten.

Mijn afstudeerstage heb ik ook bij Embrace afgerond, toen het nog een start up was. Dat gaf mij een unieke kans: ik ben betrokken geweest bij het bedenken van een product en kan nu toezien hoe het al door tachtig klanten wordt gebruikt. Het was erg leerzaam om de verschillende fases van het bedrijf mee te maken.

Het is mijn droom om later een eigen bedrijf te starten. Dat is niet helemaal een doel op zich, want het moet wel een product of dienst zijn waar ik zelf in geloof. Ik wil dit graag, omdat je dan meer vrijheid hebt. Bovendien lijkt het me een leuke uitdaging om mensen om me heen te verzamelen die hetzelfde willen bereiken en daarmee samen te werken.

Read more

Ontdek op welke manier de communicatie tussen mens en computer soepeler kan verlopen

Tijdens mijn bachelor Communicatie- en informatiewetenschappen aan de RUG heb ik me goed kunnen oriënteren binnen het vakgebied en daarin mogen ontdekken wat mijn interesse heeft. Ik kwam er al snel achter dat ik interesse heb in de communicatieve aspecten van nieuwe media. Ik wilde graag meer weten op welke manier digitale kanalen het beste ingezet kunnen worden. Toen ik hoorde van de mastertrack Computercommunicatie, was mijn keuze snel gemaakt.

Over de mastertrack

Deze track geeft je de mogelijkheid om te ontdekken op welke manier de interactie tussen mens en computer soepeler kan verlopen. Daarnaast geeft het je inzicht in de communicatieproblemen bij verschillende digitale kanalen en hoe deze opgelost kunnen worden. Afgezien van mijn studie is Groningen een geweldige stad om te studeren. Het ideale aan Groningen is dat alles binnen een straal van 2 kilometer bereikbaar is: vrienden, studie en gezelligheid. Ik studeer er nu voor mijn vijfde jaar en ben er nog steeds niet op uitgekeken.

Toekomstperspectieven

Desalniettemin is het ook een uitdaging om Groningen te verlaten en alle kennis te gaan toepassen in de praktijk. De toekomstperspectieven voor deze mastertrack zijn gunstig, dat maakt Computercommunicatie aan de RUG ideaal!

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University of Groningen Orange Tulip Scholarship/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts

Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts.

Read more

Study associations

Commotie

Commotie is the study association for all communication students in Groningen.They offer their members a wide range of both educational and social activities and want their members to get the most out of their student life. In-house days, workshops, lectures and congresses give a broad insight in the workfield and career possibilities of communication.
Social activities contain an annual trip abroad, monthly socials, parties and many other fun activities. These activities give members the opportunity to make new friends and meet new people. More info? Check the website.
https://www.svcommotie.nl/home

Marug

The Marketing Association of the University of Groningen (MARUG) is the inter-departmental study association for students who are interested in marketing.
The MARUG acts as an intermediary between marketing theory and marketing practice and organises several career events and social activities during the year, such as a monthly social. At this moment, the MARUG has more than 1500 members from different fields of knowledge.
https://www.marug.nl/

ASCI

ASCI is a study association for the students of Information Science at the University of Groningen.
ASCI's main aim is to represent the interests of its members and to stimulate contact between the students, companies and the faculty of Arts of the University of Groningen. In this way, ASCI organizes a vast array of activities such as socials and trips.
https://www.ascigroningen.nl
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Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the programme and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.