This programme addresses questions such as: What argumentative strategies are used in sustainability campaigns? How do style choices contribute to the persuasive power of a text?
Which skills and competencies are required to co-produce communicative artifacts with multimodal generative AI? How does cultural background influence the interpretation of indirect communication? How do media narratives about migration contribute to societal polarization?
Communication lies at the heart of social practices and civic engagement. From everyday family life to professional settings, our lives are shaped and organized through communication.In the Bachelor's programme Communication and Information Studies (CIS) you will learn:
CIS focuses on communication from a language perspective in the
broadest sense: CIS is about text, talk, gestures, pictures,
digital media, and more recently, generative AI.
Communication is not only about messages or outputs, but also about
processes involving people, attitudes and opinions. Therefore, you
will receive multidisciplinary training with elements from
linguistics, psychology, media studies, sociology, and
marketing.
CIS is an international degree programme taught in English, by both
Dutch and international staff who bring diverse academic
backgrounds and areas of expertise to the classroom. You will be
part of an international student community and collaborate with
peers from abroadA Dutch Track is also available.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Academic Skills 1 (5 EC) | ||||
| Corporate and Organisational Communication 1: Introduction (5 EC) | ||||
| Persuasive Communication (5 EC) | ||||
| Academic Skills 2 (5 EC) | ||||
| Intercultural Communication (5 EC) | ||||
| Language Optimization (5 EC) | ||||
| Digital Communication (5 EC) | ||||
| Methodology for CIS: Qualitative Methods (5 EC) | ||||
| Text Analysis I (5 EC) | ||||
| Conversation Analysis I (5 EC) | ||||
| Methodology for CIS: Quantitative Methods (5 EC) | ||||
| Multimodal Communication (5 EC) | ||||
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Pictures in Professional Communication (5 EC) | ||||
| Pragmatics (5 EC) | ||||
| Questionnaire and Interview design (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistics (5 EC) | ||||
| Conversation Analysis II (5 EC) | ||||
| Corporate and Organisational Communication 2: Marketing and Branding (5 EC) | ||||
| ASP for Dutch Track (5 EC) | ||||
| CIS Diversity Management 1 (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Current trends in CIS research (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Design and Evaluation (5 EC) | ||||
| Health Communication (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Webdesign (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Social Media (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistics II (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Text Analysis II (5 EC) | ||||
| Usability (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Minor (30 EC) | ||||
| Corporate and Organisational Communication 3: Responsible Communication (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Current trends in CIS research (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Health Communication (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Webdesign (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Ba Thesis and Seminar (10 EC) | ||||
| Case Study CIS (10 EC) | ||||
| CIS Diversity Management 2 (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Statistics II (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Usability (5 EC, optional) | ||||
Please note that above is the programme for the current academic year (2025-2026). From 2026-2027, the courses of this programme will change. More will be announced in autumn 2025.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Dutch track (specialization) If you sign up for the Dutch Track you will still be part of the International programme and the majority of your courses will still be in English. However, the Dutch track provides Dutch speaking students with the opportunity to develop their academic skills in the Dutch language. The track also allows students to prepare themselves for the Dutch language labour market. The Dutch track consists of seven Course Modules and the BA thesis. In these modules students will work with Dutch materials, seminars will be in the Dutch language and exams will also be in Dutch. Lectures and course readings are still in English. Participation in the Dutch Track is noted on the diploma. Courses in the Dutch Track: Pragmatics, Linguistics, Text Analysis 1 & 2, Conversation Analysis 1 & 2, Academic communication (Dutch version), BA thesis. |
| Minor (minor) The fifth semester of your studies is dedicated to your Minor: a coherent set of future-oriented course units. It prepares you for a follow-on Master's degree program or for entering the labour market. You can opt for a Career Minor, a Minor abroad, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor. |
| University of Groningen Honours College (honours program) The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities. The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 30 ECTS credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme. |
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement.
Language requirement 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) or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the programme in June.
If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma, a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university. For other VWO-equivalent qualifications, see: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/procedures/application-informatie/with-non-dutch-diploma/entry-requirements/bachelor-entry-requirements/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. Students with Dutch 'hbo-propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned below. |
| other admission requirements |
English language requirement: 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) or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
After graduation, many students choose to continue with a Master's degree. The Bachelor's degree in Communication and Information Studies gives you direct access to several Master's tracks at the University of Groningen, including:
When combined with specific faculty minors, the BA in Communication and Information Studies also gives you direct access to additional tracks such as Dutch Studies (Dutch taught) and Journalism. The BA programme also gives access to a wide range of Master’s programmes in the Netherlands and abroad.
As a graduate of Communication and Information Studies you are well prepared for a career in many different fields. Thanks to your multidisciplinary research training in communication design, you will be ready to make an impact in every organisation or company that aims for successful communication. You can work in the communication department of (governmental) organizations, business communities, cultural organizations, or non-profit organizations. Jobs can include communication trainer, editor, marketing manager; i.e. a wide range of roles in communication strategy and design. Students who take the Dutch Track will be well-prepared for a job on the Dutch labour market.
Hi, I am Kiki, 22 years old and a second-year CIS student. I am following the Dutch track within CIS. Besides my studies, I am a member of the student swimming association in Groningen, De Golfbreker, where I have been a member of several committees. I also work at the UMCG, where I am in charge of making the work schedules for several employees.
Before starting CIS, I studied Movement Sciences for two years, also in Groningen. However, that study was far too mathematical for me, so I decided to quit and do something else. But what? In secondary school, I always liked English and Dutch and that always went quite easily for me. Since I have an interest in language anyway and the breadth of the programme really appealed to me, I decided to go to an information session of CIS during the open day. There, besides attending the presentation, I also talked briefly with that year's student ambassador. I was worried that the programme would be very focused on marketing and corporate communications, and that didn't suit me. However, she said that this is not the case and that you have a lot of room to put together your own programme, with subjects that interest you. This conversation ultimately made me choose CIS!
Read more about Kiki and why she chose to study Communication and Information Studies in Groningen!
Hello everyone! My name is Luiza and I’m 20 years old. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Communication and Information Studies (CIS) and I am a third year student. I am from Romania and when I was 13 years old I moved to Spain to continue my studies. Afterwards, I came to the Netherlands for my bachelor degree. I am also taking a minor in Digital Humanities (DH) due to my desire to delve deeper into the digital world. Besides studying, my favorite past-times are going to the gym, especially taking boxing classes, watching horror and thriller movies and letting my inner Picasso out through drawing.
Initially, I was very indecisive on what to pursue, but one thing was clear: in my two years of doing IB highschool, I have come to love the art of writing essays and research. During my last year of highschool I spent quite some time researching what programme would best align with my interests, until I finally stumbled upon the Bachelor’s Communication and Information Studies programme at University of Groningen (UG). After taking a deeper look into what it has to offer and attending the Open Days, I just knew it. The programme has many things to offer, seeing as it is a diverse field that encapsulates a variety of sub-fields: discourse and language communication, but also courses on corporate and digital communication.
Read more about Luiza and why she chose to study Communication and Information Studies in Groningen!
Hi! My name is Bo, I am 21 years old and I just finished my Bachelor’s in Communication and Information Studies! Since I cannot get enough of studying, I extended my studies by one year to complete another Minor and internship. Besides my studies, I am an active member of both rowing and basketball associations in Groningen. I also work as a student assistant at the Department of Communication for the Faculty of Economics and Business.
When it was time to choose my study programme, I was incredibly uncertain because my references changed every week! Did I want to study Law? Business Administration? Or even Medicine? Since I already heard many stories about those studies, I wanted to visit a lesser-known programme during the Open Day at the UG. That is why I choose to visit the Bachelor’s Communication and Information Studies. The presentation really grabbed my attention - the programme offers so many different fields: language and corporate communication, but also courses on digital communication. All these aspects sparked my interest and I immediately knew this was the right choice for me after months of twisting and turning!
Hi! My name is Tamara, I am 22 years old and a third culture kid who mainly grew up in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. I am a second-year student in the Communication and Information Studies (CIS) bachelor's degree programme as well as a teaching assistant, student ambassador, co-host for a radio show and an active member of the CIS study association, Commotie. As I am halfway through my degree programme, I'm quite busy doing school work and studying. Additionally, I do lots of art and craft projects, journal, go with fellow Commotie members friends to fun events and lectures, and, very importantly, spend an evening or two a week relaxing and taking care of my plants.
After relentlessly looking for a programme that fits one of my many interests, I felt like something was a missing every time. However, the Communication and Information Studies programme aligned with my interests in philosophical language and linguistics, marketing, sociology, and multi-media, while still leaving enough time outside the programme to pursue all my other interests and skillsets. I decided on this programme because, to me, it is the perfect baseline degree to evolve into whatever other career I wanted: communication, research, marketing, English language, etc.
Hey! Mijn naam is Merle Kooij en ik studeer communicatie- en informatiewetenschappen aan de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. Ik heb vorig jaar mijn tweede jaar met heel veel plezier afgerond en zit nu in mijn derde jaar. Naast studeren ben ik ook op veel andere vlakken actief in de stad. Zo zit ik dit jaar in het bestuur van de studievereniging Commotie en ben ik actief bij een studenten roeivereniging. Ik onderneem veel met mijn vriendinnen en huisgenoten en werk hiernaast ook.
Toen ik een aantal jaren geleden voor een moeilijke studiekeuze stond, heb ik veel verschillende voorlichtingen bezocht. Hierbij vond ik CIW veruit het leukst. Het meest interessante vond ik hierbij het echte communicatie gedeelte. Hoe overtuig je iemand door middel van communicatie? Of hoe informeer je klanten of aandeelhouders op de juiste manier door middel van taal? Zelf vond ik het daarnaast vroeger altijd leuk om te presenteren en voorlichtingen te geven en veel met mensen te praten, waar deze studie natuurlijk perfect op aansluit.
Er eenmaal van overtuigt om CIW te gaan studeren heb ik specifiek gekozen voor de Nederlandstalige track van deze studie. Ik heb hiervoor gekozen, omdat ik graag zo veelzijdig mogelijk opgeleid wilde worden, met kennis over taal en communicatie in het Nederlands en in het Engels. Daarnaast vond ik het belangrijk dat ik alle mogelijkheden in dit vakgebied voor mezelf open kon houden en dat ik in theorie na mijn Bachelor evenveel kansen zou hebben op zowel de Nederlandstalige als op de Engelstalige arbeidsmarkt.
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The Communication and Information Studies programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students.
If you are interested in an Communication and Information Studies web class, register here.
