Media, Democracy and Human Rights

Studying master’s in Media, Democracy and Human Rights at Linnaeus University in Sweden:

The programme focuses on leadership, democracy, and human rights. It aims to prepare you as tomorrow’s researcher, social narrator, or decision-maker to be able to contribute responsibly and insightfully to the development and regulation of the media landscape. A developement based on democratic ideals and principles, regardless of nationality and geographical considerations.

During the programme you will get a deeper understanding of the increasingly important role and growing impact of the media as regards public service announcements, political communication, cultural expression, and social mobilisation. As a student you are provided with a theoretical understanding, analytical tools, and strategic competence. This enables you to not only understand, but to become an active agent in, media development that affects democracy, human rights, and regulation of the media in an international context.

The program is offered online (distance learning) and on campus simultaneously. The teaching and course-work is integrated according to the Glocal-classroom model, so that students who participate online and students in the classroom on campus are taught together, and follow the same schedule.

 

Necessary information:

• Duration: 2 years
• Degree awarded by: Linnaeus University
• Admission criteria: Bachelor’s degree
• Language of instruction: English
• Format: Full-time
• Semester: Autumn
• Tuition fee: 55,000 SEK (First payment)
• Tuition fee, total: 231,200 SEK
• Application Fee: 900 SEK

 

Curriculum:

The first year of the programme consists of four courses of 15 credits each, running over the first two semesters. The first year aims to deepen students’ knowledge of current theory and research in the interface between media, democracy, and human rights. The focus lies on current challenges to democracy in terms of the media’s fluctuating role in people’s and societies’ lives, as well as on political and cultural currents of relevance for the extent to which human rights can be accommodated in a global perspective.

The second year of the programme starts with a 15-credit course in theory and method, followed by 15 credits worth of optional courses (which may include practice placements or studies abroad). Alternatively, the entire third semester may be studied abroad, as part of an exchange programme, provided that it includes studies equivalent to the 15-credit course Philosophy of Science and Research Methods in Media and Communication Studies. The programme ends with a degree project of 30 credits, in the fourth semester.

 

Career opportunity:

Linnaeus University Career Counselling Service: The career counselling service at Linnaeus University offers support and advice when you try to figure out how your education, your experience, and your personal qualifications can best be summarized into a powerful job application. You will get help pinpointing your skills and experience and tips and guidance on how to best design your CV and cover letter.

After graduation you have several options for your career. The programme is a great preparation for PhD studies. You can also work with:

• management and development services in the media industry
• policies and analysis in national and international political and non-profit organisations, or in companies and public authorities
• journalism
• media development and media strategies in the private and public sectors
• information and communication
• teaching at different levels.

 

Application Requirements:

• You must have been awarded a Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen) from an internationally recognised university.
• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. For most master’s level courses and programmes, the requirement is also the equivalent of the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. There are some master’s level courses and programmes where English 5 or English 7 is the requirement.
• You must provide certificates and diplomas of your completed degree(s) from an internationally recognised higher education institution.
• Transcripts of completed courses and grades for each semester included in your degree. If you have had courses credited/transferred from previous studies, you must also submit official transcripts for those courses.
• Copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photograph, or a similar identification document.
• You must upload your documentation both in the original language and in an official translation. Accepted languages for translations are Swedish and English.

General entry requirements for second­cycle studies and specific entry requirements for this program:

• 1–90 credits, of which at least 15 credits are for an independent project in media and communications, journalism, political science, or a similar subject.
• English 6 or the equivalent.

 

English language requirements:

Exam	score
IELTS Academic	6.5
TOFEL IBT	90
Pearson PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online	62

 

 

Deadlines and intakes:

• Mid-August: Application deadline for courses starting in the Spring semester.
• Mid-January: Application deadline for courses and programmes starting in the Autumn semester. (January 16)