Master's Programme in Social Communication

Study programme code MASTSK

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements a) Bachelor's degree in communication and media studies, languages, social studies, cultural studies or journalism, with a grade average of C or better.
b) A minimum of 30 credits within the field of text and media and a minimum of 30 credits in social and/or cultural studies.

Successful applicants must satisfy both criteria a) and b), but b) may well be included in a).

General description and profile of the programme

The study programme is a two-year,, multidisciplinary, professionally oriented master's programme that combines perspectives from the humanities and the social sciences. The programme addresses - theoretically and practically -communications-related issues in the interaction between large and small organisations (public, private, non-profit, etc.) and the wider community (local, national or global).

The programme focuses on various aspects of social communication. The students will develop their practical and theoretical competencies in textual and contextual aspects of the field. After completing the programme, the students will bring competencies in creative, reflective, ethical and appropriate communication into their professional lives.

The programme includes a practical placement, a master´s thesis, and the following fields subject components:

• Text Competence
  o Rhetoric in the communication society
  o Text and discourse analysis

• Cultural and social studies
  o Communication, mobility and globalisation
  o Social/community planning, culture and communication
  o Professional ethics

• Organisation and strategy development
  o Communication strategy and practical information work
  o Project organisation

All courses in the program are obligatory, but the students´ choice of practical placements and thesis topics make room for individual adaptations. The program includes a six-week practical placement in a relevant business/organisation.

Students may spend the final year abroad (or parts of the final year), through a cooperating student placement organisation.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

The expected learning outcomes of the programme are multiple and include the development of practical, analytical and organisational skills - in addition to the academic competence which is developed through the process of writing a master´s thesis.

On successful completion of the programme, the students should:

-Be able to communicate in an ethical, creative and effective way in the organisational and social contexts dealt with in the programme

- Have developed their theoretical knowledge and analytical skills in understanding and evaluating relevant communication processes in an organisational and societal context
- Be able to contribute to development, execution and management of projects that promote ethical, creative and effective communication practices in a specific context
- Be able to master the requirements of thesis writing, describing, documenting and discussing relevant communication processes.

Teaching methods

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical projects and a 6-week practical placement.

Assessment methods Students are assessed through a combination of written examinations, take-home examinations, project submissions, oral examinations, reports and the final master´s thesis.

Student exchange

Students may go on exchange during the third or fourth semester. Exchanges will be arranged in cooperation with local businesses and organisations with an international focus.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme

Students must have successfully completed at least five of the first year subjects in order to advance to the second year.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The programme is practically oriented and relevant to working life, particularly towards information and communication work in public, non-profit or commercial organisations with local, national or international scope. The programme will qualify the students for work in for journalism, administration and similar lines of work.

The students´ choice of practical placement will (normally) determine their choice of topic for the master´s thesis, and thereby the type of sector for which the students will be qualified.

Graduates of the programme will qualify for admission to several PhD programmes, including programmes offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Agder.

Qualification awarded

Master of Arts in Social Communication

Contact person

Professor Martin Engebretsen (38 14 20 85, martin.engebretsen@uia.no)