Are you ready for communication leadership?

Master
Full-time
3 semesters

International Communication

Level: master
Form: full-time
Duration: 3 semesters
Language: English
Locations: Groningen
Degree: Master of Arts
Credits: 90 ECTS
Startmonths: Start: September

Language and Communication

Are you interested in International Brand Management, Corporate Communication, or Crisis Communication? If you want to become an all-round expert in these areas, then the Master of International Communication (MA) programme could be the perfect fit for you.

Apply for this programme Request brochure

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Projects with impact

During your master’s, you will be involved in projects that combine working in research, education and industry. Through applied research you come up with innovative solutions for genuine societal issues. Below, you can find some examples of projects our master’s students engage in.

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Antonia Hein MSc

Programme manager
Astrid Berg, PhD

Academic Chair
Mathilde van Dijk

Graduation Coordinator
Irene Taroni

Academic Counselor
Alenka Lapornik

Programme Coordinator Assistant
Margarida Jardim

Admission Officer & Communication Coordinator MIC; Researcher R2R4RR

About this programme

The Master International Communication (MIC) is a 1,5 year programme organized into three semesters (90 EC).

As an international communication expert, you are key to organizational success. You manage brand stories, deal with crises, and drive important changes. Your strategic communication skills greatly impact global organizational goals and business outcomes. Throughout our master's, you will explore questions at the heart of global communication. For example:

How can you turn challenges into success through corporate communication?
How can you use AI to build brands that stand out in international markets?
Are you prepared to communicate with confidence during a crisis?
How can you facilitate communication projects that drive meaningful behaviour change?

What makes the Master's International Communication unique?

On finishing the MIC, you will walk away with:

A Global Mindset: Work successfully in diverse teams and see beyond borders and cultures.
Practical and Sustainable Impact: Design evidence-based and sustainable solutions for clients.
Theory, Skills & Tools: Learn from academics, professionals, and real-world case studies to stay ahead with the latest insights.
Hands-on Experience: Build practical skills through internships and partnerships.
Ready for Leadership: Position yourself for communication leadership.
International Network: Connect with students from diverse backgrounds and countries from all over the world. Expand your professional network with alumni and communication professionals.

Course overview

We offer four core modules in the first year to help you develop your skills and knowledge. These modules deal with core topics specific to a professional communication role. Each module includes theory, research, leadership skills, and practical work. The graduation project module in your second year is supported through expert guidance.

Semester 1 - Corporate Communication Consultant & Strategic Brand Manager

The curriculum emphasizes the study of international organizations across various businesses and non-profit sectors in the first semester. The two professional roles that you will explore and practice in this semester are Corporate Communication Consultant and Strategic Brand Manager, by focusing on the topics such as: Strategic Corporate Communication theory and practice, Intercultural Communication, Applied Research, Brand Management, and Reflective Professionalism.

For more information on the MIC modules offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

Semester 2- Issues & Crisis Communication Strategist & Behavioural Change Facilitator

You will explore and practice the roles of the Issues & Crisis Communication Strategist and the Behavioural Change Facilitator, by focusing on the topics of Issues & Crisis Communication theory , Online Media analytics, Personal Leadership, Communication and Behaviour, Intercultural Facilitation and Futures Literacy.

For more information on the MIC modules offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

Semester 3 - The Graduation Project

The Graduation Project is a consultancy-based, applied research project that allows you to demonstrate expertise in the area of your career interests. You can carry out this project either as an internship or as a partnership with an international organization. The project builds on all knowledge, practical experience, and competencies you gained during the first two semesters.

Past graduation internships have included placements at renowned organizations such as Philips, IKEA, Unilever, Bosch GMBH, Open Government Partnership, Lilly Maas, Park Plaza Hotel, DAF Trucks, World Food Programme (UN), UMCG hospital, MF Shipping Groningen Seaports and many more.

You choose one of the four professional roles to practice in the graduation semester. For more information on the MIC modules offered, please see our ECTS Course Catalogue.

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Summer Prep Course

An optional preparatory course to help bridge knowledge gaps in communication, basis personal branding, presentation and reporting.

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Click here to check whether you qualify.

The entry requirements for our master’s programme are as follows:

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Business, Management, HR, International Relations, Linguistics, Sociology or Psychology
Proof of English Proficiency (see English Language Requirements)

Additionally, you need to submit:

A motivation video (see Motivation Video)
A CV in English
Copy of valid ID (EU/EEA) or Passport (Non-EU/EEA)

Be creative and show us who you are! A strong motivation video will demonstrate a clear understanding of the MIC programme and who you truly are AND how it all fits together!

Instruction for content: you should at least include addressing the following questions:

How will studying at the MIC help you prepare for your future (career)?
Think: what are you passionate about? What have you planned for your future? What are your goals? How will studying the MIC help you achieve your goals? What do you wish to get out of the MIC?  
Demonstrate the following competencies with the support of relevant academic/professional achievements and/or international/intercultural experiences (give examples):
1. (applied) research skills
2. critical thinking skills
3. cultural sensitivity
What can you contribute to the MIC learning community?
Think of the skills, knowledge, experience, perspective, network you have that you can share with others and contribute to their learning?

Instruction for format:
No shorter than 2 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes.
You are free to edit how you want to but we must be able to see you for most part of your video.
We must be able to hear your voice clearly in the video.
Avoid reading or appearing to read from a script.
Upload your final video onto an online platform, preferably YouTube (upload your video as "unlisted"). Submit the video link at step 2: Hanze Application.

Already graduated: a copy of your original bachelor's degree and transcripts/grade list. If the documents are not written in Dutch, English or German, then you also need a sworn English translation of your bachelor's degree and transcripts/grade list.

Not graduated yet: a certificate of enrolment and latest grade list (see when to apply for final deadlines). If the documents are not written in Dutch, English or German, then you also need an English translation of the certificate of enrolment and grade list.
An IELTS or TOEFL ibt certificate
CV in English
Motivation video (see below for instruction)
Copy of ID (EU/EEA students) or valid passport (Non-EU students)

Application Deadlines

The application opens on the 1st of October and closes on the 1st of June 2025. Applicants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Iran have to submit a complete application by the 1st of May 2025 due to an intensified immigrations control.

If you have not graduated before the application deadline:

Non-EU/EEA applicants requiring a visa/residence permit have to submit a copy of diploma and transcript or a graduation statement and transcript by the 1st of July 2025 the latest. 
EU/EEA applicants and non-EU/EEA owning a residence permit have to submit a copy of diploma and transcript by the 15th of August the latest.

Please take into consideration:

Most scholarship deadlines are between March-May, strive to complete your application for the MIC before then if you want to be eligible for scholarships.

It takes time to find accommodation in Groningen. The earlier you complete your application, the earlier you can start looking for a room.

Selection Procedure

The MIC uses a holistic reviewing process that admits you base on the bigger picture regarding to who you are, what you have done and what you want to do in the future and why. We focus on the balance of your academics and language skills with your motivation and personal experiences. In case of needing more clarification, the Admissions Committee can request for additional supporting documents or examination in the form of an intake-interview.

We aim to notify you about your acceptance within two weeks after receiving your submitted application.

You can expect one of the following three letters:

Letter of Acceptance: you have been accepted to the MIC programme and can start planning for your study. Check out our International Office regarding housing and immigration. 
Letter of Provisional Acceptance: you have been conditionally accepted, provided that you submit a copy of your diploma and grade list before the final deadline (see when to apply). Once you meet the condition, we will issue you the Letter of Acceptance.
Letter of Rejection: Unfortunately, you do not meet our requirements. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

This guide helps you go through the admissions and enrolment process

Step 1: Check your eligibility: Bachelor International Business 3 year programme, Bachelor International Business 4 year programme, Master International Business and Management, Interdisciplinary Business Professional
Step 2: Check the application deadlines
Step 3: Collect the required documents
Step 4: Start your application
Step 5: Pay your tuition fees
Step 6: Prepare for your studies

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary slightly every year and depending on your background. Please use the Hanze Tuition Fees Calculator to get an accurate indication of how much you will have to pay for the academic year.

The Master International Communication is a 1,5 academic years (3 semesters) programme, meaning you will have to pay tuition fees twice (for academic year 1 and academic year 2). Depending on when you graduate you may be reimbursed half or a fraction the academic year 2 tuition fee, upon completion of the programme. For clarification regarding this matter, please contact the Admissions Officer of the Master International Communication.

Non-EU/EEA students also need to transfer a Financial Guarantee, please find more information about this matter here.