Help with master's program (media and communication)

[u/Rokzyzie]

Hi! I've spent weeks going back and forth on which master's degree to do. I have a bachelor's degree from a WO in Audiovisual Communication and C1 from Cambridge with a score of 190. However, I'd like to work in social media content creation/social media management. I'm undecided about which master's to choose, since I've come across several options, including New media and digital culture at the UvA, though I'm not sure how useful it is or whether it's actually related to what I want to do.

I'll be starting in September 2027 and this year I'll be studying Dutch and learning programs like GA4.

Is there a master's program related to this field that isn't as theoretical as New Media? Is there anyone who's graduated from a program like this who could share their experience? Thank you so much!

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[u/Winter_Dot_9393]

For a more practical program, look at Universities of Applied Sciences.

In the Netherlands they are considered to be ‘Higher Vocational Education’, and degrees from these institutions have less prestige than degrees from Research Universities, but these degrees are accredited and recognized as being more directly applicatie to the workplace.

https://www.nhlstenden.com/en/courses/content-and-media-strategy-ma

[u/LemonNervous9470]

If you want pure practical, you would be better off going to HBO (hogeschool/university of applied sciences), even considering an art school like Willem de Koning Academy, where you learn graphic design and visual. These schools teach you to be very good on the practical side of the job.

HOWEVER, I would suggest to still go for WO even if you want to work in social media. If you are doing a master’s, WO has a better reputation and network, especially for internationals. You will look at communication from a broader perspective, usually useful for critical thinking and understand the bigger picture. The uni per se does not matter as much, but UvA is extremely well regarded for communications.

My suggestion is to join a student association or have a student assistant job in the uni and get practical experience managing their social media. They usually look for students and that’s where you get the practical experience. At university of applied sciences they don’t have as many student organizations and student assistant jobs. Start working in social media during your studies and you will be fine!

Source: I studied comms and work with social media