Master
Communication Science
★ StudyPath verdict
7.2/10
Best for students focused on media effects, societal communication issues and research skills at VU Amsterdam; limited programme-specific outcome statistics published on official pages.
Tuition · Intl
↗€24,150
via SKDB 2025 ↗
Duration
1 year
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2019
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗210
DUO ↑18% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
?
not specified
Entry route
↗Bachelor
4 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.3/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗95%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€2,950
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 23 Jun 2026
About this program
Does social media lead to a less social society? What is the impact of negative media coverage on a company? And how do you communicate lifesaving guidelines in times of crisis? As a Communication Science student you will focus on today’s communication issues within one of three specialisations: Marketing Communications, Media Psychology or Media and Democracy.
As we find ourselves in a continually changing media landscape, where everyone shares information and can have an impact on the reputation of organizations, brands or politicians, it makes sense that there is a high demand for experts who understand these developments and can manage their impact. Although the exact content differs, each specialisation trains you to become a communication specialist.
The tracks of the programme are:
* Marketing Communication
* Media and Democracy
* Media Psychology
You will learn to solve real-world communication problems by advising organisations facing communication challenges, for example in the Impact course, where you support a social organisation.
Besides studying media developments, this Master helps you understand them. As media play an increasingly central role in work, relationships, public debate, trade, and social issues, understanding core media principles will become one of your most valuable professional skill sets.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
EnglishMaster of ScienceField area: Behaviour & SocietySector: Taal en CommunicatieCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
Case studyGroup assignmentGroup discussionIndividual assignmentLiterature studyOral presentationPoster presentationProject
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is a public research university founded in 1880. Known for its international outlook and innovative research, VU has over 30,000 students and offers programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Living in Amsterdam
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€700/mo
Monthly total
€1,000–€2,000
Cost of living
High
Population
873k
Bustling, international, and culturally rich. Amsterdam balances historic charm with modern innovation. The city is bike-friendly, walkable, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and networking.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Marketing Communication ↗Graduation track
Are you strategic, creative – and interested in how brands can truly engage and persuade people? In the Master’s specialisation CS: Marketing Communication at Vrije Universiteit Am…
Media Psychology ↗Graduation track
Are you analytical, curious – and interested in how media and technology shape the way we think, feel, and behave? In the Master’s specialisation CS: Media Psychology at Vrije Univ…
Media and Democracy ↗Graduation track
Are you critical, socially engaged – and interested in the role of media in our democracy? In the Master’s specialisation CS: Media and Democracy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, y…
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: communicatiewetenschappen
Median starting salary (field)€2,950/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating95%
Months to a substantial job14
Working in their own field61%
Permanent contract38%
Satisfied with their job3.7/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Specialisten op het gebied van reclame en marketing27%
Specialisten op het gebied van public relations13%
Bedrijfs- en organisatieanalisten7%
Specialisten op het gebied van personeelszaken en loopbaanontwikkeling5%
Leidinggevende functies op het gebied van verkoop en marketing4%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree91%
Women among first-years78%
Say workload is “just right”68%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.3/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 36 respondents
Content & set-up4.2
Teachers4.3
Atmosphere4.6
Involvement & contact4.3
Study guidance4.3
Testing & assessment4.2
Facilities4.1
Career preparation3.9
Teachers' English4.2
Would choose again4.3
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
?No admission requirements in source
Scholarships
VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP)Merit-based tuition fee waiver
NL ScholarshipContribution towards living costs
External scholarshipsVaries by provider/country
Internships
?No data yet
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