Want to understand how new media technologies are used to create innovative formats and ways of storytelling, and how media innovation and start-up culture are rooted in creative processes?
In this MA students explore how media are produced and (re-)used in a digital era. You study how new media technologies enable innovative formats and distinctive practices of media use, re-use and consumption. Key to this MA track is the insight that all innovation starts from creativity. Yet new start-ups in cultural and media production also need to balance commercial interest and creative drive. Students are invited to put academic knowledge into creative practice - building upon a profound understanding of how media industries have developed over time, how media genres evolve and how changing media (re-)use plays into economic, policy, organizational, labour and legal issues, including piracy, web streaming, and remixing of media content.
This programme combines cutting-edge knowledge of innovation and creativity in media with diverse practical skills. A variety of courses enable students to work in the cultural and creative industries. The internship familiarizes yourself with the job market and kick-starts your career. Acquired skills include:
In the 1st year, courses on transformations in the digital society, cultures of media creativity, formats and use provide you with a solid theoretical foundation. Methods courses prepare you for doing research independently. In professional skills courses, you learn about media law, economy, ethics and policy, and gain practical experience in media production, storytelling and entrepreneurship. In the 3rd semester you write your MA thesis and apply your knowledge and skills in an internship.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Cultures of Creativity (5 EC) | ||||
| Methods 1 (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Transformations in the Digital Society (5 EC) | ||||
| Conceptualizing Audiences (5 EC) | ||||
| Forms and Formats (5 EC) | ||||
| Methods 2 (5 EC) | ||||
| Civil Society, Policy and Regulation (5 EC) | ||||
| Innovation: Contemporary Debates (5 EC) | ||||
| Practice Lab Mediastudies (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Seminar Mediastudies (5 EC) | ||||
| Thesis Lab Mediastudies (5 EC) | ||||
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | ||
| Ma Thesis Mediastudies (15 EC) | ||||
| Ma Thesis Plus Mediastudies (25 EC, optional) | ||||
| Tutorial (5 EC, optional) | ||||
| Ma Internschip Mediastudies (15 EC) | ||||
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Students with a BA degree in Media Studies from the University of Groningen are directly admitted to the programme. Students with any other BA degree need to have at least 30 ECTS credit points from course units from the Minor in Media Studies provided by the University of Groningen, or course units equivalent to these in content followed at a different university. |
| language test |
Additional English language requirement (also for students wishing to pursue a premaster programme): a Dutch VWO diploma or Dutch VWO English certificate (grade 6 or higher), minimum TOEFL requirement iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 for all components), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 for all components). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185. If you have a Dutch VWO degree, you do not need to submit a language test. |
| other admission requirements |
Students with a BA degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) cannot apply directly for the MA Media Studies, track Media Creation and Innovation. You will have to complete a pre-Master's first. You can find an overview of the pre-Master's programme on this webpage. Please contact admission.mediastudies rug.nl for more information on how to proceed. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Research universities | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
|
| Media Studies | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of Students with a BA degree from a University for Applied Sciences (HBO) cannot apply for the MA Media Studies track in Media Creation and Innovation. You will need to do a pre-master first. Please contact admission.mediastudies rug.nl for more information. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Media Studies | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Note: it's not possible to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
For students with a non-Dutch diploma: deadline May 1, to start in September For students with a Dutch diploma: deadline August 15, to start in September
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Students with a BA degree in Media Studies from the University of Groningen are directly admitted to the programme. Students with any other BA degree need to have at least 30 ECTS credit points from course units from the Minor in Media Studies provided by the University of Groningen, or course units equivalent to these in content followed at a different university. |
| language test |
Additional English language requirement (also for students wishing to pursue a premaster programme): a Dutch VWO diploma or Dutch VWO English certificate (grade 6 or higher), minimum TOEFL requirement iBT 100 (with a minimum of 25 for all components), or IELTS 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 for all components). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185. If you have a Dutch VWO degree, you do not need to submit a language test. |
| other admission requirements |
Students with a BA degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) cannot apply directly for the MA Media Studies, track Media Creation and Innovation. You will have to complete a pre-Master's first. You can find an overview of the pre-Master's programme on this webpage. Please contact admission.mediastudies rug.nl for more information on how to proceed. |
Note: it's not possible to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
For students with a non-Dutch diploma: deadline May 1, to start in September For students with a Dutch diploma: deadline August 15, to start in September
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 18700 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 19200 | full-time |
Important: the master track Media Creation & Innovation is a 18 months master programme (1.5 years). This means that you pay 1.5 times more tuition fee, not just ONE year.
Practical information for:
Students who finish this MA degree have:
You are taught by lecturers who are internationally renowned in media studies. You benefit from and can be involved in the research of the Centre for Media and Journalism Studies, assessed as an excellent and world-leading research centre. The department is well-known for its informal and vibrant atmosphere, allowing for fruitful exchange between staff and students.
