INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICATION ACADEMIC YEAR 2014-2015

CONTENT

1. Introduction to our Masters programme
2. Admission requirements
3. How to apply?
4. Scholarships
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)






















Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that the current instructions to applications are as
accurate as possible, no rights can be obtained from the information presented here.

Application instructions for academic year 2015-2016 will be available from December 2014.


1. Introduction to our Masters Programme

Communication Science comes under a range of comparable or related names, among which
Media Studies, Media Sociology, Film and Television Studies, Media and Journalism, and so
on. Generally speaking though, one may say that the field is characterized by two main
traditions: One may be called the sociobehavioral tradition, and the other the sociocultural
tradition:

The sociobehavioral tradition mainly analyzes media and communications through
systematic measurement. Theories are regarded as particularly meaningful when and where
they can be tested empirically, and measurement techniques are used with the explicit aim
to test theory.

Bachelor programs from this tradition often incorporate a significant amount of training
(usually up to half a year of fulltime study) in empirical research methods and techniques
such as survey design, experimental design, and media content-coding. Also, students
usually receive an extensive training in the use of statistical techniques for analyzing
quantitative data, such as linear regression and analysis of variance.

A typical Masters thesis from this tradition is about 30 pages long: about one third contains
theory, leading to a set of clear research questions and/or testable hypotheses. About half
of the thesis length would render a detailed account of the methods used to collect data, as
well as the results of data-analyses.

The sociocultural tradition mainly analyzes media and communications through a cultural
and arts approach, and theory, meaning and interpretation usually take central stage.

Bachelor programs from this tradition often incorporate theory from cultural studies,
sociology, history and philosophy among others. Research methods are typically of a
qualitative nature and may include thematic analysis, in-depth interview and discourse
analyses. Training in the use of statistical tools is usually restricted to a few weeks fulltime,
and normally focuses on cross tabulations and descriptive statistics such as means, standard
deviations and correlations.

A typical s Masters thesis from this tradition is often longer than 60 pages, and about two
thirds of the thesis would discuss theory and thematic analysis, which can be intertwined
with mentioning of percentages, quotes or visual materials.





Showcases

Showcase 1: Online health communication

Health communication is one of the important areas of research in Communication Science and
also represented at the Graduate School, particularly in the Master Persuasive Communication.
Dr. Julia van Weert, associate professor and other colleagues from our department published a
study in 2011 about online health communication.
1
In this study, they offered one group of
cancer patients a medical website page containing certain visual aids, whereas the other group
was given exactly the same web page but without these visual aids. After exposure, they used
scales to assess patients comprehension and satisfaction with the online medical information as
provided. It was found, among others, that the visual aids improved comprehension of the
online medical information, but particularly when the website contained more complex
wording.

This study by Dr. Julia van Weert and her colleagues is an example of the study of media and
communications in a sociobehavioral tradition: our colleagues have used an experimental
design, where they took high care to ensure that the two medical websites were exactly equal
across the two groups, except for one aspect, namely the visual aids. They also ensured that
whether patients were offered the website with or without visual aids, was entirely a matter of
chance (random allocation). They used scales to measure patients comprehension and
satisfaction after exposure to the websites, and conclusions were restricted to those findings
that could be substantiated by statistical analyses.

An example of a study in online health communication from a sociocultural tradition was
published by Dr. Flis Henwood from the University of Brighton and her colleagues.
2
This study
was about how online health information can contribute to patient empowerment. In-depth
interviews were held with women concerned with the relief of menopausal symptoms. On the
basis of these interviews, the authors identified certain constraints on the emergence of the
informed patient, and concluded that the informed patient discourse obscures the potential
conflict between lay and expert/medical knowledges in the clinical encounter.

This study by Dr. Flis Henwood and her colleagues is an example of the study of media and
communications in a sociocultural tradition: the authors have conducted in-depth interviews
with patients to analyze their lived experiences. These lived experiences are then placed in the
context of the discussion surrounding increased control and self-reliance being attributed to
online health communication for patients, whereby the authors question if and how it
contributes to patient empowerment.

1
Van Weert, J.C.M., Van Noort, G., Bol, N., Van Dijk, L., Tates, K., & Jansen, J. (2011). Tailored
information for cancer patients on the Internet: Effects of visual cues and language complexity
on information recall and satisfaction. Patient Education and Counseling, 84(3), 368-378.
2
Henwood, F., Wyatt, S., Hart, A., & Smith, J. (2003). Ignorance is bliss sometimes: Constraints
on the emergence of the informed patient in the changing landscapes of health information.
Sociology of Health & Illness, 25(6), 589-607.






Showcase 2: Populist parties and the media

Political communication is another important area of research in Communication Science and
represented at the Graduate School in the Master Political Communication. We are focusing on
the question of populist political parties and the media as an example in this showcase.

Dr. Giorel Curran from Griffith University, Australia, published a paper about populist parties
and the media rooted in the sociocultural tradition.
1
She argues in this paper that our
understanding of the impact of populist discourse in the media can be furthered. Through
examining the political discourses in Australia and Italy, among others, she argues that far-right,
populist parties have shaped the political discourse and communication styles of mainstream
political parties.

Dr. Rens Vliegenthart, associate professor, together with other colleagues from our department
published a study on a related theme but rooted more in the sociobehavioral tradition.
2
This
paper is also concerned with the impact of media coverage of populist party discourse. These
authors employed a time-series analysis to study this question. This means that media coverage
of populist parties was systematically coded at different time intervals. Also, electoral support
was systematically measured at different time intervals. Distinctive trends in the relationship
between media reporting and electoral support were then identified with the aid of statistical
models. The results showed support for the effects of visibility in the news on populist parties
success, rather than the reverse relationship.

1
Curran, G. (2004). Mainstreaming populist discourses: the race-conscious legacy of neo-
populist parties in Australia and Italy. Patterns of Prejudice, 38(1), 271-292.
2
Vliegenthart, R., Boomgarden, H.G., & Van Spanje, J. (2012). Anti-immigrant party support and
media visibility: A cross-party, over-time perspective. Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and
Parties, 22(3), 315-358.


Preparatory program

Obviously, most if not all study programs anywhere around the world integrate and teach both
sociobehavioral and sociocultural traditions, and the Master programs at the Graduate School of
Communication are no exception. The traditions should be seen as equally viable and
complementary to each other. However, if anything, our programs are rooted more in the
sociobehavioral than the sociocultural tradition.

The sociobehavioral orientation of our programs implies that, in order to make the most of our
Master program in Communication Science, students must be at ease with the use of certain
sociobehavioral data collection methods (such as survey design, experimental design), and
statistical models to analyze the data (such as measurement models, linear regression, and
analysis of variance). As well, they must have some experience with the application of these
methods in a real-life academic level study.

Students who received their Bachelors training in a sociobehavioral program typically possess
this knowledge and experience and can usually be admitted without preparatory coursework.
Students who have been trained in a program in a more sociocultural tradition, however, often
need some additional training. The seminars Introduction to Research Methodology and


Research Practice Seminar from our preparatory program are exactly tailored to these needs
and you may be assigned the preparatory coursework because of this reason.

Please feel free to take a look at the course description of Introduction to Research
Methodology and the Research Practice Seminar to sharpen your ideas of what these courses
are like.

We know from long experience that these seminars from our
preparatory program are often seen as quite challenging by
students. Yet, students willing to invest hard and earnest work
usually pass the exams without much difficulty, and almost all
students find it truly rewarding to possess higher-level
knowledge and experience with quantitative research
methodologies and statistics. It is an important asset for making
the most of your Master program in Communication Science,
particularly your Masters thesis, and also highly regarded by
many potential employers.



Please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office
(graduateschoolofcommunication@uva.nl) in case of any questions!

Sincerely,

Graduate School of Communication


2. Admission requirements

Admission is based on:
A. Academic level and background
B. Motivation
C. English language level

A. Academic level and background
Applicants to the Master's programmes are expected to have an overall grade point average
(GPA) equivalent to at least:
- B/3.0 (GPA US System)
- a 2nd class honours / upper division British system
- C (ECTS System)
- 7,0 (Dutch System)

Applicants to the Research Master's programme are expected to have an overall grade point
average (GPA) equivalent to at least:
- B+/A-/3.5 (GPA US System)
- a first class honours degree
- B (ECTS System)
- 7,5 (Dutch System)

In order to evaluate your academic level and background we further need the following
documents:

Curriculum Vitae
Please include at least your full name, birth date and place, nationality, and current contact
information (postal address + email address) in your Curriculum Vitae. Also, list at least the
institute & programme where you have obtained higher education, when, and whether the
educational programme is completed (if not: state expected date of graduation). If you have
attended higher education in more than one institute, please enclose a chronological overview
of the different higher education institutes & programmes attended in your curriculum vitae.

Form B (Knowledge of research methods & statistics)
Form B will ask you to indicate your current level of knowledge of research methods &
techniques relevant to the social and behavioural sciences. Form B must be completed, signed
and added to the application package.

Note: By signing Form B, you declare in writing that the information provided about your
knowledge of research methods & techniques is truthful and accurate. You can be held
accountable for the information you provided on Form B at all times.

High school diploma
Please include a photocopy of your high school diploma, including transcripts with the credits
and grades obtained (plus official translations if the original is in another language than English,
Dutch, German or French). This photocopy does not have to be certified.





Official certified transcripts and diplomas of higher education courses
The application must include official transcripts of all higher education courses/examinations
you have taken up until today, including the credits and grades you have obtained, and courses
you are currently enrolled in. Transcripts must show grades and the number of credits obtained.

A certified diploma is a photocopy of an original diploma that is stamped and signed as to be a
true photocopy of the original by an authorized employee of the educational institute that
awarded the original diploma. The certified copies of diploma and transcripts should be sent to
the Graduate School of Communication preferably in a closed envelope, sealed by an authorized
employee of the educational institute issuing the transcripts, bearing the seal and the signature
of the school administration. Only in case your university does not provide certified copies in
time, we accept copies certified by a notary public or embassy/consulate personnel.
Photocopies of transcripts, or uncertified and unsealed transcripts and diplomas will NOT be
accepted.

Translations (if applicable)
Documents in other languages than English, French, German or Dutch should be translated by a
sworn translator. The translation should be sent together with the original transcripts and
copies of diplomas on which the translation is based. They should be sent together in a closed
envelope, sealed by an authorized employee of the educational institute or the sworn
translator. Self-translated transcripts cannot be accepted.

Course descriptions of social sciences research methodology courses
Students are expected to have sufficient knowledge in research methodology and statistics in
the field of social sciences. Therefore, please enclose course descriptions of all research
methodology and statistics courses in the field of social sciences that you have completed.
Course descriptions are usually available by your university in a course guide and must be in
English or Dutch. If this means that you have to translate the descriptions, please note that this
does not have to be done by a sworn translator. Course descriptions include at least: objectives,
teaching methods and method of assessment.

Reference letters (not requested)
The admissions committee does not usually consider letters of reference. Therefore, please save
your referees time and do not add letters of reference. In some cases, the admissions
committee may ask applicants to provide the contact details of one or more references, but the
Graduate School will inform you about this after submission of your application, should it apply.

Written work
The written work is an essential part of your application. It is used to establish your academic
level, your ability to implement research methods of social science into a written work ,your
active interest in communication science and your English academic writing skills.
Please enclose
- An English language abstract (summary) of your most recent bachelors/masters thesis.
This abstract should not be more than 2 pages (if you have already written one).
- Alternatively, or additionally, an empirical research paper written by you during your
studies, preferably based on quantitative research methods.
If you do not have any written academic work in English or Dutch, please translate a part of your
own written academic works or write a paper for application purposes especially. You may want
to write a paper about the subject you wish to explore for your Masters thesis.




B. Motivation
Admission is not based on grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed in terms of
their motivation and the content of their prior coursework. In order to evaluate your motivation
we need the following documents:

Motivation letter
Motivation is assessed on the basis of a written letter of intent. Write a letter with your
statement of motivation in English, containing the following: why you are interested in this
programme and what makes you a suitable candidate for this programme (max. 800 words). If
you have applied to other institutes or to other programmes at the University of Amsterdam,
please list them on your application.

C. English Language level
All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom
discussions and undertake written work in English. Therefore, non-native speakers of English
applying to the GSC are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English through
submitting a valid English test score. Native speakers of English are, of course, exempted from
the requirement. This includes applicants who were raised in Australia, Canada, Ireland, South-
Africa, the UK, the USA and New Zealand and/or who were raised in an English-speaking
environment and completed primary, secondary and/or higher education in English.

Find our requirements regarding English language level in the table below.

Minimum scores Applications academic year 2014-2015
TOEFL Master and Research Master
Internet test 92 - 93
Computer test 240
Paper test 580
IELTS 6.5 (6.0 for each part minimum)
Cambridge Advanced English A(C2), B(C1) or C(C1)
English language test results may not be older than 2 years.

All language test scores need to be sent directly by the testing organization to the Graduate
School of Communication by regular post. When sending the TOEFL results, please make use of
our institutional code: 3995.

In rare cases a waiver is granted if a student can convince the admissions committee that she/he
should be regarded as a (near) native speaker of English, even though one was not raised in an
English speaking environment and did not receive primary, secondary or higher education in
English.

If you think the admissions committee should regard you as a native speaker, you can include a
request for a waiver in your motivation letter. The request should explicitly describe the reasons
why you should be regarded as a native speaker. You should also include formal statements


from the educational institutes you visited, confirming that the curriculum is completely English-
taught.

Students requesting a waiver should take into account that if the admissions committee decides
to uphold the requirement, a valid test score should be submitted two months before the start
of the programme at the latest. As test centres tend to be fully booked, it is strongly
recommended to reserve a place just in case. Not being able to submit a test score in time
means you will not be able to register.

FAQ 1. Can I submit an institutional English proficiency test?
FAQ 2. I will take my English Proficiency Test on a later date than the advised application
deadline. Is that a problem?
FAQ 3. My test score is more than 2 years old. Do I have to take a new test?

See answers to these questions below







































3. How to apply?

Please send your application forms along with all required documents to:
University of Amsterdam , Graduate School of Communication, Admissions Office, Postbus
15796, 1001 NG Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Application forms that are not signed cannot be taken into consideration. It is not possible to
send the documents by e-mail. Please fill out the e-mail address that will be valid for the entire
period from the moment of application until the moment of enrolment into the programme.

Check our website for application deadlines for students with foreign or non-regular Dutch
academic qualifications. Applications should arrive at the admissions office before the deadlines
mentioned below. Please note that applications received later than these advised deadlines will
still be taken in consideration but for the next semester of enrolment.

If you have any questions about the application process, please read the Frequently Asked
Questions on application and admission procedures on the bottom of this document.
If you have other questions with respect to application and admission or the study programme,
please contact the admissions officer/student advisers of the Graduate School of
Communication: graduateschoolofcommunication@uva.nl, Phone: +31 20 525 3003
Website: www.gsc.uva.nl

Privacy policy
The information submitted by applicants is for internal use only by the Graduate School of
Communication.

What happens after you sent us your application?
1. As soon as we received your application, you will be notified by e-mail.
2. In case your application file is NOT COMPLETE we will inform you within two weeks about the
status of your application by e-mail.
3. In case your application file is COMPLETE, your documents will be evaluated by our
admissions committee. You will be notified about their decision within 8 weeks by e-mail.
4. In case you are accepted, you are informed in May (start September) or November (start
February) about:
- Completing your enrolment at University of Amsterdam
- Arranging visa and residence permit
- Housing
- Payment of tuition fees
- Course enrolment

FAQ 4. Do I have the appropriate background to apply for the programme of my choice?
FAQ 5. I am not sure yet about my choice of master track, can I already apply?
FAQ 6. How and when can I apply for the preparatory programme?
FAQ 7. What is the difference between a Master's and Research Master's programme?
FAQ 8. I have not graduated yet, may I already apply?
FAQ 9. May I defer my application?



See answers to these questions below

4. Scholarships

For updated information on the availability of scholarships, please check:
Our university website
The study abroad office of your home or previous university
The Dutch Embassy in your country of residence
The Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education
(NUFFIC): www.nuffic.nl

DUO study grants & tuition fee compensation
EU/EEA nationals or partners from EU/EEA nationals may qualify for an annual compensation of
the tuition fee or study grant. For more information, contact DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs,
in English: Dutch governmental organization of education): http://www.ib-
groep.nl/particulieren/international-student/default.asp
Other questions about financial matters? http://student.uva.nl/mcs/az/item/financial-
assistance.html

FAQ 10. I am applying for a scholarship: is it possible to receive early notification?
FAQ 11. I am applying for a scholarship. Could you send me a letter of provisional acceptance?
FAQ 12. Can I apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?

See answers to these questions below





























5. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)


ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

1. Can I submit an institutional English proficiency test?
Unfortunately, you cannot. The Graduate School of Communication does not accept institutional
tests for two reasons:
There is no quality assurance umbrella organization.
Students previously enrolled showing good scores on institutional tests, did not perform
well. Having them tested again, showed that they scored below the minimum required
proficiency level.

2. I will take my English Proficiency Test on a later date than the advised application deadline.
Can I send my test results later?
Yes. You can send us your English test results later, but no later than 1 month before the start of
the programme. When you are admitted this will be on the condition you send us a sufficient
test report before the start of the programme.

3. My test score is more than two years old. Do I need to take a new test?
Not necessarily. If the testing organization does not issue score reports older than two years,
you can send in a photocopy of your own score report. You will need to indicate in your
curriculum vitae/resume any relevant experience showing that you have been practicing your
English since the time the test was taken. The admissions committee will then decide whether a
waiver can be granted.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE

4. Do I have the appropriate background to apply for the programme of my choice?
Admission is highly competitive and based on: (1) Academic level and background, (2)
motivation and (3) English language level. If you hold an academic bachelors degree we cannot
tell you beforehand whether you will be accepted. The admissions committee will thoroughly
evaluate your application. Your academic background in Communication Science theories and
research methodology in the social sciences is very relevant. Please note that the admissions
committee cannot give a well-considered advice without a full application package at hand.

5. I am not sure yet about my choice of master track, may I already apply?
Yes, you may do so. Please indicate your choice(s) of preference on the application form. As
soon as you are invited by us to enrol yourself for courses (when accepted), you have to make a
choice. This will be in June (start in September) or November (start in February).
If you apply for the two-year Research Master, but you also want to know whether you would
be accepted for the one-year Masters programme, please apply according to the application
instructions for the Research Master. Indicate in your motivation letter you are also interested
in the one-year masters programme.






6. How and when can I apply for a preparatory programme?
It is not possible to apply for a preparatory programme. When you apply to a Master's
programme at the Graduate School of Communication (GSC), the admissions committee
evaluates your academic background. If the admissions committee concludes that you have
good undergraduate qualifications in a related field, but have insufficient knowledge of key
issues, they may require you to complete a preparatory programme (of a maximum of 30 EC)
before starting with the Master's programme. The preparatory programme is designed
especially to prepare students for the Master's programme that of communication science at
the GSC. Therefore, it is not possible to detach the preparatory programme from the Master's
programme.

7. What is the difference between a Master's and Research Master's programme?
A Research Master's programme is more focused on research, and as such offers a more
thorough preparation for motivated students who are looking for an excellent education in
communication science. The Research Master is not only to pursue a career that is specifically
targeted as research. Research Master graduates have, without exception, found employment in
academic as well as professional organizations. Graduates are also in an excellent position to
apply for a PhD. Whereas the Master's programme must be completed within one year, the
Research Master's takes two years to complete and selection is more competitive.

8. I have not yet graduated, may I already apply?
Yes, this is possible. The application package should then include official intermediate
transcripts in a closed envelope sealed by the university, listing the study results obtained so far,
and the courses currently enrolled in. If accepted, it will be on the condition that the final
transcripts and the photocopy of the diploma will be submitted before the start of the
programme. If completion of your Bachelors degree is underway, we need you to send us proof
of having successfully completed your Bachelors degree at least two months before the start of
the programme.

9. May I defer my application?
Yes, you can. It is possible to defer your application once with a maximum of one academic year.
This means that you may use the same documents for application again in the next academic
year. If you have deferred once already, you must submit a new application package. When you
defer after being accepted, it does not mean that you will automatically be accepted for the
next moment of enrolment. Selection of candidates is competitive. Furthermore, the
programmes and the entry requirements of the GSC are subject to change. You may be asked to
submit new materials before the admissions committee evaluates your file again.


SCHOLARSHIPS

10. I am applying for a scholarship. Is it possible to receive early notification?
Students who are applying for a scholarship or other financial funding and therefore need early
notification of admission, are advised to apply at least 3 months before the desired date of
notification, and before applying for the scholarship or other financial funding itself. Please


indicate with your application the date by which you need to receive notification. Timely
handling will be aimed for, but cannot be guaranteed.


11. I am applying for a scholarship. Could you send me a letter of provisional acceptance?
The GSC does not provide scholarship applicants with provisional letters of acceptance. Once
you have sent in a complete application package to the GSC, we can provide you with a letter of
support, which you can use to apply for a scholarship. A letter of acceptance will only be
provided after the admissions committee has reviewed your application and has decided to
accept you to the (Research) Masters programme.

12. Can I apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship?
Each academic year, the Graduate School of Communication selects the best Research Master
candidates to receive the AMS award. Outstanding students from outside the EEA (European
Economic Area) can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship. The scholarship amounts up to
12.000 EUR annually, to cover part of the tuition fees and living costs for studying at the
Graduate School of Communication. Please first check your eligibility.
If you are eligible and you would like to be considered for the 'Amsterdam Merit Scholarship',
then please indicate your interest and motivation for receiving the scholarship in your
motivation letter with your application. Your motivation for receiving the scholarship should
particularly point out proof of 'excellency' in your student career so far. Please indicate clearly if
your application is contingent upon receiving the scholarship, or whether your application
remains valid without receiving the scholarship. Submit your application before the deadline of
application. Decisions about the allocation of Amsterdam Merit Scholarships will be announced
at least two months before the start of each semester.