The study programme in a nutshell
The International Bachelor Communication and Media (IBCoM) takes a comparative, international approach to communication and media studies. The IBCoM programme is taught exclusively in English to an internationally diverse group of students. It has extensive opportunities for international exchanges, internships, and customisation of the programme, IBCoM is an excellent steppingstone to advanced studies or a career in media, communications, and related fields.
Here you will find an overview of all the courses you can follow during the International Bachelor Communication and Media. In year 1, all students follow the same programme, from year 2 the programme depends on your chosen pathway. Read further to view the programme overview and discover what every study year entails.
Course overview
Please find below all the courses you will take in IBCoM. If you click on the course title you will find a short description and a link to the Course Guide of Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Bachelor year 1
The first year of IBCoM provides you with a solid basis in the field of communication and media. The courses prepare you for the remainder of the programme, but they are also relevant for your later academic and professional career. The first-year curriculum offers a fixed schedule of theoretical, methodological, and practical courses. The courses involve a variety of fields, including business, culture, politics, and technology. Next to this, the courses introduce you to major areas of communication scholarship, such as organisational and intercultural communication. During your first year you will also learn the principles of academic research and writing.
Bachelor Year 2
In your second year, you will take a mandatory course in international and global communication, several hands-on research methods courses as well as practically oriented workshops in communication management and new media production.
You will also choose one focus area, which builds on the theoretical and methodological mandatory courses offered in the first part of your studies. Students can choose between three focus areas:
- Entertainment Media: Producing, Representing, Engaging
- Mediated Politics in Perspective
- Business and Marketing in the Digital Landscape
Besides your focus area courses, you will take electives in one or more other study fields at Erasmus, for example in arts and culture studies, business administration, economics, history, or sociology.
Following an extensive labour market orientation and preparation, in term 4 of your second year, you are required to take an internship. This internship will enable you to train the practical application of your academic knowledge and skills and to connect your coursework with the professional world.
Bachelor Year 3
In the first part of your third year, you have the option of spending a study period abroad at one of our partner universities. If you don't opt for an international exchange, you will do a minor in another field of study at Erasmus University or another Dutch university.
You conclude the programme by writing a bachelor's thesis on a range of themes that will be provided by lecturers in a dedicated Bachelor thesis course.