UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM · NETHERLANDS
Political Communication (Communication Science)
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS 66615
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€18k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- #1 in Communication & Media StudiesQS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- Focus on journalism, power & public debateKey areas of study
- Personalised & research-driven learningLearning approach
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Full-time, 12 monthsDuration
- Roeterseiland campusLocation
The Political Communication Master's track at the University of Amsterdam delves into crucial questions affecting democratic societies in the digital age. You will explore how citizens engage with politics amid disinformation and algorithm-driven social media, examine the evolving landscape for journalism, and understand how political actors effectively communicate with the public. This program focuses on the complex interactions between politicians, journalists, audiences, and technology. Ranked #1 worldwide in Communication & Media Studies by QS World University Rankings for nine consecutive years, this program offers a world-class education. You will benefit from personalised, research-driven learning in small, interactive seminars, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and engage with leading lecturers in the field. This program is ideal if you are keen to critically analyse the public, media, and political sphere, investigate changes in journalism, and develop advanced research skills for a career in communication or media.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for this Master's program?
- For international (non-EU/EEA) students, the tuition fee is approximately €18,000 per year. Dutch and EU/EEA students pay approximately €2,530 per year. These figures are estimates and subject to change annually.
- How long is the Political Communication Master's program?
- The program is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- You need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each sub-score, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall (with specific minimums for each section). Exemptions apply under certain conditions.
- When are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline for the September intake is March 1st. For the February intake, the deadline is October 1st.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Required documents include academic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, proof of English language proficiency, a CV, a motivation letter, and a copy of your passport or ID.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, international students can apply for scholarships such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS). Details on how to apply can be found on the university's scholarship pages for Master's students.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA relevant Bachelor's degree. You should be able to critically analyse the interactions between the public, the media, and politics; examine key changes and challenges facing journalism today; and develop cutting-edge research skills for a communication- or media-related career.
IELTS Academic7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-score.
TOEFL iBT100 overall, with a minimum of 24 (Reading), 22 (Listening), 25 (Speaking), 24 (Writing). (For tests taken before 26 January 2026)
You may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if you have: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited Dutch academic university; a havo or vwo diploma with a sufficient English grade combined with a Dutch-taught HBO Bachelor's; a fully English-taught accredited Bachelor's degree (minimum 3+ years, official statement required, or mentioned on diploma supplement/transcript); a Bachelor's degree from the US, Canada (excluding Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, UK, or Ireland; or a fully English-taught accredited Master's degree (diploma and supplement stating language of instruction required); or an International Baccalaureate diploma taught in English. All English language tests must have been taken within the past two years from your application submission date.
Fees
Tuition (international)For international students (non-EU/EEA), the tuition fee is approximately €18,000 per year.
Tuition (home)For Dutch and EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is approximately €2,530 per year.
LivingEstimated living costs in Amsterdam are around €15,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Tuition fees are subject to change annually. These figures are estimates for a full-time Master's program. For the most up-to-date and exact figures, always refer to the official UvA Fees and Funding pages.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsBefore applying, ensure you meet both the academic and English language proficiency requirements for the Political Communication Master's track. Review the specific qualifications and minimum scores needed.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents, which typically include your academic transcripts and diplomas, proof of English language proficiency (if not exempt), a CV, motivation letter, and any other program-specific documents.
3. Submit Your ApplicationApply through the university's online application portal (SIS). You must submit a copy of your official English language proficiency certificate as part of your application; it is not possible to provide this later.
4. Await Admission DecisionAfter submitting your complete application, the Admissions Office will review it. Decisions are communicated through the application portal.
Scholarships
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)Varies
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for this Master's program?
+
For international (non-EU/EEA) students, the tuition fee is approximately €18,000 per year. Dutch and EU/EEA students pay approximately €2,530 per year. These figures are estimates and subject to change annually.
How long is the Political Communication Master's program?
+
The program is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
You need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each sub-score, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall (with specific minimums for each section). Exemptions apply under certain conditions.
When are the application deadlines?
+
The application deadline for the September intake is March 1st. For the February intake, the deadline is October 1st.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include academic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, proof of English language proficiency, a CV, a motivation letter, and a copy of your passport or ID.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, international students can apply for scholarships such as the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS). Details on how to apply can be found on the university's scholarship pages for Master's students.