Master in European Journalism

IHECS (Institut des Hautes Etudes des Communications Sociales-Brussels) offers a one year specialised training in European Journalism - 60 ECTS credits.

IHECS at the HEART of EUROPE IHECS takes full advantage of its location in the centre of Brussels, close to the European Institutions. IHECS is part of the Galilée High school and is officially recognised by the “Communauté française” in Belgium.

The IHECS curriculum includes two cycles: a bachelor’s degree in three years and a two-year master’s degree.

The executive master in European Journalism, post-graduate studies, is organised by the International and Further Education department.

Journalism is facing a crisis that, in time, will probably redefine the global media landscape. New media models are emerging while others are being challenged and will, eventually, be completely restructured. There is a genuine shortage of and a need for investigative journalists who can translate bureaucratic jargon into meaningful information for citizens. The Executive Master in European Journalism combines cutting-edge multimedia technologies with practical knowledge of how to cover European affairs.

THE EXECUTIVE MASTER IN EUROPEAN JOURNALISM:

° 295 hours of workshops.

° Production of Radio, TV broadcasts and Print articles.

° Workshops are given by recognised professional journalists from across Europe who combine first-class teaching with practical experience in the field.

° Contacts with stakeholders and professionals. ° In-the-field investigations. ° Small group of students (20). SCHEDULE:

° Lessons run from September until April 2011 for approximately 16 hours per week. (Occasionally, some activities may take place in the evening or on Saturday).

° In April, May and June students have to complete their final assignments.

PROGRAMME:

Main subjects Policies, programmes and Community decision-making mechanisms (30h, Deciphering current affairs (25h), Debating Europe (15h), Journalistic techniques: European editorial and critical analysis, (15h) Journalistic techniques: explaining Europe (15h), Journalistic techniques: reporting Europe from a regional perspective (20h) Computer-assisted reporting (15h), Reporting Brussels from Brussels (10h), Challenges ahead for European journalists (10h), EU blogs/websites (6h) Web journalism (16h), Photojournalism (20h), TV journalism (25h), Radio journalism (20h), Focus sessions: Lobbying case studies (4h), Focus on the European Parliament (5h), Focus on the Council of the EU and European Council (5h), Non-institutional sources (5h), Democratic issues of active European citizenship (5h), Visit to the European Parliament: session on the Europa website, visit of the press facilities of the European Parliament, European Commission press office.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT:

° The class will be divided into smaller groups of three students. They have to produce a written investigative piece with photos/illustrations.

° For the second assignment, they choose between video or radio reportage. Over the three months, each group receives technical coaching related to the media selected. Students are also accompanied by a journalist chosen by the IHECS for their practical insights into EU reporting.

° The work is then presented at the end of June before a jury of media professionals. 60 ECTS credits allotted to this specialised master’s degree.

Outcomes

Journalism is facing a crisis that, in time, will probably redefine the global media landscape. New media models are emerging while others are being challenged and will, eventually, be completely restructured.

The financial crisis has its share of responsibility, but this turmoil is also caused by the growing digitalisation of knowledge, the convergence of media platforms and the concentration of media outlets.

Journalists therefore need to adapt or find a niche to survive this transitional phase.

European citizens are interested in European affairs, despite a common belief that this is not so. They might reject the bureaucratic jargon often associated with the presentation of European information, but they are still interested in knowing, for example, that the potatoes they eat have been genetically modified.

There is a genuine shortage of and a need for investigative journalists who can translate bureaucratic jargon into meaningful information for citizens.

The Executive Master in European Journalism combines cutting-edge multimedia technologies with practical knowledge of how to cover European affairs.

Translating European affairs into meaningful and concrete terms for readers can be achieved by using some of the following tools:

- Multimedia reporting

- Pedagogical awareness of complex issues

- Computer-assisted reporting

- Insights into European affairs and critical mindset

- Visual thinking

All of the above will be explored in depth throughout the Executive Master in European journalism.

The course aims to provide students with interconnected skills that are increasingly in demand on the European job market.

Programme

The course is structured around project-based learning and multiple partnerships with European bodies. Workshops are given by recognised European professional journalists, who combine first-class teaching with practical experience in the field.

Lessons will run until April 2011. In April, May and June students have to complete their end-of-course assignments. The group is divided into smaller groups of three students to produce a written investigative piece with photos/illustrations.

For the second assignment, students choose between video or radio reportage. Over the three months, each group receives technical coaching related to the media they have selected. They are accompanied by a journalist chosen by the IHECS for his/her practical insights into EU reporting. The work will then be presented at the end of June before a jury of media professionals.

Certification

Students will be assessed after completion of the study of each subject. They will have to work on practical media assignments using written or audiovisual media. Assessments will be marked by the educational team.

Upon successful completion of the Executive Master in European Investigative Journalism, at the end of the academic year, the IHECS will deliver a certificate worth 60 credits.

Partners

Registration

Terms and conditions for registration for the Executive Master in European Investigative Journalism (IHECS)

Terms of admission:

The course is open to students from the European Union or third countries.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Master’s degree from a university or high school

Access to the Executive Master in European Investigative Journalism is subject to specific criteria, related to subjects previously studied. Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in journalism are eligible as well as master’s degrees in social sciences, political sciences, literature and translation but these will be analysed on a case by case basis, a written dissertation might be requested.

The governing bodies of the IHECS will make their decision on a case-by-case basis, with reference to the complete file of documents required. Candidates’ professional experience must match the skills covered by a master’s/bachelor’s degree. It is up to the candidate to argue their case by presenting documents that are legally valid, such as certificates, contracts, assessment reports, tax-related documents, etc.

2. Good command* of English

Workshops are given in English. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language in their application. If this is not done, the IHECS will organise a language test. Other languages are also useful.

*Good command means intermediate level in terms of listening, understanding and speaking.

3. Good motives

Candidates must explain in their application why they want to follow the course on European affairs. They are also invited to explain their personal and professional plans and how the course will contribute to them.

Registration procedures

The registration fees are €2900 and include all teaching material.

What must I do?

The application should be completed and sent as soon as possible, or handed in at the following address:

IHECS International and Further Education

Registration JE

58-60 rue de l’Etuve

B-1000 Brussels

Belgium

Deadline:

Registrations will be officially opened on 12 April 2010 and closed on 5th Septembre (deadline).

As the number of participants is limited to 20, we advise you to provide us with your complete application as soon as possible.

Once the quota has been reached, we will mention it on our website.

We are about to reach 20 participants, we advise you to contact us right away if you are interested.

Selection procedures:

The selection by the International and Further Education department will take place in two phases:

a. Technical and administrative assessment of all parts of the application (this lasts about two weeks)

i. Check of the completeness of the application

ii. Check of the validity of the diploma and certificates

b. Quality assessment of the application (a further two weeks)

i. Screening of the CV and cover letter

ii. Results of the English language test, if any.

Candidates will be notified of:

• Receipt of their application.

• IHECS’ initial approval of an application, after the technical check has been done. If something is missing, applicants will be informed.

• Approval of the technical and quality checks.

• If an English language test is required.

Please note that once an application has been validated, registration will be effective only after payment of 30% (€933) of the total course cost.

DEXIAbank account: 799-5556235-77

IBAN: BE80 7995 5562 3577

BIC: GKCCBEBB

Reference: Executive Master in European Journalism

At the end of the course, the IHECS certificate for successful completion of this degree will be released only if the student has paid the total sum due. Please contact the IHECS secretariat if you want to spread payments over time.

Summary of the documents to provide:

i. Personal details: first name, family name, nationality, address, phone, email

ii. Cover letter in French or English

iii. CV in French or English

iv. Copy of identity card/passport

v. Complete description of previous studies

vi. Copy of diploma with mention of the degree obtained

vii. If candidates have a bachelor degree with a professional experience linked to the European Union or communications, a complete description of this experience with documentary proof must be provided

viii. Self-assessment of foreign language skills

ix. Any other documents subsequently required by the IHECS authorities

For more information, please contact Laure Englebert, coordinator of the master in European Journalism: laure.englebert (@)galilee.be

Please note that the office will be closed from 15 July until 15 August 2010.

Contacts

Further information regarding administrative procedures can be obtained by contacting:

Jean Philippe Fontaine

Assistant of the International and Further Education department

jeanphilippe.fontaine (at) galilee.be

Tel.: +32 2 549 55 37

Further information about the programme can be obtained by contacting:

Laure Englebert

Coordinator of the master in European Journalism

laure.englebert (at) galilee.be

Tel.: +32 2 549 55 37