Master of Arts in Media, Democracy and Human Rights

Are you interested in analyzing the media’s role in society? Do you want to influence media development in line with democratic principles and human rights? This master’s program enables you to become an active agent in media development in an international context.

The program focuses on leadership, democracy, and human rights. It aims to prepare you as tomorrow’s researcher, social narrator, or decision-maker to be able to contribute responsibly and insightfully to the development and regulation of the media landscape. A development based on democratic ideals and principles, regardless of nationality and geographical considerations.

During the program, you will get a deeper understanding of the increasingly important role and growing impact of the media as regards public service announcements, political communication, cultural expression, and social mobilization. As a student, you are provided with a theoretical understanding, analytical tools, and strategic competence. This enables you to not only understand but to become an active agent in, media development that affects democracy, human rights, and regulation of the media in an international context.

The program is highly international, with case studies and course reading material taken from a broad international context. We welcome students from all over the world.

The program is offered online (distance learning) and on campus simultaneously. The teaching and coursework is integrated according to the Glocal-classroom model, so that students who participate online and students in the classroom on campus are taught together, and follow the same schedule. If you want to apply for the distance learning version, please use the application code: LNU-F2301. If you want to apply for the campus version, please use the application code: LNU-F2302.

The program provides in-depth knowledge of the present and past significance of the media for societal development and democracy in an international context. Students will be provided with a theoretical understanding, analytical tools, and strategic competence as regards the significance of the media for some of today’s most burning issues, such as human rights, equality, integration, and sustainable development.

The program courses aim to develop students’ understanding of how media depict and contribute to societal development as regards all these issues. At the same time, the program also discusses how media are used in the opposite way, to prevent said development by monitoring and controlling citizens and spreading disinformation and propaganda.

The program’s further focus on leadership aims to prepare tomorrow’s researchers, analysts, social narrators, policymakers, and decision-makers for contributing responsibly and insightfully, and with a critical awareness, to the development and regulation of the media, based on democratic ideals and principles.

From a professional point of view, the program prepares students for research posts in academia, management, and development services in the media industry, work with policies and analysis in political and non-profit organizations, journalistic work, media development, and media strategies in the private and public sectors, work with information and communication, and different types of teaching positions

Linnaeus University is a modern, international university in the southeast of Sweden. We are located in two nature-loving cities, one by the Baltic sea and one surrounded by lakes in the greenest city in Europe.

Study at Linnaeus University

Studying abroad is more than just getting an education. Studying means making new friends, learning about a new culture, falling in love, building a career, learning a new language, getting a bicycle, and becoming part of a community. Linnaeus University is full of life. Choose a university where life is possible.

Student life

University life has much to offer, from meeting up with friends at the student pub to attending events and cultural activities. The student union and the student associations are doing their best to make you feel at home.

Quality leisure time is important when you are a student. If you find joy and fulfillment in your student life, you will gain extra energy for your studies. You will not find it difficult to find something to do. Students are great at organizing fun-filled competitions, parties, concerts, and trips.

If you also take the opportunity to get involved in the student union or in other extra-curricular activities, you can gain useful skills and experiences which may prove invaluable when applying for a job later in life.

The Linnaeus Union works to ensure that you receive the best possible education but also aims to offer enjoyable activities besides your studies. There are a number of student organizations and clubs at the university that offer a wide range of leisure activities for students.

ESN (Erasmus Student Network) is the biggest student organization in Europe. It consists of a network of local sections organizing events for students going abroad to study, and also local students. The ESN sections at Linnaeus University are ESN Kalmar and ESN Växjö (VIS). Both sections organize local events such as barbecues, sports activities, and theme nights with typical Swedish traditions represented, as well as trips within and outside Sweden.

The buddy program

The buddy program matches international students with (mostly Swedish) students. The buddies help the international students with day-to-day questions, introducing them to Swedish culture and way of life as well as what it is like being a student at Linnaeus University.

Student associations

There are around 70 student associations at Linnaeus University, where you as a student can participate in a range of activities. Check out the student associations.

Maybe you prefer sporty events, playing music in a student orchestra, movie sessions, singing, or be engaged in writing about subjects that affect you as a student? Be active in student life is an opportunity to meet new friends, be able to develop yourself in one of your interests, and work together in a team with people who love doing the same thing.

International possibilities

As a student at Linneus University, you will get intercultural perspectives through both teachings, interaction with international students, international course literature,e and guest professors from other countries. In this way, you will broaden your horizons and welcome challenges and different perspectives of both yourself and your surroundings. International experiences make you grow academically, personally, and professionally.