English Bachelor's Degree

International Journalism

Mechelen

English

Also available in:
Dutch
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New world, new narratives, new voices

  • Do you have a story to tell? Do you need your voice to be heard? Do you want to add some humanity to the often brutal world we're living in?
  • Our international programme gives you exactly the 21st-century perspective on journalism you have been looking for.
  • With course content such as climate or migration reporting, you are fully equipped for a job in the editorial offices of the future.
  • We also offer courses on new narratives in sociology, economy or history, coming from non-western perspectives.
  • Innovation is key: yes, we do encourage the use of AI in your journalistic work.
  • Skillwise you don't need to choose between text, audio or video: all three options will be in your resume.
  • You will work in an English-speaking newsroom environment, with students from different cultures and backgrounds.
  • This diversity enhances your learning experience, within the classroom and beyond.
Person filming in studio

THE JOB OF YOUR LIFE

Frequently asked questions about this programme

Choose your programme type

International Journalism

  • Follow the full-time International Journalism program and graduate in three years with 180 credits divided across three phases. 
  • Expect an active learning environment rather than endless lectures. On average, you spend four days a week on campus taking part in classes, workshops, editorial days, and intensive coaching. Step by step, you grow into a confident media professional. 
  • In your third year, you complete a 80-days internship in an international media environment, in Belgium or abroad. You could work in the newsroom of a newspaper, a TV production company, a radio station, or a digital news platform. 
  • Instead of a traditional academic thesis, you graduate with a hands-on final project such as a magazine, interactive website, podcast, or video documentary. This project becomes your professional portfolio for future employers. 
  • You will also receive personal coaching from lecturers who help you develop the technical and editorial skills needed for careers such as online journalism, documentary production, or podcasting. 
  • Need extra guidance? Our study path coach and inclusion coordinator work with you to adapt the program to your needs and learning pace. 

Practical information

  • Where

    On campus

Programme

  • Our three-year programme combines theory with hands-on journalism. Each year is divided into two semesters and gradually builds your skills and experience. 
  • Thematic tracks 
    Many courses are grouped into thematic tracks that connect different subjects around one topic, helping you understand complex stories from multiple angles. 
  • 6-week deep dives 
    Some courses run for six weeks. These intensive modules allow you to focus on one topic and quickly develop new skills. 
  • 12-week explorations 
    Other courses run for twelve weeks, giving you more time to explore subjects in depth and work on larger projects. 
  • Below you can find an overview of the courses (under reservation of changes), with the number of credits per phase. Credits express how many hours you need on average to process the subject matter (incl. lessons). Count about 25 to 30 hours for 1 study credit.
  • We have explained the most important courses in a blue tooltip. 
  • Would you like to know the detailed content of each subject? Check the programme guide.
Phase 1 2 3
Pillars
Introduction to Journalism i 3
Media Law & Ethics i 3
Journalistic Research Methods i 3
Investigative and Open Source Journalism i 3
Data Journalism & Infographics i 3
Inequality i 3
Online & Digital Creative Skills i 3
Final work i 15
Media Internship i 30
TRACK 1 Meet the World i
Shortform News Writing i 6
Diversity & Intercultural Competence i 3
How To Interview i 3
TRACK 2 Breaking News i
Shortform TV Reporting i 6
Own The Room i 3
Storytelling basics i 3
TRACK 3 Europe Today i
The European Newsroom i 6
Podcasting i 3
Social Media & Online Journalism i 3
TRACK 4 Global Perspectives i
New World Narratives i 6
International Affairs i 3
Phase 1 2 3
Debate & Critical Thinking i 3
TRACK 5 Human Interest Matters i
Community Journalism i 6
Radio Reporting i 6
TRACK 6 Crisis Calling i
Crisis Reporting i 6
Video Reporting i 6
TRACK 7 The International Newsroom i
The International Newsroom i 9
Press Photography i 3
Longform Feature Writing i 3
TRACK 8 Get Professional i
Transmedia Storytelling i 3
AI Tools & Digital News Production i 3
Journalistic Entrepreneurship & Career Readiness i 3
Masterclasses in Journalism i 3
ELECTIVES
Language Elective i 3 6
International Project i 3 3
Lifestyle Angles & Narratives i 6
Climate Journalism i 3
Migration Reporting i 3
External Portfolio i 3 3
Business or Media School Elective i 3

This programme offers a February start date and guarantees a 6-semester (3-year) study path or longer if required.

We do understand however that you may need some more personal guidance when making a decision on your start date.
Therefore we invite you to contact our study path coach Werner Goossens first for advice and a sample programme. Second, check the admission requirements for international degree students, apply and you’re in. 

If you have any questions in general about the programme, don’t hesitate to reach out to our programme manager Lieve Roegiers. Plus, our admissions team  and international support team are always there to help you with more general questions!

Also check out our meet us page to connect with us through webinars, open days and more!

Eyecatchers

Thomas More International journalism

Media School Mechelen

Our programme is based in Mechelen, a vibrant city close to Brussels and Antwerp. We are part of Media School Mechelen, the largest media campus in Belgium. This unique ecosystem allows future journalists and media makers to work side-by-side.  
 
 

Power of truth

In turbulent times, journalism needs people who believe in the power of truth. Our courses explore key issues shaping today’s world, from European and global affairs to climate, migration, and culture. You learn to report critically and approach stories from diverse perspectives that go beyond a purely Western lens. 

International Journalism Thomas More

International Newsroom

You work in an English-speaking newsroom with Belgian and international students. This diverse environment reflects the reality of global journalism. Supported by experienced lecturers with professional media backgrounds, you produce stories and publish them on our platforms 21bis and Zoomedia.

In practice

  • From the first year on, you start creating journalism: writing articles, producing podcasts, making video reports, taking press photos, and developing social media content. 
  • Step by step, you will work in our international newsroom 21bis and produce stories for real audiences and external media partners. 
  • In your final year, you create your Final Work: your own journalistic platform and professional portfolio. 
  • You finish the programme with an intensive 80-days internship, in Brussels, the heart of European news, with outlets such as Reuters, Politico, EUobserver, and The Brussels Times. Or abroad, in newsrooms across Europe, Asia, Africa or the Americas.
Studenten journlistiek in de radiostudio van Thomas More

Personal coaching

Personal coaching is an important part of the programme, with close dialogue between teachers and students. You receive direct feedback on your work and develop a professional journalistic attitude. 

Many practical courses and projects take place in small groups, allowing for close guidance and collaboration. At the same time, you will also work independently and take responsibility for your own journalistic projects. 

Got questions?

Programme coordinator

Lieve Roegiers

For all your questions about the programme.

lieve.roegiers@thomasmore.be +32 474 99 39 68
Study path coach/coordinator & inclusion coordinator

Werner Goossens

For all your questions about tutoring and facilities.

werner.goossens@thomasmore.be +32 15 36 91 50
Admissions

Admissions Officer

For all your questions about Admissions & Application.
Available by phone 9.00 - 15.00

admissions@thomasmore.be +32 15 36 92 50

Studying in Mechelen

Mechelen is hip and happening. A student-sized city. With a cappuccino on the go from the station to campus. After your exam, lunch in the sun and a quick visit to the shop. Back into the learning centre to study, quickly drop off books at kot and you can leave to party! In Mechelen, everything is close by. #2800love, indeed!

Check our campuses in Mechelen
Campus De Vest aan de Dijle

Useful links

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Excited? Apply now!

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