Exchange Programme

Journalism

Mechelen

English

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Journalism

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 exchange 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.
  • 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.

Practical information

  • Where

    On campus

  • Conditions

    You must be studying Journalism at one of our partner institutions and be nominated by your home coordinator. You are at least in the second year of your studies (60 ECTS before arrival). (see admission procedure for exchange students).

  • Language requirements

    Students are required to upload proof of B2 language proficiency. Accepted certificates include the Erasmus+ OLS language test, Duolingo or other official and internationally recognized test results.

  • Erasmus code

    B MECHELE14

Programme

  • Our exchange programme has an innovative structure that blends theory with practical application, fit for a University of Applied Sciences like Thomas More.
  • In different modules or tracks, we integrate various disciplines thematically, allowing you to explore interconnected concepts and develop multifaceted skills.
  • Each semester, you choose one package of 24 -30 ECTS.  Because of the integrated approach, you must follow all courses within the chosen package.
  • In addition to these packages, you may add elective courses to your programme.
  • The exchange programme is designed for students from partner institutions who want to spend a semester studying journalism in an international context.
    All courses are taught in English.


The academic year in a nutshell

To ensure a smooth start of your exchange semester, attendance is mandatory throughout the entire exchange period, including the Orientation days.
Late arrivals may result in exclusion from the program.

Below you can find an overview of the courses (under reservation of changes), with the number of credits per course. 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 all courses in a blue tooltip.  
  • Elective courses can only be taken if there is no conflict in the timetable otherwise.
  • Would you like to know the detailed content of each subject? Check the programme guide.
  • ! At our ProMediaLab service (PML) you can borrow professional audio-visual equipment; material you need for some of the course(s) in this program. Each student financially contributes to this service. (in 23-24: between 50 and 80 euro) The cost is mentioned under the section course material in the course description (programme guide). By adding the course to your study program, you agree with the cost involved.  
Code ECTS Autumn Spring
FALL SEMESTER: package 1(you must select all courses)
Introduction to Journalism YC1247 3 X
Media Law & Ethics i YC1338 3 X
How to Interview i YC1101 3 X
Shortform News Writing i YC1314 6 X
Diversity & Intercultural Competence i YC1254 3 X
Shortform TV Reporting i YC1315 6 X
Storytelling Basics YC1316 3 X
Own The Room i YC1249 3 X
FALL SEMESTER: package 2 (you must select all courses)
Investigative and Open Source Journalism i YC1311 3 X
Community Journalism i YC1319 6 X
Radio Reporting i YC1320 6 X
Crisis Reporting i YC1321 6 X
Video Reporting i YC1322 6 X
fall semester: ELECTIVEs
Survival Dutch YV1847 3 X
Language Elective i n.a. 3 X
Business Course Elective i n.a. 3 X
Code ECTS Autumn Spring
SPRING SEMESTER: COURSE PACKAGE 3 (you must select ALL courses)
Journalistic Research Methods YC1185 3 X
Podcasting i YC1312 3 X
The European Newsroom i YC1317 6 X
Social Media & Online Journalism i YC1209 3 X
New World Narratives i YC1318 3 X
International Affairs i YC1188 3 X
Debate & Critical Thinking i YC0677 3 X
SPRING SEMESTER: COURSE PACKAGE 4 (you must select ALL courses)
Data Journalism & Infographics i YC1327 3 X
Inequality YC1385 3 X
Online & Digital Skills YC0927 3 X
Longform Feature Writing YC1462 3 X
Press Photography i YC1461 3 X
The International Newsroom YC1460 9 X
Spring semester: ELECTIVES
Survival Dutch YV1848 3 X
Language Elective i n.a. 3 X
Migration Reporting i YC1333 3 X
Climate Journalism i YC1325 3 X
Lifestyle Angles & Narratives YC1463 6 X
Tackling Global Challenges (COIL) i YR0646 3 X

Exams are organized in January (Fall semester exchanges) and in June (Spring semester exchanges).

Retakes? Unless mentioned differently in the programme guide, you can register for a retake in August/beginning of September at Thomas More in Mechelen. 
That exam period starts on August 16th; You can find your exam schedule on planning.thomasmore.be.
The exam schedule for retakes will be finalized on Monday, July 1st.

  • Our exchange programme has an innovative structure that blends theory with practical application, fit for a University of Applied Sciences like Thomas More.
  • In different modules or tracks, we integrate various disciplines thematically, allowing you to explore interconnected concepts and develop multifaceted skills.
  • Each semester, you choose one package of 24 -30 ECTS.  Because of the integrated approach, you must follow all courses within the chosen package.
  • In addition to these packages, you may add elective courses to your programme.
  • The exchange programme is designed for students from partner institutions who want to spend a semester studying journalism in an international context.
    All courses are taught in English.


The academic year in a nutshell

To ensure a smooth start of your exchange semester, attendance is mandatory throughout the entire exchange period, including the Orientation days.
Late arrivals may result in exclusion from the program.

Below you can find an overview of the courses (under reservation of changes), with the number of credits per course. 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 all courses in a blue tooltip.  
  • Elective courses can only be taken if there is no conflict in the timetable otherwise.
  • Would you like to know the detailed content of each subject? Check the programme guide.
  • ! At our ProMediaLab service (PML) you can borrow professional audio-visual equipment; material you need for some of the course(s) in this program. Each student financially contributes to this service. (in 23-24: between 50 and 80 euro) The cost is mentioned under the section course material in the course description (programme guide). By adding the course to your study program, you agree with the cost involved.  
Code ECTS Autumn Spring
FALL SEMESTER: package 1(you must select all courses)
Introduction to Journalism YC1247 3 X
Media Law & Ethics i YC1338 3 X
How to Interview i YC1101 3 X
Shortform News Writing i YC1314 6 X
Diversity & Intercultural Competence i YC1254 3 X
Shortform TV Reporting i YC1315 6 X
Storytelling Basics YC1316 3 X
Own The Room i YC1249 3 X
FALL SEMESTER: package 2 (you must select all courses)
Investigative and Open Source Journalism i YC1311 3 X
Community Journalism i YC1319 6 X
Radio Reporting i YC1320 6 X
Crisis Reporting i YC1321 6 X
Video Reporting i YC1322 6 X
fall semester: ELECTIVEs
Survival Dutch YV1847 3 X
Language Elective i n.a. 3 X
Business Course Elective i n.a. 3 X
Code ECTS Autumn Spring
SPRING SEMESTER: COURSE PACKAGE 3 (you must select ALL courses)
Journalistic Research Methods YC1185 3 X
Podcasting i YC1312 3 X
The European Newsroom i YC1317 6 X
Social Media & Online Journalism i YC1209 3 X
New World Narratives i YC1318 3 X
International Affairs i YC1188 3 X
Debate & Critical Thinking i YC0677 3 X
SPRING SEMESTER: COURSE PACKAGE 4 (you must select ALL courses)
Data Journalism & Infographics i YC1327 3 X
Inequality YC1385 3 X
Online & Digital Skills YC0927 3 X
Longform Feature Writing YC1462 3 X
Press Photography i YC1461 3 X
The International Newsroom YC1460 9 X
Spring semester: ELECTIVES
Survival Dutch YV1848 3 X
Language Elective i n.a. 3 X
Migration Reporting i YC1333 3 X
Climate Journalism i YC1325 3 X
Lifestyle Angles & Narratives YC1463 6 X
Tackling Global Challenges (COIL) i YR0646 3 X

Exams are organized in January (Fall semester exchanges) and in June (Spring semester exchanges).

Retakes? Unless mentioned differently in the programme guide, you can register for a retake in August/beginning of September at Thomas More in Mechelen. 
That exam period starts on August 16th; You can find your exam schedule on planning.thomasmore.be.
The exam schedule for retakes will be finalized on Monday, July 1st.

Eyecatchers

Our own media platform: 21bis.be

21bis.be is the website of Thomas More’s Journalism and International Journalism students. Their target group also comprises international students in Flanders, as we have an English language section on the website.

Pioneering courses

We walk you through global perspectives, human interest matters, crisis reporting and migration stories. On top of that we give an in depth course on climate journalism and all there is to know about state of the art technology and innovation.

Close to Brussels

Experience the thrill of studying in the heart of Europe, with Brussels at your doorstep. As a hub of international politics and journalism, Belgium offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and immersion in global affairs.

Got questions?

International Coordinator

Leen Van Tolhuysen

For all questions on partnerships, courses and Learning Agreements

leen.vantolhuysen@thomasmore.be +32 15 36 91 90
International Office

Hannelore Vervoort

For all your questions on the application procedure & practical arrangements.

incoming@thomasmore.be +32 14 56 21 56

Useful links

#WeAreMore