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

    English B2

  • Erasmus code

    B MECHELE14

Programme

  • Our brand new 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 as we call them, we thematically integrate various disciplines, allowing you to explore interconnected concepts and develop multifaceted skills.
  • Per semester, you choose two tracks that will run for 6 weeks each, which allows you to really focus on the topics at hand.
  • Because of the integrated approach, you must take all courses from the chosen tracks.
  • Besides these tracks you will also get some basic journalism courses, offered as electives, throughout the semester.
  • The exchange programme aims at 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 welcome 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.  
  • Courses marked with '*' 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.  
Course Code ECTS Autumn Spring
FALL SEMESTER
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the first 6 weeks:
TRACK Meet the World i
Podcasting i YC1312 3 X
Diversity & Intercultural Competence i YC1254 3 X
Own The Room i YC1313 6 X
TRACK Human Interest Matters i
Human Interest Reporting i YC1319-1 3 X
Community Journalism Project i YC1319-2 3 X
Radio Reporting i YC1320 6 X
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the last 6 weeks:
TRACK Breaking News i
Shortform TV Reporting i YC1315 6 X
Shortform News Writing i YC1314 6 X
TRACK Crisis Calling i
Conflict & War Reporting i YC1321-1 3 X
Digital Storytelling in Crisis i YC1321-2 3 X
Live TV Broadcasting i YC1322 6 X
ELECTIVES Choose up to 6 credits from this list
Investigative and Open Source Journalism i YC1311 3 X
Choice of Foreign Language 1 i 3 X
Business Course Elective i 3 X
Survival Dutch* i YV1847 3 X
Course Code ECTS Autumn Spring
SPRING SEMESTER
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the first 6 weeks:
TRACK Europe Today ,,,,,"In this track, you will act as a European correspondent in a newsroom together with students from around the globe."
The European Agenda i YC1317-1 3 X
Foreign Correspondence i YC1317-2 3 X
Storytelling basics i YC1316 3 X
Social Media & Online Journalism i YC1209 3 X
TRACK Migration Stories i
Migration Reporting i YC1323-1 3 X
Press Photography i 1323-2 3 X
Longform feature writing i YC1324 6 X
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the last 6 weeks:
TRACK Global Perspectives i
New World Narratives i YC1318 6 X
International Affairs i YC1188 3 X
Debate & Critical Thinking i YC0677 3 X
TRACK Climate Watch i
Creative Non-Fiction Formatting & Pitching i YC1326 3 X
Data Journalism & Infographics i YC1327 6 X
Climate Journalism i YC1325 3 X
ELECTIVES Choose up to 6 credits from this list
Online & Digital Creative Skills i YC0927 3 X
Choice of Foreign Language 1 i 3 X
Business Course Elective i 3 X
Survival Dutch* i YV1848 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 brand new 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 as we call them, we thematically integrate various disciplines, allowing you to explore interconnected concepts and develop multifaceted skills.
  • Per semester, you choose two tracks that will run for 6 weeks each, which allows you to really focus on the topics at hand.
  • Because of the integrated approach, you must take all courses from the chosen tracks.
  • Besides these tracks you will also get some basic journalism courses, offered as electives, throughout the semester.
  • The exchange programme aims at 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 welcome 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.  
  • Courses marked with '*' 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.  
Course Code ECTS Autumn Spring
FALL SEMESTER
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the first 6 weeks:
TRACK Meet the World i
Podcasting i YC1312 3 X
Diversity & Intercultural Competence i YC1254 3 X
Own The Room i YC1313 6 X
TRACK Human Interest Matters i
Human Interest Reporting i YC1319-1 3 X
Community Journalism Project i YC1319-2 3 X
Radio Reporting i YC1320 6 X
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the last 6 weeks:
TRACK Breaking News i
Shortform TV Reporting i YC1315 6 X
Shortform News Writing i YC1314 6 X
TRACK Crisis Calling i
Conflict & War Reporting i YC1321-1 3 X
Digital Storytelling in Crisis i YC1321-2 3 X
Live TV Broadcasting i YC1322 6 X
ELECTIVES Choose up to 6 credits from this list
Investigative and Open Source Journalism i YC1311 3 X
Choice of Foreign Language 1 i 3 X
Business Course Elective i 3 X
Survival Dutch* i YV1847 3 X
Course Code ECTS Autumn Spring
SPRING SEMESTER
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the first 6 weeks:
TRACK Europe Today ,,,,,"In this track, you will act as a European correspondent in a newsroom together with students from around the globe."
The European Agenda i YC1317-1 3 X
Foreign Correspondence i YC1317-2 3 X
Storytelling basics i YC1316 3 X
Social Media & Online Journalism i YC1209 3 X
TRACK Migration Stories i
Migration Reporting i YC1323-1 3 X
Press Photography i 1323-2 3 X
Longform feature writing i YC1324 6 X
Choose 1 of these 2 tracks in the last 6 weeks:
TRACK Global Perspectives i
New World Narratives i YC1318 6 X
International Affairs i YC1188 3 X
Debate & Critical Thinking i YC0677 3 X
TRACK Climate Watch i
Creative Non-Fiction Formatting & Pitching i YC1326 3 X
Data Journalism & Infographics i YC1327 6 X
Climate Journalism i YC1325 3 X
ELECTIVES Choose up to 6 credits from this list
Online & Digital Creative Skills i YC0927 3 X
Choice of Foreign Language 1 i 3 X
Business Course Elective i 3 X
Survival Dutch* i YV1848 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