Cross-border Journalism

Are you a student with an interest in international affairs, societal developments and media innovation? Would you like to be part of an intercultural classroom and work together with other students on cross-border stories? Then Cross-border Journalism is the exchange programme for you. The programme includes training in reporting, design thinking and study and reporting trips in Europe. So if you are a curious and critical thinker and ready to expand your horizon as a global professional, don't wait any longer!

Welcome to HU

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You are eager to share your own skills and knowledge with other students and contribute to an interdisciplinary team. Cross-border Journalism is a challenging international programme at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. In the programme you will encounter topics such as:

  • the economy and politics of Europe and the EU;
  • globalisation and international affairs;
  • sustainability and regional development in Europe;
  • cross-border journalism and international reporting;
  • innovations in international reporting and cross-border projects;
  • excursions and field trips in Europe.

Useful to know

Start September
Number of ECTS 30 Dutch Education System
Programme level Minor
Programme code JM-CBJ-20
Language of instruction English
Year of study Year 3 or 4
Practical Matters Housing and Immigration
Location Utrecht Science Park

Course content

What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!

Cross-border Journalism is a challenging international programme. You’ll join a mixed classroom with students from the Netherlands and from countries all over the world in our intercultural classroom. This is an integrated programme, so there are no stand-alone courses. Everything is interlinked to train you to become an international reporter.

The programme has two major tracks:

1. Newsroom (15 EC)

The Newsroom has a main focus on journalism skills, research and cross-media storytelling. It therefore contains tutorials about: European economy and politics, globalisation and international affairs, sustainability and regional development to serve as a body of knowledge for your stories. Training in journalism skills covers all platforms and genres, and is tailored to support your level and ambitions.

2. Media Lab (15 EC)

The Media Lab focuses on the international media landscape, concept development and innovation. You will work in a project team for a work field client. Your supporting tutorials and workshops cover design oriented and practice based research, design thinking methodology and team work skills.

Cross-border Journalism is offered on Bachelor’s level with honours level options, through more complex assignments and personal achievements. Participation in honours is not mandatory.
Honours level is rewarded with HU-honours stars.

Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the School of Journalism International desk.

Updated course information will be ready by July. All participants will receive the course guide before summer holidays.

Course code Course Title ECTS
JJO-CBJNEWS-24
Newsroom 15
JJO-CBJLAB-24
Media Lab 15

In our study guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.

This programme has a selection procedure at the School of Journalism with a 1 May deadline.

Please note: This selection procedure does not replace your regular HU-registration in Mobility Online, for which a 1 May deadline also applies.

All applicants need to fill in the entry form and supply information on study background, level of English and personal motivation. This also helps us to organise interdisciplinary and intercultural learning.

Please fill in the entry form and send your documents to the email address included as soon as possible and no later than 1 May.

TOEFL score 550 paper based or 213 computer based or 80 Internet based or IELTS score 6.5, or any other proof of proficiency in English supported by your institute.

A 5-day fieldtrip to Brussels is part of the programme and will cost approximately:

  Costs (in euros)
Hostel € 45 per night, including breakfast (4 nights)
Travel Depending on bus or train to Brussels: approximately € 25 - 100
Meals Own choice 

You will not need a visa for Belgium, as Belgium is a Schengen-country, but you have to bring your passport or ID-card. You will have to submit passport information to the coordinator in order to book the visits to EU institutions.

The cost for your crossmedia production (reporting trip) depends on your country of destination. You always have the option to pick a topic in the Netherlands with few additional costs.

Practical information

When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, how much are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 - 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.

Find out how to apply

Ready for an international adventure?

Why choose HU?

  • Join an elite group of international journalists

    By joining this exclusive programme, you will become part of a global network of ambitious professionals across all fields of journalism. This intensive one-year programme will prepare you for an exciting international career.

  • Inspiring international setting

    HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.

  • Benefits of the Utrecht Science Park Campus

    On Utrecht Science Park (USP) you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht city centre and beyond.

  • Vibrant university city Utrecht

    Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.

A student holding a laptop and notepad talks to a fellow student

Interested in our Cross-border Journalism programme?

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