School of Journalism and Mass Communications – ΜΑ in Digital Media, Communication and Journalism

Message from the Program Director

Since its establishment, in 1991, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers full-time, four-year long BA degree programs both in Journalism and in Mass Communications. The creation of an English language Master’s program in the areas of Journalism and Communications, the first of its kind among Greek public Universities, is based on the School’s 25 year-long success in promoting learning through theory-building, cutting edge technical skills and professional training, and reflects its steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence, interdisciplinary education and international outlook.What makes our Master’s program relevant is the consistent integration of the students' study, skills and projects to the real world. Innovation and thoughtfulness have always been the only route for students, but I can’t think of a more critical time than now, in our highly complex, risk ridden, globalized and networked societies, for all thinking to become more methodical, reflexive and innovative.

We look for students who are eager to take on more challenges, to learn more about themselves and about the world, to reach their full potential. Our faculty, all active scholars and researchers, are committed to helping students succeed in their pursuits. Together we work to make each student’s experience at Aristotle University a rich and fulfilling one that broadens his or hers intellectual and professional horizons.

We look forward to welcoming you to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

With best wishes,
Christos A. Frangonikolopoulos
Professor of International Relations & Jean Monnet Chair in European Integration Journalism

Governing Board Members
Vice-Director: Gregory Paschalidis, Professor of Cultural Studies
Digital Media Pathway coordinator: Charalambos Dimouls, Associate Professor of Electronic Media
European Journalism Pathway coordinator: Vasilis Vamvakas, Associate Professor of Sociology of Mass media
Risk Communication Pathway coordinator: Nikos Panagiotou, Assistant Professor of International Journalism

The MA offers three pathways, each of which is designed to respond to a vital area of contemporary concern and application for researchers and professionals in the fields of communication and journalism.

The emergence of digital media has signalled the rise of a second Media Age characterized by a diverse and constantly growing realm of new forms and practices of communication as well as by a dynamic newsphere with pathbreaking new forms of newsgathering and rewsreporting. Combining practice based learning with interdisciplinary theory and research the MA in Digital Media, Communication and Journalism is addressed to aspiring media practitioners and researchers as well as to already employed professionals who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in response to the changes in their work environments.

Pathway 1

The pathway ‘Digital Media, Culture and Communication’ focuses on the new nexus between media, culture and society forged in the digital age. Specifically, it addresses the impact and implications of the digital transformation, with particular emphasis to the fields of media/cultural industries, connective media and civil society.

Learning Objectives

• Critical understanding of the new media environment
• Skills in digital content production
• Effective use of digital platforms and tools in engaging audiences
• Expertise in successfully trasitioning an organization to digital

Course Structure

PATHWAY 1 : DIGITAL MEDIA, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

Semester

Courses

ECTS

Core Course

DIM 101 – New Media: Theories and Perspectives

Α + Β

Electives

DIM 102 – Digital tools in new media

DIM 103 – Digital content production (text, image, sound & video)

DIM 104 – Television and Digital Cultures

DIM 105 – New Media and Civil Society

DIM 106 – Media Psychology

DIM 107 – Media Management and Marketing Communications

DIM 108 – Network Society: Theories & Practices

DIM 109 - Mobile Travel Journalism

DIM 110 - Digital audiovisual content production and publishing

DIM 111 - Multimedia Journalism: Authoring for interactive media

MCC 400 – Communications Research Methods

each

Please note that the list of electives may change slightly due to faculty sabbatical leaves or the arrival of new faculty members.

Pathway 2

The pathway ‘European Journalism’ focuses on the role of news media and journalism in the emergence of a European public sphere. Combining a cross-national comparative approach to European journalistic and news cultures with a hands on coverage of current European issues, the pathway explores the complexities and challenges regarding the reporting on Europe and the European Union.

Learning Objectives

• Appreciation of the variety of European journalistic cultures and the heterogeneity of the European media landscape
• Understanding of the challenges faced by the emergence of a European journalism and a European public sphere
• Awareness of the rise of ‘Europe’ as a distinctive issue area
• Acquisition of key investigative, analytical and reporting skills regarding the covering of issues from a European, rather than national, point of view

Course Structure

PATHWAY 2 : EUROPEAN JOURNALISM

Semester

Courses

ECTS

Core Course

EUJ 201 – Concepts and Aspects of European Journalism

Α + Β

Electives

EUJ 202 – European Media Landscape and Policies

EUJ 203 – The convergence of the public and private sphere

EUJ 204 – European journalistic cultures

EUJ 205 – Web Journalism

EUJ 206 – Web Journalism Ethics

EUJ 207 – Religion, Violence and Nationalism in the Balkans and the Near East: Perceptions and Realities (19th-21st cent.)

EUJ 208 – Travel Journalism

EUJ 209 – Data Journalism

EUJ 210 – Research Seminar:Reporting Europe

EUJ 211 – Media and Diversity in Europe

MCC 400 – Communications Research Methods

each

Please note that the list of electives may change slightly due to faculty sabbatical leaves or the arrival of new faculty members.

Pathway 3

The pathway ‘Risk Communication and Crisis Journalism’ focuses on the ways media and public, private or non governmental organizations communicate about present, emerging, and evolving risks. Combining the methodical engagement with the rich theoretical and case study research literature with a hands on coverage of current crises and emergencies, the pathway explores the best practices in dealing with the issues of peace and war, environment, science and public health.

Learning Objectives

• Awareness of the significance of risk communication in contemporary global society
• Ability to match appropriate form of risk communication to type of risk
• Appreciation of the challenges and parameters of independent reporting in the diverse field of risk/crisis journalism
• Acquisition of key investigative, analytical and reporting skills regarding the covering of crises/risks/emergencies issues from an independent, scrupulous and socially responsible point of view