The Master Media Innovation is an international programme with lecturers from a number of academic and commercial disciplines in the field of digital media. The programme has a unique, multidisciplinary approach; training you to acquire analytical skills and look beyond the surface of digital media, while encouraging you to apply those skills practically in innovative media concepts. 

Focus

The Master in Media Innovation offers students a programme that trains them to systematically obtain the strategic skills necessary to become innovators. You will learn to look beyond the surface of digital media to reveal some very decisive core processes (ontologies), understand the way in which they function, and obtain the ability to apply these skills in creative, innovative and future-orientated media products.

International network

The Master in Media Innovation is a highly international programme; not only a large percentage of our students and lecturers are international, but you will also come into contact with international researchers and industry partners during the programme. The media industry is a global industry, and graduates of the Master in Media Innovation are equipped to work in that industry. 

The programme lasts 12 months and consists of four blocks. Throughout the year, you will go through three learning paths to work towards your graduation project (15 ECTS credits). More information on these components can be found below:

Research and Development

The purpose of this learning path is twofold. First, it aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of research methods. You will also acquire the general knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct practice-based research at the master's level and apply research insights to create innovations. Second, it seeks to offer a theoretical foundation in communication theory, scientific skills, and theory-based argumentation in general. These two objectives are intertwined throughout the study programme.

Throughout this learning path, you will work towards your master’s thesis with each assignment, culminating in your graduation.

An innovator who has completed this master's in media is able to initiate, design, and manage complex processes. Technology, content, design, business, and market analysis are optimally integrated. Media innovators anticipate future market needs and timing, and translate analytical insights into creative product development.

Media Theories and Concepts

This learning path introduces you to the field of (contemporary) Media Studies and Media Theory. Media Studies is described as an academic interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on the content, history and effects of different media. The interdisciplinary approach is reflected in the various theoretical perspectives and topics covered in this module, including but not limited to transmedia, philosophy of technology, ethics, game design and narratology.

In addition, you will be introduced to several innovative (media) technologies during this learning path. You will learn how these come about and how they can be used in the media industry. There is also an introduction to design techniques and creating prototypes to develop your own innovative concept for the graduation project. This is developed according to three pillars: methods for understanding and identifying user requirements; principles for creating a prototype user interface and interaction for the proposed concept; and the aspects related to the technical feasibility of the proposed concept. During the learning path, we also offer deep-dive sessions for specific technologies and concepts, depending on student needs. 

The learning path assumes that students have no technical or programming knowledge and is therefore suitable for students from all fields of study. 

Industry case

The Industry Case learning path revolves around the knowledge, tools and practical insights needed when dealing with topics such as intellectual property, strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship and consumer behaviour. Besides general concepts and topics, the focus is on specific characteristics of the media and entertainment industry.

As a significant part of the course material has strategic content, the Master Media Innovation also uses a case study from the media industry. Each year, a different client from the field is selected and students work on a practical case. This gives students the chance to use and apply the theory they have learned in the programme to solve real, existing problems. Each year there is a unique case, but the core concept - using the theories and skills introduced to solve essential issues and propose conceptual solutions - remains a constant factor. The industry client is involved in both defining the problem statement of the case, providing formative feedback, and assessing the students' final work. Previous clients have included Banijay, DPG Media, IBM, KLM and Samsung.

Graduation project

In the final part of the Master Media Innovation, students write a master's thesis on a theme of their choice, reflecting on the knowledge they have gained. This thesis, together with a research poster, is assessed by a panel and concluded with a defence. In addition, in the product-oriented graduation assignment, under supervision, they develop their own innovative media concept and a prototype of the innovative idea. These concepts are presented to lecturers and professionals during an industry day. 

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