MSc in Media & Refugee / Migration Flows
The MSc in Media and Refugee / Migration Flows is an intensive and interdepartmental postgraduate programme, taught in English at the National and Kapodistrian University in two (2) academic semesters and includes a Summer School.
Submit your application material for the postgraduate programme "MSc in Media & Refugee / MIgration Flows" until the following deadlines:
Deadline for applicants of countries outside of the EU/EEA: 10/09/2022
Deadline for applicants of EU/EEA countries: 17/09/2022
The programme aims to provide students with interdisciplinary expertise on the contemporary presentation of the refugee/migration subject and to gain an in-depth understanding of related media coverage. It is designed for students aspiring to adapt skills and competencies on communication management for a career in “old” or “new” media, within the public, private, or non-profit sector. Graduates will be equipped with substantive academic knowledge on the social and political implications of cross-border refugee / migration flows, adapt critical research skills and are able to improve their linguistic competences.
This Master programme offers a unique multi-disciplinary, flexible, and integrated curriculum via two specializations:
(1) “News media of refugee flows", which will focus on the need to gain a more in depth knowledge on news coverage of refugee / migration flows over the last decade in Greece and in the Western Balkan countries, the relationship between new technologies and journalism, the formation of European and national policies on social inclusion, the exploitation of social networks by international organizations, host countries, the use of social networks sites by the target group (refugees / immigrants), the ways of ICT use from both sides (host and country of origin), human networks and their influences, social solidarity networks, the various movements at national and European level and the way they are presented by the mass media at national, European and international level;
and (2) "Communication management of refugee/migration flows", which will present cases related to European and national policies for the socio-economic integration of refugees /immigrants, their presentation in the mass media, the possibilities of raising funds and presenting good practices, as well as address issues of public relations, two-way communication process and development of relationships between the organizations and communities (refugees/migrants) and analyze ways of communicating the problems and barriers regarding the inclusion or refoulement where it is necessary and the ways and techniques of approaching such subjects will be analyzed within the course.
Both specializations actively facilitate the interaction with academics from Europe and beyond, established professionals, such as journalists, reporters, public employees, and representatives of NGOs active in the field. A summer school held in Mytilene on the Greek island Lesvos provides students with the unique opportunity to research and exchange with NGOs active in the Hotspot via a range of workshops, seminars and events. It will offer students with personal and professional competencies and experiences required in the field of media, research and refugee/migration management.
There is no refugee crisis. There is crisis for handling refugee flows which is a phenomenon, a real event asking for action the entire society. When in the early summer of 2015 the refugees began to swell, the media covered the issue by using the terms "migrants" or "illegal immigrants". This way, the journalists' coverage focused on the large number of people coming from the East with boats, the housing problems, food shortage, health care, etc., which they and the local population were facing. The refugees were largely described by the media, with the help of local and supralocal, as a source of hazards and threats. If we want to confront this established situation, we have a long road ahead. But first of all, we must change the words we use about (every) problem and this master program put that issue as a priority. We would like to welcome you to the Master programme "Media and refugee/migration flows" and we are looking forward to an exciting interactive and interdisciplinary academic year!
There are two elements that remain unchanged on refugee issues: firstly, refugees are not to blame for being uprooted; secondly, people should not blame refugees for being trapped. Unfortunately, it can be said that the European Union has not succeeded in managing the refugee and migration flows effectively. Every country has its own reasons. Europe as a global actor has to listen, understand and develop inclusive policies and campaigns to resolve problems and disputes. Anti-racist speech, which must be cultivated in media, is not an indoctrination of moralizing content, but objective information for real facts. This master program wants to promote the effort of resolving the problem of racism investing in the better understanding of the issue and focusing on the critical role played by media.
