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Programme:

International Communication (2022/2023)

Study Cycle: Second Cycle (Postgraduate)
Faculty: Languages, Cultures and Communications
Programme Code: N-MIC120C
Academic year: 2023 / 2024
Title: Master of International Communication
ECTS: 120 (2 years) Accrediation
Decision: Decision for starting of the program

The International Communication program is designed to contribute to modern specialist education and development of scientific research facilities that will be prepared to plan, manage and apply modern communications in  institutions and organizations in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic organizations and in general in international relations and diplomacy.

The program is designed according to the latest trends in the field of applied communications in an international context and it is completion & continuity of undergraduate program for international communications offered by the Faculty of Languages ​​Cultures and Communication at Southeast European University.

The purpose of this program is to prepare students as future researchers and / or experts who will be able to analyze communication phenomena and processes in an international context, to study international media, to analyze and interpret political and social processes from the aspect of trends in international communications, etc.

Integration with the European Union and NATO countries in the region, government and non-governmental institutions in the member states or candidates, need, more than ever, experts and specialists of international communications area that will apply  communications between the appropriate units and departments of the institutions with centers in Brussels, with the institutions of other  member countries, while there is a need for researchers in the field of international communications that research method will review and explore the most appropriate models for successful functioning of the communications of the institutions of the countries of the region with a central administration and hierarchy of those international organizations and finding forms and models for successful cooperation with other Member States which is the core operation of those international organizations.

The objectives of this program for students are:

  • acquire the knowledge of the communication management process in an international context;
  • plan international communications with international organization within international organizations;
  • conduct international communication campaigns;
  • evaluate the results of the international communications between institutions in international relations;
  • value diplomatic relations and functions between countries and institutions in terms of communications;
  • acquire knowledge of various theories of communication, intercultural communications and leadership, international communication, scientific and methodological issues of communicating in an international context, as well as analytical and creative skills for negotiation;
  • acquire practical knowledge for analyzing international communications between institutions, countries and groups, understanding of the functioning of the international media, international management practices, leadership and messages in international communications, and develop effective skills and communication campaigns in the international communication.

Upon completion of the Master's Program in International Communication students can work as researchers or trainers in the area of international communications, and to be employed as managers, specialists, consultants and advisors for communications and / or international communications:

  • international organizations,
  • Embassies
  • multinational corporations,
  • Media
  • public relations agencies,
  • diplomatic missions,
  • non-governmental organizations, etc.
Knowledge and understanding
  • Acquire knowledge and understanding of the communication process in general and possessing profound knowledge of the major theories and approaches of international communications.
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of international communication models, types of communication campaigns and public relations strategies, the basic features of diplomacy and functioning international organizations.
  • Development of analytical and critical thinking for international communications and their strategies and tactics.
  • Originality in the application of autonomous ideas, construction of communication message in the international and diplomatic relations as well as competently writing and speaking in public and private atmosphere in issues related to international communications.
  • Establishes a strategy for developing communication with (and within) international organizations and particularly describes and classifies communication models and tools in the development and application of international communications.
  • Acquire advanced practical experience for international communication.
Applying knowledge and understanding
  • To plan and negotiate with international institutions and facilitate the resolution of conflicts between two or more parties.
  • To plan, manage and evaluate research projects in the field of International Communications and be analytical in the field of international communication.
  • Ability to maintain a professional and institutional communications with international actors and institutions and developing public relations and communication campaigns at the national and global levels.
  • Ability to manage and evaluate programs and positions various international institutions and lead trainings and provides expert advice on communication skills of national and international perspective.
  • Organizes detailed and structure of the content of communication message in its main segments in an international context: information, awareness, persuasion, feedback and transparency.
  • Observe, explore and analyze certain communication situations in communicating in international relations and diplomacy and international media leadership issues and communication, intercultural communication, globalization and new media.
Making judgement
  • Ability to assess and selection strategies in international communications in general and more specifically the ability for the evaluation and selection of channels and models for communicating with and within international institutions.
  • Right Selection forms of international communication campaigns, work with international media valuation of most appropriate and particular communication message of new media at the process of international communicating.
  • Decisions on selection of arguments and facts for effective communication in international relations message diplomacy and negotiation.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses in the management of certain communication strategies in an international context.
  • Ability to include a professional level in the media and other public debates and to argue their positions, supported by facts, issues related to communications, new media, objectivity in international communications, the creation of public opinion, etc.
Communication skills
  • Plans, implements and evaluates presentations of new ideas, concepts and strategies in the field of international communication.
  • Creates and applies an agenda for communicating messages, ideas and decisions of the institutions and organizations in the practice of international communications
  • Advanced knowledge of foreign languages ​​for international communication at an academic level.
  • To provide clear and coherent professional presentation on a topic or task in relation with international communications using reference examples and solutions.
  • To use advanced sources for further development and implementation of the acquired knowledge.
  • To be able to express themselves professionally and eloquently in the media, and to gain skills in public speaking on issues and topics related to international communications.
  • Organize, manage and develop professional debates, and professional / expert debate on topics related to international communications.
  • Specialists in international communication create strategies for communicating in an international environment, apply appropriate tactics and tools for the implementation of international communication strategies and plans, facilitate and / or mediate in negotiations to resolve a conflict of communication nature in an international context.
Learning skills
  • Owns a professional / expert ability to do analysis in the field of international communication and use scientific literature and review by other authors.
  • To deepen the theoretical knowledge facing different problems in communication situations in international relations, diplomacy and negotiations.
  • Formulation of the research question and the development of questionnaires and other scientific methods for scientific research in the field of international communications.
  • Survey of the audience / public international context.
  • Take initiatives and responsibility for creating global communication policies in institutions.

Semester 1

  • [MIC-102] [6 ECTS] Advanced Communication Theory
    This course analyzes theories of communication and their analysis of the discourses and narrative analysis. This course also aims to analyze “the person” through the model of discourse analysis, which brings about an authentic model in education.
  • [CM172] [6 ECTS] Global and International Communication
    Students will have in-depth knowledge of contemporary theories of global and international communication will be able to create a strategy for effective global communication in terms of application of socio-cultural characteristics of construction and organization of communication message and in terms of impact on global audiences, i.e., the international public. Students will also analyze contemporary cultural phenomena of global communication such as globalization, multiculturalism, interculturalism and cultural identity in specific communication realities.
  • [CM173] [6 ECTS] Mass Media, Society and Public Opinion
    Mass media play important role by letting individuals know what other people think and by giving political leaders large audiences. In this way the media make it possible for public opinion to encompass large numbers of individuals and wide geographic areas. A discursive study of mass media organizations, how they operate and exert their influence on individuals and society enabling students to become knowledgeable and self-critical consumers of mass media content. The emphasis will be on those media engaged in news and public affairs reporting and commentary, especially the press, television and digital media. This course covers the functions, principles, theories, conceptual tools, and methods used for understanding the role of media in society. The course is intended to sharpen students’ understanding of processes and functions of media in politics and government, elucidate theories and effects of media on public opinion and political processes, develop understanding of the practice and impact of political communication, mature appreciation of factors influencing news provision, advance comprehension of the roles played by media in various political and governmental undertakings, and to critically evaluate media performance in relation to politics and society.
  • [6 ECTS] Elective course
    • [EM540] New Media and Strategic Communication
    • [EM541] Contemporary Politics, Mass Media and Journalism
    • [EM542] Media and Politics
    • [EM543] Communications as Social Interaction
    • [EMIC-302] International Management: Theory and Practice
    • [EMIC-306] International Communication and Social Networks
    • [EMIC-201] Intercultural Communication
    • [EM544] Digital Media Literacy
    • [EM545] International Public Relation and Global Communication
    • [ECM-606] Communication Planning
  • [6 ECTS] Elective course
    • [EM540] New Media and Strategic Communication
    • [EM541] Contemporary Politics, Mass Media and Journalism
    • [EM542] Media and Politics
    • [EM543] Communications as Social Interaction
    • [EMIC-302] International Management: Theory and Practice
    • [EMIC-306] International Communication and Social Networks
    • [EMIC-201] Intercultural Communication
    • [EM544] Digital Media Literacy
    • [EM545] International Public Relation and Global Communication
    • [ECM-606] Communication Planning

Semester 2

  • [CM174] [6 ECTS] Theories of Conflict and Negotiation
    Conflict theories and advanced negotiation techniques are learned, recognizing unfair tactics in order to create mutually beneficial situations. The course focuses on the types of conflicts, theoretical models for conflict resolution, negotiation theory with its practical application in relation to the planning of negotiations, the role of the Third Party, creating and conducting a negotiation strategy for resolving a particular dispute, etc.
  • [CM175] [6 ECTS] Strategic Political Leadership and Communication
    Modern political communication tends to present leaders as the key actors in projecting a political vision and offering solutions. In answer to such developments, scholars have returned to studying the role of leaders in a systematic way. In a liberal democracy, the role and performance of political and policy leaders has profound implications for the conduct of politics, the nature of democracy and public policy outcomes. This course considers the ways in which leaders can impact society through a range of perspectives. These include examining the role and impact of the media and how leaders may use communication strategies to mobilize policy change as well as the role and power of parties and their impact on political and policy debates. Matters on what skills and traits enable an individual to exercise political leadership can also be found in diverse fields such as political psychology, decision-making analysis, gender studies, communication studies. This course aims at establishing a 'dialogue' between such different disciplinary and methodological approaches in order to develop a new and original research agenda on political leadership style and communication. This course also considers the utilization of political advertising and strategic political communication by governments and political actors. Particular emphasis is on the use of strategic leadership approaches in liberal democratic systems.
  • [MIC-203] [6 ECTS] International Relations
    The course focuses on the study and analysis of the nature, dynamics and structure of the system of international relations and its development from the perspective of each dominant theories of international relations that usually the developments are interpreted in a manner completely opposed in the international arena. Besides learning the dominant theories in the field of international relations, the course will analyze contemporary political and security problems in the world today, from the point of view of each of the theories of international relations.
  • [6 ECTS] Elective course
    • [EM540] New Media and Strategic Communication
    • [EM541] Contemporary Politics, Mass Media and Journalism
    • [EM542] Media and Politics
    • [EM543] Communications as Social Interaction
    • [EMIC-302] International Management: Theory and Practice
    • [EMIC-306] International Communication and Social Networks
    • [EMIC-201] Intercultural Communication
    • [EM544] Digital Media Literacy
    • [EM545] International Public Relation and Global Communication
    • [ECM-606] Communication Planning
  • [6 ECTS] Elective course
    • [EM540] New Media and Strategic Communication
    • [EM541] Contemporary Politics, Mass Media and Journalism
    • [EM542] Media and Politics
    • [EM543] Communications as Social Interaction
    • [EMIC-302] International Management: Theory and Practice
    • [EMIC-306] International Communication and Social Networks
    • [EMIC-201] Intercultural Communication
    • [EM544] Digital Media Literacy
    • [EM545] International Public Relation and Global Communication
    • [ECM-606] Communication Planning

Semester 3

  • [MIC-101] [6 ECTS] Research Methodology
    This course focuses on quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques needed to write a Master's thesis, as well as on its structure and standards. The selection of the needed literature, its analysis and scientific interpretation also represents an important component of the course.
  • [MIC-301] [6 ECTS] Diplomacy: Theory and Practice
    The course focuses on the theoretical and practical explanation of access diplomacy, defining foreign policy situation, the place, the selection and funds in creating diplomacy, the forms of relations and relations with the international community, as well as the creation of specific types of strategies with application individual techniques and skills, and alternative methods. While of particular importance will be the elaboration of comparative individual countries in terms of good neighbourly diplomacy policy, unresolved issues from a regional perspective and outstanding issues globally.
  • [CM176] [6 ECTS] Mass Media and Political Communication
    This course provides an overview of the complex relationship between politics and the mass media and serves as an introduction to how communication scholars study political communication. Students will explore the political content of the mass media and deepen the academic and practical understanding of the actors and agencies involved in the production of political news and information. The course examines the impact of media coverage of politics on audiences and explores the interaction between media systems and political systems including government media policy, regulation and ownership. Students will be equipped with the research and study skills necessary to carry out project-based professional and academic research. The course explores the rapidly evolving role of communication in political life, both nationally and internationally, and examines how changes such as the increasing importance of new online and social media platforms, image-based politics, and the globalisation of media are shaping politics.
  • [CM177] [6 ECTS] International Public Relations
    Public relations are a dynamic and rapidly growing field which offers a variety of career paths. Whether you're building the public image of an organisation, developing news and social media strategies, or managing issues for a company or political party, you need strong communication skills and a sound understanding of public relations processes. Although a substantial part of this course is theory-based, communication theory has a very practical application. Communication is an underlying process which creates and develops relationships, communities, societies. Using a critical lens, this course shall enable students to explore practical public relations problems and opportunities influencing the field through the application of public relations theory. Students will discuss public relations issues and trends as well as international and ethical considerations involved in the practice of public relations. Course aims and outcomes: - To explore public relations theory building from historic and contemporary perspectives. - To use the discovery of public relations theory to examine public relations problems and opportunities in practice; through applied case study analyses. - To apply public relations theory as a foundation for developing appropriate strategic directions for organizations' social responsibility (nonprofit and for-profit) globally. - To develop an area of expertise in political public relations.
  • [6 ECTS] Elective course
    • [EM540] New Media and Strategic Communication
    • [EM541] Contemporary Politics, Mass Media and Journalism
    • [EM542] Media and Politics
    • [EM543] Communications as Social Interaction
    • [EMIC-302] International Management: Theory and Practice
    • [EMIC-306] International Communication and Social Networks
    • [EMIC-201] Intercultural Communication
    • [EM544] Digital Media Literacy
    • [EM545] International Public Relation and Global Communication
    • [ECM-606] Communication Planning

Semester 4

  • [MIC-400] [30 ECTS] Master Thesis
    After passing examinations, the student may begin the procedure of filing, making and public defence of thesis topic. The student chooses the mentor, who gives him instructions for preparation of the application of master theses. The application must be granted by the Graduate Studies Educational Collegium and the Scientific and Academic Council of the Faculty. After preparing the final version of Masters Thesis, Academic-Scientific Council of Faculty forms a three-member committee, which prepares the report, which is may be accepted or rejected. The positive report is approved by the Academic-Scientific Council and it is set the date of public defence. After successfully defending the thesis, the student gains the degree - Master of International Communication.
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