Executive Master Media Innovation (online)

1-year professional master's programme | English-taught

Master
Professionals
1 year
Part time
English

Do you work in the media industry and want to develop innovative concepts? Or have you completed a bachelor’s degree in media and want to move on to a master’s? Then discover the Master Media Innovation.  

This master’s degree in digital and interactive media has been developed in collaboration with the industry and is offered entirely online, allowing you to attend from anywhere in the world. Learn to apply theory to practice to create future-proof digital media concepts, with a focus on everyday problems, new trends and technologies. Discover how to identify media innovation opportunities and turn them into successful products. 

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What is the executive master Media Innovation?

Why choose this master's at BUas?

  • Study innovation, design thinking, and cutting-edge media
  • Successfully blends theory and practical application
  • Offered exclusively online: can be joined from any country in the world

 

Study overview

Course content and starting point

Since its inception, the objective of the Executive Master Media Innovation has been to educate students who can develop insightful media-related research and innovative, market-oriented media products. In order to do this, students are exposed to a wide variety of topics including media theory, business models, emerging technologies, user-centred design, communication theory, and more.

Focus

The Executive Master Media Innovation offers students a programme that trains them to systematically obtain the strategic skills necessary to be 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

The Master Media Innovation is a highly international programme; not only are a large percentage of our students and lecturers international, but students 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 Media Innovation are equipped to work in that industry. 


The Executive 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 students to acquire analytical skills and to look beyond the surface of digital media, while encouraging them to apply those skills practically in innovative media concepts.  

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. 


To video presentation
 

Teaching method

The programme lasts 12 months and consists of four blocks comprising a mix of primarily individual and a few group assignments, a practical assignment, and a graduation project. The graduation project consists of a thesis and an product-based graduation assignment. 

For the full-time variant, there are two to three class days per week on the Breda campus; for the Executive it concerns two to three evenings per week online. 

This master’s has a study load of approximately 40 hours per week.

Study load and coaching

The Executive Master Media Innovation is a one-year part-time programme with a total study load of 60 ECTS credits. With 1 ECTS credit being equivalent to 28 hours of study, this means that the programme has a study load of approximately 40 hours per week.

We offer you a small-scale study environment as the number of students involved in this master are limited. The programme coordinator is always available to help you with day-to-day issues. 

What makes this study programme unique

Admission & application

What are the admission requirements?

You are eligible if you hold a bachelor’s degree in the field of Business Administration, Media Studies, Communication Studies, IT, or another media-related field. Also three to five years (at least) of equivalent industry experience is required.

Information about admission requirements


What does this study programme cost?

In the academic year 2025-2026 the tuition fee for master's programmes is €2,601. In addition to the tuition fee, you will need to take into account additional costs for the purchase of study materials such as textbooks.

Information about study costs


How can I apply?

If you meet the admission requirements, you can apply for this study programme. You can apply until 15 August, but you are encouraged to apply before 1 July because of the summer holidays. The executive programme will start with a minimum of six participants. 

More information about applying

The best fit for my passion and curiosity in media & innovation

After my Bachelor in Journalism in Bulgaria, I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience by obtaining a master’s degree abroad. I chose the best programme that ideally fitted my passion and curiosity in media and innovation. This programme provided me with priceless practical skills, taught me how to sell my ideas and expand my international business network.

Gabriella

Graduate I TV News Reporter at bTV Media Group EAD in Bulgaria

I was looking for depth and creativity

I chose this master’s programme, because I wanted to conduct research and create concepts based on advanced insights. I was looking for depth and creativity. Topics like Media Theory and Technology gave me a good understanding of the psychology behind media and human-centric design. Other modules like Research and Communication provided me with the mindset to hink on both a strategic and creative level.

Piet

Graduate I Creative at Norvell Jefferson

Incredibly innovative work

I always strive to ensure that I engage, enthuse, and entertain my students – with the occasional touch of dry English humour of course. But most importantly, I’m trying to get my students to think both critically and creatively. And where I gain the greatest satisfaction in my work is when I see our students heading off into the media industry, utilising that critical and creative thinking, and doing incredibly innovative work.

Oliver Davies

Lecturer Master Media Innovation

What can you do after your studies?

The Executive Master Media Innovation offers you the required qualifications for a range of media positions including, but not limited to: product owner, innovation lead, creative lead, digital marketer, creative consultant, digital strategist, and digital brand strategist. After your graduation you are entitled to the degree of Master of Arts.