Executive Master Media Innovation (online)

Study overview

Course content and starting point

This master’s prepares you to conduct in-depth research into media-related issues and turn your findings into innovative, market-ready products. You will study media theory, business models, emerging technologies, user-centred design, communication and R&D. The approach is multidisciplinary and assumes no technical or programming background, making the programme suitable for professionals from a wide range of fields. It is also a strongly international programme: your fellow students and lecturers, as well as the researchers and industry partners you work with, come from around the world, reflecting the global nature of the media industry you are preparing to work in.  

The programme lasts 12 months and consists of four blocks. Throughout the year, you will complete three modules in preparation for your graduation project (15 ECTS credits). More information on these components can be found below.

Research and Development

This module will improve your applied R&D skills on a master's level. You will deepen your skills in academic research in relation to industry, learning how to apply insights from research and theories on new (immersive) media innovations. After completing the module, you will be able to translate insights into well-defined problems and (research) questions, and convert findings into practical recommendations for media design and development while maintaining a critical perspective on research conducted within the media field.  

Guided by lecturers with experience in both academic and industry R&D projects, you will apply the knowledge around three goals: 

1. to create and test innovative persuasive messages (ads)
2. to develop the skills to effectively pitch ideas in both industry and academic contexts
3. to prepare you for your graduation as well as support you in R&D around the other modules 

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn about, practice with, and make use of the facilities in our R&D labs, including the Experience Lab, VR Lab, and XR Stage, while participating in international R&D projects with real-world clients. This module also supports and offers opportunities to translate your work into academic or industry publications and keynote presentations. 

Lecturers

• Prof. Dr Marnix van Gisbergen Professor Digital Media Concepts (XR Strategies)
• Dr. Shima Rezaei Rashnoodi Coordinator and senior Researcher (XR Architecture & Participatory Design)
• Dr. Fabio Campos Senior researcher & lecturer (XR Adoption & Predictive Modelling and Design)
• Dr. Miruna Doicaru Researcher & lecturer (XR film & journalism flow and experience) 

Example R&D clients & knowledge institutes 
Banijay Benelux, DPG Media, Google, NPO, 4DR Studios, Queensland University of Technology, University of Oregon, Mindlabs, Griffith University, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Manchester Metropolitan University.  

Media Theories and Concepts

The Media Theory and Technologies learning path firstly introduces students to (contemporary) Media Theory, an 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 - including but not limited to - transmedia, ethics, game design and narratology. 

Following this, students will be introduced to the topic of emerging (media) technologies, innovation, and design techniques, which culminates with students pitching an innovative media concept. The concept pitch is subsequently built upon as students are introduced to a range of methods for understanding and identifying user requirements; assessing technical feasibility, principles for creating a prototype user interface and interaction, as well as user testing, which leads to a written concept proposal that is an iteration of the initial concept pitch. This project concept will then be developed further as part of the Media Concept section of the graduation process. 

The learning path assumes that students have no technical or programming knowledge and is therefore suitable for students from all fields of study. In addition, during the learning path, deep-dive sessions for specific technologies and concepts are offered, dependent upon student needs. 

Lecturers:

• Oliver Davies, Senior Lecturer (Media theories and storytelling)
• Deniz Kurt, Lecturer (creative technologies
• Dr Elcin Hanci, Lecturer (Applied behavioural sciences)
• Dr Fabio Campos, Senior Researcher & Lecturer (XR Adoption & Predictive Modelling and Design)
• Mathias Quathem, Lecturer (ethics)

Business and Industry Case 

The Business and 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 of 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. 

Lecturers:

• Dr Michelle Kovacs Grigg, Senior Lecturer (Consumer behaviour)
• Prof. Dr Marnix van Gisbergen, Professor of Digital Media Concepts (XR Strategies)
• Linda Waller, Lecturer (business strategies)
• Dr Milena van Voorden, Lecturer (Law and intellectual properties)
• Oliver Davies, Senior Lecturer (Media theories and storytelling)

Graduation project

The programme lasts 12 months and is structured into four blocks of nine to ten weeks, comprising a combination of primarily individual assignments, selected group projects, a practice-oriented industry assignment, and a graduation project.

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. Since 1 ECTS credit equals 28 hours of study, this means the programme requires an average study load of approximately 40 hours per week.

As an executive, fully online programme, it is designed to fit around your work. Live contact moments are scheduled in the evenings and on occasional Saturdays (about four to six hours a  week), while the rest of your studies can be completed at your own pace, from anywhere. Many students combine the master’s with a full-time job, although it does require carefull planning and genuine commitment.

We offer a small-scale study environment, as the number of students in this master’s programme is limited. The programme coordinator is always available to support you with day-to-day matters.