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

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, practise 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.

Staff

•  Prof. Dr Marnix van Gisbergen Professor of 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 Senior Researcher & Lecturer (XR Film & Journalism Flow & Experience)

Examples of  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 Technologies

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 in 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.

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 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 defining the problem statement of the case, providing formative feedback, as well as 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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