Study Guide for Master Media and Journalism,

specialisation Media, Culture and Society (MCS) 2010-2011

This study guide is intended to quickly familiarise the Media and Journalism masters
students (specialisation MCS) with the structure and content of the programme and the
various facilities and regulations.
The study guide contains many references to the website, since the most up-to-date
information can be found here. As some details in this study guide are subject to change,
we recommend that you check www.fhk.eur.nl/english/media/mamj on a regular basis.
Changes to the schedule and other important messages are communicated through channels.
You can only receive these channel messages if you subscribe to this service via SIN-Online.
We urgently advise all students to do this! Each individual course has its own channel. In
addition there is a channel for the master students Media and Journalism (fhk master studenten
media) and a general channel (fhk-studenten) on which messages are posted that are important
to nearly all students. There is no need to subscribe to the two latter channels; you will receive
these messages automatically.
You can contact the Student Office throughout the year with questions about your studies.
We wish you all a pleasant and successful academic year!
The staff members at the Student Office
e-mail:
telephone:
information desk:
opening hours:
website:

[email protected]
+31 10 408 2482
room L3-33
Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to16.00 hours
www.fhk.eur.nl

Students Charter
Together with the website, this study guide constitutes the study programme section of the
Students Charter. The so-called institution section of the Students Charter contains
information on matters regulated at university level and describes the statutory framework of the
faculty regulations. This section can be consulted on the website: www.eur.nl/english/essc/charter.

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

CONTENTS

1. Contact details
2. Study Programme
2.1. Study schedule Master Media and Journalism,
specialisation MCS 2010-2011
2.2. Study schedule part-time Master Media and Journalism,
specialisation MCS 2010-2011
2.3. Master Thesis Class
2.4. Master Thesis
2.5. Honours Degree
2.6. Study Abroad
2.7. Application for Masters diploma
2.8. Opportunities after graduation
3. Course descriptions
4. Schedule for academic year 2009-2010
5. Timetables
5.1. Where can I find the course timetables?
5.2. Timetable changes
6. Registration for courses and examinations
7. Rules relating to attendance
8. Study manuals, literature, academic writing
9. Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER)
10. Plagiarism
11. Student representation
12. Services and facilities
12.1. Student advisor
12.2. Channel messages
12.3. MyEUR
12.4. Blackboard
12.5. University library (UB)
12.6. Computer rooms
12.7. Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC)
12.8. Student deans and psychologists
12.9. Studying with a functional disability
12.10. Grants and funds
12.11. Address changes
Appendix 1: Overview of important dates Master MCS

Page
3
6
6

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

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1. CONTACT DETAILS

Student Office
For general questions about your studies or to make an appointment with the student advisor,
please contact the Student Office (Bureau Onderwijs, BOS).
staff:
Ms G.M.A. Fleuren, Ms M. Lefeber, Ms C.J.M. Verel
e-mail:
[email protected]
telephone:
+31 10 408 2482
information desk:
room L3-33
opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays from 09.00 to12.00 and 13.00 to16.00
Student advisor
For more specific questions and advice about the study programme, your study planning,
personal circumstances, etc., please contact the student advisor, Ms C. Szanto MSc. or
Ms M. Heemskerk MSc.
e-mail:
[email protected]
telephone:
+31 10 408 2472
room:
L3-47
telephone consulting hour: Mondays from 10.00 to11.00 hours
walk-in office hours:
Thursdays from 13.00 to 14.00 hours
in the office:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Alternatively, you can make an appointment outside the walk-in office hours through the
Student Office (telephone: +31 10 408 2482).
International exchange
For specific questions and advice regarding international exchange, please contact the
international exchange office, Ms. S.T. Doodkorte, MA.
e-mail:
[email protected]
telephone:
+31 10 408 2874
room:
L3-30
telephone consulting hour: Mondays from 10.00 to 11.00 hours
walk-in office hourse:
Thursdays from 13:00-14:00 hours
in the office:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Alternatively, students can make an appointment outside the walk-in office hours through
the Student Office (telephone: +31 10 408 2482).
Lecturers
Room numbers, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and other information about
lecturers can be found on http://www.fhk.eur.nl/english/contact/staff/media/

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

Year coordinator and master thesis coordinator

For each masters programme, one of the lecturers serves as year coordinator.
The year coordinator ensures the attunement of the content, format, organization and
assessment of the individual courses.
Year coordinator Media, Culture & Society: Dr. M. Verboord
The master thesis coordinator Media is responsible for the organization of the masters
thesis supervision.
Master thesis coordinator: Dr. E. Hitters
Examination Board
For short, informative questions with regards to examinations, admission regulations, exemptions,
etc., you can contact the office of the Examination Board, Ms C.J.M. Verel.
e-mail:
telephone:
room:
telephone:

[email protected]
+31 10 408 2501
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.00-12.00 hours
L3-33
+31 10 408 2446

A formal request (such as an application for an exemption) must be submitted in writing and
accompanied by all the relevant documents. This can be sent to the following address:
Examination Board of the Faculty of History and Arts
Attn Ms P.C. van der Houwen, room L3-57
P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam
Walk-in consultation hours: Thurdays from 14.00 to 15.00 hours
Room:
L3-57
Phone:
+31 10 408 2446

Ombuds student
For complaints and comments about the teaching provided, you can contact the ombuds
student, Ayla Alders.
office hours:
Mondays from 13.00 to 14.00 hours
room:
L3-11
telephone:
+31 10 408 2477
e-mail:
[email protected]

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

LIA student helpdesk

For support with computer use.
telephone:
+31 10 408 1850
e-mail:
[email protected]
Information desk:
L-building, ground floor
Address of the Faculty of History and Arts
visiting address:
Woudestein location, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50,
L Building, 3rd floor, 3062 PA Rotterdam
postal address:
P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam
telephone (general): +31 10 408 2487
tel. Student Office: +31 10 408 2482
fax:
+31 10 408 9135
website:
www.fhk.eur.nl/english

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

2. STUDY PROGRAMME

2.1. Study schedule Master Media and Journalism,

specialisation Media, Culture and Society (MCS) 2010-2011
EC
Term 1

Media and Socio-Cultural Change

Production and Use of New Media

Methods of Media Research

Media and Cultural Globalization or Innovation in the Media Industries

Research Workshop 1

Research Workshop 2

Term 2

Students can choose Research Workshop 1 & 2 from the following:

o

[MCS 1] Television and Social Life

[MCS 2] New Media and Entertainment

[MCS 3] Production of News

Term 3

New Media and Politics

Master thesis

pm

Term 4

Master thesis (continued)

20 (10 in Term 3)

Term 1-4

Master Thesis Class

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

2.2. Study schedule part-time Master Media and Journalism,

specialisation Media, Culture and Society (MCS) 2010-2011
The Masters specialisation in Media, Culture and Society can also be completed on a
part-time basis over a two-year period. No evening classes are offered. Part-time students
attend elements of the fulltime programme during the day.
Year 1
EC
Term 1
Production and Use of New Media
Methods of Media Research

Term 2
Media and Cultural Globalization or Innovation in the Media Industries
Research Workshop 1, students can choose from the following:
o [MCS 1] Television and Social Life
o [MCS 2] New Media and Entertainment
o [MCS 3] Production of News
Term 3
New Media and Politics

5
5

5
5

Term 4
No classes

Year 2
EC
Term 1
Media and Socio-Cultural Change

Term 2
Research Workshop 2, students can choose from the following:
o [MCS 1] Television and Social Life
o [MCS 2] New Media and Entertainment
o [MCS 3] Production of News
Term 3
Master thesis

Term 4
Master thesis (continued)

Term 1-4
Master Thesis Class

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

pm

20 (10 in Term 3)

2.3. Master Thesis Class

The Masters Thesis Class provides support in writing the Masters thesis during terms 3
and 4. During this class, students discuss the progress they are making and the problems
they have encountered. Class participants give individual presentations about their
research, followed by group discussions. Participation in this 5-EC course is compulsory.
For further information, see the course description: http://fhk.sin-online.nl/studiegids/index.html

2.4. Master Thesis

Writing the Masters thesis is the focal point of the Masters programme. The Masters
thesis is completed individually and constitutes a separate part of the Teaching and
Examination Regulations, equivalent to 20 EC. It offers students the opportunity to
demonstrate that they can make a contribution based on their own, original research to
the academic debate on a particular subject from their own field of study.
The thesis is supervised by an individual lecturer. In order to prepare students for writing
their master thesis there are several Research Workshop meetings and the Masters
Thesis Classes throughout the year.
Based on an approved research proposal drawn up in term 3 of the academic year, the
student and supervisor make appointments about the nature and frequency of thesis
supervision. The point of departure is to submit a draft version to the supervisor by the
end of June, which is of such a quality that in the supervisors opinion the thesis can
go to the second reader by the middle of August in order to be submitted by the end of
August, enabling the student to graduate in the autumn. The maximum of the supervision
period of the Masters thesis is half an academic year after the supervising lecturer has
approved the research proposal.
For a description of the substantive requirements of the thesis, the assessment form, the
timeframe, the manner of submission, etc., see the course description: http://fhk.sinonline.nl/studiegids/index.html

2.5. Honours Degree (= 20 EC extra)

Students with high grades can complete what is known as an Honours Degree
programme of an additional 20 EC in preparation for a PhD. This programme is completed
in addition to the standard programme of the selected Masters specialisation. Altogether,
this involves 60 EC + 20 EC, constituting a total of 80 EC. Although an Honours Degree
programme is recommended, it is not a prerequisite for a PhD programme.
The Honours Degree programme consists of the following elements:

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

a) 1 or 2 extra (thematic) seminars (= 10 EC)

b) wider and deeper scope of the Master thesis (=10 EC)
a) 1 or 2 extra (thematic) seminars (= 10 EC):
One or two additional seminars (potentially focusing on a specific theme), equivalent to a
total of 10 EC (to be taken within another Masters programme at the EUR or another
Dutch or foreign university). The selection of the subject/universities always takes place in
close consultation with the Masters programme coordinators.
b) wider and deeper scope of the Master thesis (=10 EC)
In addition, the Masters thesis is extended with the following (10 EC):
- a critical treatise on existing research in the area concerned
- an exploration of the opportunities for new research;
- a research proposal for a PhD thesis.
Students who want to be eligible for an Honours Degree must submit a proposal halfway
through the second term, indicating which additional courses will be taken and how the
scope of the Masters thesis will be expanded and extended as a research proposal for a
PhD programme. This proposal will be assessed by the programme director. If approved,
arrangements will also be made as to the period within which the additional programme
must be completed.
The Honours Degree will only be awarded to students who:
- have completed the enhanced Masters programme within the specified period
- have earned at least a mark of 8 for their Masters thesis

2.6. Study abroad

As a student of the Master programme Media, Culture & Society you have the option to
spend a study period abroad, provided you meet the following requirements:
1. You have to carry out at least part of your research of your thesis during your stay
abroad
2. You have to arrange for a staff member to act as your thesis counsellor
3. At the foreign host institute you have to have access and support to those facilities
that are necessary in order to conduct your thesis study.
4. You have to take a master course in term 3 as a replacement for the course you
would have taken at the Erasmus University. This course has to be similar in level
and has to be 5 EC or more. You have to ask permission to the examination board
in advance for this course.
5. Before you leave to study abroad you should have:
a. completed all the obligatory master courses of term 1 with a satisfactory
result;

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

b. met all the requirements of the required master courses in term 2 (including
participation in the lectures) and have handed in the assignments and final
papers;
c. obtained a research proposal approved by your thesis counsellor

2.7. Application for Masters diploma

You conclude the Masters programme with a Masters assessment. If you have received
passing marks for all parts of the Masters programme you may enrol for the final Masters
assessment.
If your thesis has been completed and approved before 31 August you can still graduate
in the current academic year. The degree award ceremony will take place at the end of
August. You must enroll for the final Masters assessment with the Student Office. The
degree award ceremony takes place on the graduation date set by the Examination
Board.
The graduation for students who complete their thesis after 1 September will take place in
January or May. Students must enrol for this Masters assessment at the Student Office at
least 4 weeks before the date of the assessment.
See also Appendix 1 to this study guide, which contains a list of important dates.

2.8. Opportunities after graduation

Graduates of the Media and Journalism degree fulfill management, marketing, and public
relations functions in the media and communication sector, the creative industries or the
art world. Others work as editors, journalists, or producers in various media or have a
career as policy makers or consultants in government and other organizations. The
Media, Culture, and Society programme also provides you with a solid basis on which to
build a career as a researcher.
Transfer to the Research Masters programme
Graduates of the Masters programme in Media and Journalism can transfer to the
International Research Masters in Sociology of Culture, Media and the Arts, providing
preparation for a PhD programme. The selection procedure for this Masters programme
is very strict and specific admission requirements apply. Further information can be found
on the website www.fhk.eur.nl/english/media/rmscma

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

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3. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

All course descriptions can be found on the website:

http://fhk.sin-online.nl/studiegids/index.html
The courses are normally arranged by course code, but can also be arranged by course name.
The course description contains the following details:
lecturer(s)
contact (with hyperlink)
teaching format
assessment format
period (term) in which the course is taught
number of EC (European credit transfer system Credit points)
study level (indicating the study programmes of which the course is part)
enrolment dates for the course (if the text next to application is either no or by Student
Office, you will not be required to enrol for the course. In all other cases you will have to enrol
via Osiris Student!!)
important links to websites such as
> the channel* of the course
> the timetable of the course
objective of the course
brief description of contents
mandatory literature.

* Receiving important information about courses you are taking:

You must always subscribe to the channels of the courses you intend to take, or you will miss
important announcements. In order to subscribe, go to SIN-Online. A window will appear, showing
all the course channels and the channels of the various programmes. Select the relevant channel
and click on save changes to confirm the subscription. For detailed information, see the Osiris
Student Manual, Blackboard and SIN-Online on the website.
NB All new students will receive an Instruction MyEUR tutorial during the first week of
lectures, in which the above and other subjects will be addressed in detail. It is important to
attend this tutorial! The student manual will also be handed out on this occasion.

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

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4. SCHEDULE FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-2011

Week number
Term 1
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Term 2
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
1
2
3
4
Term 3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Term 4
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Resit period
24
25
26
27

Period

Lecture and exam weeks

06-09-10 till 10-09-10

13-09-10 till 17-09-10
20-09-10 till 24-09-10
27-09-10 till 01-10-10
04-10-10 till 08-10-10
11-10-10 till 15-10-10
18-10-10 till 22-10-10
25-10-10 till 29-10-10
01-11-10 till 05-11-10
08-11-10 till 12-11-10

Introduction new students

Lectures (1)
Lectures (2)
Lectures (3)
Lectures (4)
Lectures (5)
Lectures (6)
Lectures (7)
Lectures (8)
Study/Exams/Assignments

15-11-10 till 19-11-10

22-11-10 till 26-11-10
29-11-10 till 03-12-10
06-12-10 till 10-12-10
13-12-10 till 17-12-10
20-12-10 till 24-12-10
27-12-10 till 31-12-10
03-01-11 till 07-01-11
10-01-11 till 14-01-11
17-01-11 till 21-01-11
24-01-11 till 28-01-11

Lectures (1)
Lectures (2)
Lectures (3)
Lectures (4)
Lectures (5)
Christmas Holiday
Christmas Holiday
Lectures (6)
Lectures (7)
Lectures (8)
Study/Exams/Assignments

31-01-11 till 04-02-11

07-02-11 till 11-02-11
14-02-11 till 18-02-11
21-02-11 till 25-02-11
28-02-11 till 04-03-11
07-03-11 till 11-03-11
14-03-11 till 18-03-11
21-03-11 till 25-03-11
28-03-11 till 01-04-11

Lectures (1)
Lectures (2)
Lectures (3)
Lectures (4)
Lectures (5)
Lectures (6)
Lectures (7)
Lectures (8)
Study/Exams/Assignments

04-04-11 till 08-04-11

11-04-11 till 15-04-11
18-04-11 till 22-04-11
25-04-11 till 29-04-11
02-05-11 till 06-05-11
09-05-11 till 13-05-11
16-05-11 till 20-05-11
23-05-11 till 27-05-11
30-05-11 till 03-06-11
06-06-11 till 10-06-11

Lectures (1)
Lectures (2)
Lectures (3) no lectures on Friday because of Good Friday
Lectures (4) no lectures on Monday because of Easter Monday
Lectures (5) no lectures on Thursday because of Liberation day
Lectures (6)
Lectures (7)
Lectures (8)
Lectures (9) only lectures on Monday and Friday
Study/Exams/Assignments

13-06-11 till 17-06-11

20-06-11 till 24-06-11
27-06-11 till 01-07-11
04-07-11 till 08-07-11

Mon, Tue, Wed: study / Thur, Fri: resits term 1, 2, 3

Resists term 1, 2, 3 (+ study)
Resits term 1, 2, 3, 4 (+ study)
Resits term 4

Holidays and exam free days 2010 2011

- Christmas Holiday
: 20-12-2010 till 31-12-2010
- Good Friday
: Fri 22-04-2011
- Easter Monday
: Mon 25-04-2011
- Liberation Day
: Thur 05-05-2011
- Ascension Day
: Thur 02-06-2011
- Whit Monday
: Mon 13-06-2011

Introduction periods 2010 2011

- Eurekaweek: 23-08-2010 till 26-08-2010
- Introduction new students: 06-09-2010 till 10-09-2010

Labour Market Orientation Days (AMO)

14 April 2010

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

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5. TIMETABLES

5.1. Where can I find the course timetables?

You will receive a new timetable at the introductory meeting. This timetable provides a general
overview, however changes can occur during the year. Information on rooms is provided for the first
weeks only. We advise you therefore to make sure to check the latest timetable on SIN-Online.
The timetables for the courses can be found as follows.
- Go to the course overview: http://fhk.sin-online.nl/studiegids/index.html.
- Search for the course you require (you can sort by course code or by course name by clicking on
sort by).
- Click on a course code to open the course description.
- Within the course description, click on the 'timetable' link. You can now see the timetables for the
course with details of the room.

5.2. Timetable changes

Any changes to the timetable will be published in the courses channel. Among other reasons it is
therefore important that you have subscribed to the channel for the courses you will be taking. Any
major changes that apply to more than one course will be published in the masters Media and
Journalism channel. You should therefore also make sure you are also subscribed to this channel.

6. REGISTRATION FOR THE COURSES AND EXAMINATIONS

Courses
You must register for the courses you will be studying using Osiris Student (accessible via
MyEUR). The courses in term 1 of the master programme are an exception. You do not
need to register for these courses, as the Student Office will do this for you.
For each term, the following registration periods apply. This information is also included in
the course descriptions.
1 Aug-1 Sep 2010
10-31 Oct 2010
11 Dec-16 Jan 2011
27 Feb-22 Mar 2011

Registration for Term 1 courses by the student office

Registration for Term 2 courses via Osiris Student
Registration for Term 3 courses via Osiris Student
Registration for Term 4 courses via Osiris Student

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Examinations
When you register for a course in Osiris Student (via MyEUR), you will be automatically
enrolled for the course examinations and Blackboard (= online learning environment).
If you have forgotten to register for a course, you can still be registered for the written
examination at a later date. Registration is possible between 35 and 7 days before the
examination in question.
You must however always register for any resits yourself (in June, using Osiris Student).
Make sure you take note of the deadlines!
If you have not registered on time, you will not be eligible to sit the examination, unless you
submit a late registration to the Erasmus Student Service Centre. This is subject to a
13.50 charge for each examination, providing that places are still available. In order to be
eligible to sit any examinations or parts thereof, you must always be enrolled for the
academic year in which the relevant examinations take place. The dates of the written
examinations are included in the course timetable. For further information, please refer to
the Examination Board Rules and Regulations.

7. RULES RELATING TO ATTENDANCE

For Masters courses attendance is compulsory for all classes. If you are unable to attend
a meeting 1 due to a serious reason, you must inform the lecturer of that class in advance
by e-mail or telephone (see Blackboard for contact details). Judgments about the validity
of the reason for absence are the prerogative of the lecturer. Absence of one meeting can
be compensated with an extra assignment. Missing two meetings can be compensated in
the case of structural serious reasons. Missing three meetings will result in exclusion from
the course. As a consequence you have to take the course again. The extra
assignment(s) must be completed satisfactorily in order to pass the course and being
awarded the corresponding credits.
If you object to your exclusion, you can submit a corroborated request to be readmitted to
the Examination Board.

Meeting stands for tutorial meetings, seminars, research workshops and practicals

Study Guide master Media and Journalism, specialisation MCS 2010-2011

14

8. COURSE MANUALS, LITERATURE, ACADEMIC WRITING

Course manuals
In all courses, a course manual will be issued during the first lecture or before the first
lecture is published on Blackboard. This includes a description of the following:
Course objectives
Organisation and method of instruction
Type of assessment
Compulsory literature and weekly timetable
The times of the lecturers office hours
Literature
The course descriptions (http://fhk.sin-online.nl/studiegids/index.html)
include details of the compulsory literature. Details of any recommended literature
can be found in the course manual.
You are also strongly recommended to use the following:
- The writing guide Media, Communication & Culture (in pdf available via the Master
Thesis Class course on Blackboard at the start of the academic year).
- The Media, Communication & Culture portal, which includes links to catalogues and
databases, libraries and archives, newspapers and magazines, collections and
knowledge centres, statistics and facts and figures. This portal can be found on the
website: http://www.fhk.eur.nl/english/mamj/studentinfo/academicskills/
Academic writing
Under the heading Academic Writing, the website includes the following information.
- Detailed information about fraud and plagiarism
- A web course on information skills.
- The university librarys Media, Communication & Culture portal, which includes links to
catalogues and databases, libraries and archives, newspapers and magazines,
collections and knowledge centres, statistics and facts and figures.

9. TEACHING AND EXAMINATION REGULATIONS (OER)

The Teaching and Examination Regulations include the formal rules that apply to
examinations and other assessments. The Examination Board also publishes the Rules
and Regulations for the examinations. These Rules and Regulations provide a further
explanation of many of the points included in the Teaching and Examination Regulations.
The Teaching and Examination Regulations (OER) for the Masters degree programme Media
and Journalism and the Rules and Regulations (R&R) can be found on the website:
http://www.fhk.eur.nl/english/mamj/studentinfo/
A copy of both documents can also be consulted at the Student Office (room L3-33).

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10. PLAGIARISM

A person is guilty of plagiarism if the work of other authors is used in part or in full in
papers, theses and other written assessments of competence without stating the source
(books, journal article, report, internet website, etc.). Such use of texts also includes quoting
or paraphrasing without clearly indicating that this has been done.
In written assignments, students must express their ideas in their own words. Please refer
to the writing guide Media, Culture and Communication for more information on this subject
as well as the extensive information provided on the website.
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden and sanctions will be imposed by the Examination Board if
the lecturer decides that plagiarism has taken place.

11. STUDENT REPRESENTATION

There are various ways in which students can influence policy.

Ombudsstudents
One or two students are members of the faculty board and also play the role of
ombudsstudent. The faculty also has at its disposal a unique arrangement for mediating in
the event of complaints and comments made by students about the teaching provided, the
curriculum and the faculty in general.
The ombudsstudents operate independently in fulfilling their task. They handle complaints
and comments confidentially. They refer students and their complaints to the appropriate
person or assist them in solving the problem. The ombudsstudents are also responsible
for coordinating student representation. For contact details, see chapter 1 of this study
guide.
Programme committee
In the programme committee, student members can discuss general issues relating to the
programme and raise problems in the teaching for discussion. As such, these committees
have a direct link with the department head and the director of education.
Faculty council
There are annual elections for the five student seats on the faculty council. The faculty
council has advisory powers and powers of consent and can present proposals and
announce positions on all faculty issues.

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General Student Consultation Committee (ASO)

In order to effectively exercise and influence, students from the faculty stay in regular
contact with each other and exchange information. This is the role of the general student
consultation committee. Its purpose is to discuss ongoing issues and comments and
observations made by students. In order to ensure that the student consultation
committee remains both effective and democratic, it is important for students to inform
representatives of their opinion about courses and the faculty wherever possible.

12. SERVICES AND FACILITIES

12.1. Student advisor

During the course, problems or issues may arise with regard to the study programme. In
such cases, you should contact the student advisor for the masters programme Media
and Journalism.
If, for whatever reason, you encounter problems or delays in your studies, you should
contact the student advisor as soon as possible. The student advisor may also invite you
for an interview if delays have been identified in your studies or when you have obtained
poor results. For contact details, see chapter 1 of this study guide.
12.2 Channel messages
Timetable changes and other important messages are published via channels.
You can only receive these channel messages if you personally subscribe via SIN-Online. We
strongly recommend that everybody does this! Each individual course has its own channel. In
addition there is a channel for the master students Media and Journalism (fhk master studenten
media) and a general channel (fhk studenten) for messages which are of interest to virtually all
students. It is not necessary to subscribe to the latter channels; you will receive these messages
automatically.
12.3. MyEUR
MyEUR is the access point to the most important educational information system at
Rotterdam Erasmus University. This portal offers students across the world access to
facilities such as webmail, Osiris, Blackboard, SIN-Online and the University Library.
You need an Erna username and password to log on to MyEUR. The Erna username
consists of six numbers followed by two letters. This is always followed by
@student.eur.nl. You have received this information by post.
Anyone who does not receive a student number on time is advised to contact the Student
Office (room L3-33, telephone: +31 10 408 2482, [email protected]).
In the first week of lectures, all students will be instructed on how to use MyEUR.
12.4.

Blackboard

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Blackboard is the digital learning environment used by many lecturers in their teaching. Its
educational functions are arranged on a course-by-course basis. Blackboard can be used
to provide course materials, arrange communication and feedback between lecturers and
students, submit assignments electronically and set up virtual discussion platforms.
12.5. University Library (UB)
For more information on the facilities offered by the UB (information sources, search
facilities, information skills courses, etc.) please consult the UB website:
www.eur.nl/ub/english.
12.6. Computer rooms
The L-building has four computer rooms which have been set up for teaching. You can
use these rooms when they are not being used for teaching.
Computer rooms
Opening times

: LB-106, LB-128, LB-132

: Monday to Friday 09.00 17.00

Computer room
Opening times

: LB-110
: Monday to Friday 09.00 17.00
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 09.00-22.15

The computer rooms are open during the lecture periods. Throughout this period,
assistance is generally available during the day (Student Helpdesk).
The computers are not equipped with a floppy drive or CD Rom player. Files may be
transferred using USB sticks or the network.
The so-called standing workstations have been set up in the hall of the L-building as an
additional facility.
If all workstations in the L-building are occupied, you can use the computer rooms in the
G-building or in the University Library, for further information, see
http://www.eur.nl/english/erna/
LIA Student Helpdesk
The LIA department (L-building Information and Automation) provide support for those
using computers. The helpdesk for students is close to the computer rooms in the hall of
the L-building.
LIA Student Helpdesk
Telephone: +31 10 408 18 50
E-mail: [email protected]
12.7. Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC)

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The Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC) is the central service point for new and
registered students of Erasmus University Rotterdam for services such as:

Studielink: registration, change of study, de-registration, termination of study and

restitution of tuition fee.
Request for various statements, proof of payment of tuition fee, request for
duplicate of student card.
Registration for written interim examinations after the registration deadline, for oral
interim examinations, essays and theses.
Practical information on studying abroad, such as grants and insurance.
Information on language tests, language courses, study supporting workshops and
trainings and career advice.
Requests for individual graduation support and committee grants (for board
members).
Assistance with applications for visa and residence permits.
Arranging appointments with: student counsellors, confidential counselor,
psychologist and career advisor.

By consulting the website of the ESSC ( www.eur.nl/esscinternational) you will find

extensive information and the banner to the search engine ASK Erasmus, an extensive
question and answer desk where you also will have the possibility to pose your questions
(ASK Erasmus will be made available online in English in the Autumn/Winter of 2010).
For more information:
Location
Opening hours
Website
Telephone

: Hall of the E-building

: Monday to Friday from 09.30-17.00
: http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/
: +31 10 408 2323

12.8. Student counsellors and psychologists

Student counsellors are charged with providing students with information, advice,
supervision and coaching by means of personal meetings, courses and written
information. When it is apparent that another staff member or institution can better assist
the student, the student counselors will refer the student to the appropriate party. For
questions directly related to your study and study progress, please contact the student
advisor.
Student counselors are also responsible for handling complaints with respect to behavior
or action taken by employees or organizational units of the university towards students
(i.e. an ombudsman role). A female student counselor serves as the confidential
counselor for students in cases of sexual harassment, aggressive behavior and violence.
Matters in which student counselors can be of assistance:

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personal matters or problems

student grants and loans
financial support
social security
housing
assistance in appeal proceedings
selection of a course of study, scheduling, motivation, sitting of exams, transfer
from one course programme to another
top-level sports: arrangements to sit an exam at another time due to a scheduling
conflict with a sporting event
handicap: students who have a handicap that impedes their study can contact a
student counselor to help them arrange the necessary facilities/accommodations

Appointments can be made via the Erasmus Student Service Centre (+31 10 408 2323).
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/advice_counselling/professional/counsellors/
The goal of the university psychologists is to help students resolve issues that prevent
them from focusing on their studies. The aim of the initial orientation consultation is to help
the psychologist gain a better understanding of the complaint or problem and to examine
the connection between the problem and the students course of study. This consultation
is sometimes enough to help someone in getting back on track, but more often further
counseling is required. This takes the form of participation in individual or group therapy.
If the university psychologists are unable to provide the necessary help, they will refer the
student to other care providers.
Appointments can be made via the Erasmus Student Service Centre (+31 10 408 2323).
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/advice_counselling/professional/psychologists/
12.9. Studying with a functional disability
A range of facilities are available for you to use if you have a functional disability
(handicap). This may be dyslexia, ADHD, CANS (RSI) or some other physical disability or
chronic condition. For information and support, please consult:
http://www.eur.nl/english/swd/. Make sure to contact your student advisor as well about
these matters.
12.10. Grants and funds
Information on grants and funds can be found on the following website:
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/finances/
12.11. Address changes
Any changes of address must be reported as soon as possible via Studielink:
https://app.studielink.nl/vchfos/selectLanguageAction.do?lang=en&pageName=welcome

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APPENDIX 1 OVERVIEW OF IMPORTANT DATES

MASTER MEDIA AND JOURNALISM, SPECIALISATION MCS

13-09-2010 from 14.00-15.00: Instruction on MyEur in room LB-106

14-09-2010 from 12.30-13.00: Instruction about & in University Library*
20-09-2010 from 14.00-15.00: Instruction on MyEur in room LB-106
*Please arrive at the entrance to the University Library five minutes in advance.
Please place jackets and bags in a locker before arriving!
Registration for courses
10-10-2010 t/m 31-10-2010: Registration for courses term 2 via Osiris Student
12-12-2010 t/m 16-01-2010: Registration for courses term 3 via Osiris Student
27-02-2010 t/m 20-03-2010: Registration for courses term 4 via Osiris Student
14 April 2010: Workshops Labor Market strategy and orientation days

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