Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Mundus Journalism)

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Mundus Journalism) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's programme that trains journalists to analyse global issues in news, media, and democracy. It is funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus Mundus scheme and delivered by a consortium of partner universities. You study in at least two countries, with mandatory mobility built into the structure, and the programme is taught in English.

The first year is shared, with all students based in Aarhus, Denmark. In the second year you move to a specialisation university and focus on a particular angle of journalism and media, such as media and politics, business and finance journalism, or war and conflict reporting, depending on the partner you choose. Specialisation locations include cities such as Amsterdam, Prague, London, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin, alongside international options. Once you accept your second-year specialisation, you cannot change it, so that choice deserves careful thought.

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship removes the financial barrier for international students by covering tuition and adding a monthly living allowance plus travel and installation contributions. Competition is strong, and the application asks for journalistic work samples on top of the usual academic documents, so giving yourself time to prepare a polished portfolio makes a real difference.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must have completed a bachelor's degree before the programme starts. A background related to journalism, media, communication, or the social sciences is typical, and the application emphasises both your academic record and your practical journalistic experience.

Nationality Requirements

Mundus Journalism is open to applicants of all nationalities. Because of Erasmus Mundus mobility rules, you must study in at least two different countries, and neither can be your country of permanent residence. Applicants who are residents of the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, or the UK must therefore choose a specialisation outside their own country, and students based in Denmark study abroad during the relevant first-year period.

Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English, and you need a high level of proficiency equivalent to CEFR C1 or above. You provide an English language test result unless your chosen specialisation university considers you a native speaker. Check the accepted tests and minimum scores on the official admissions page.

Other Requirements

The application asks for journalistic work samples with proof that you produced them, so practical experience in journalism is an important part of a competitive profile.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition and participation costs for the two-year, 120 ECTS programme
• A monthly living allowance of approximately €1,400 for up to 24 months
• A contribution toward travel costs
• A contribution toward installation and relocation costs when you move between countries
• Support for the mandatory mobility across at least two partner universities

Self-funded admission is also possible without a scholarship. The exact figures for each intake are confirmed in the official call.

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility: Confirm you will have a completed bachelor's degree before the programme starts and that your residence does not clash with your chosen specialisation country.
2. Choose a specialisation: Decide on your second-year specialisation early, since it cannot be changed after admission.
3. Prepare work samples: Select three journalistic samples and gather proof that you produced them.
4. Take an English test: Secure a result at CEFR C1 level or above unless you qualify as a native speaker.
5. Assemble one PDF: Combine your application form, CV, transcripts, samples, test results, reference letters, and passport into a single PDF (maximum 10MB).
6. Submit online: Upload your application before the deadline, around 10 January at 23:59 CET.
7. Await results: Selection results are typically announced by 1 March.

Required Documents

• Completed application form including written reflections
• CV (maximum two pages)
• Official academic transcripts and graduation certificates (translated into English if needed)
• Three journalistic work samples with proof of authorship or employment
• English language test results
• Two reference letters (one academic and one professional) on official letterhead
• Copy of your passport showing nationality
• Documentation of special needs, if applicable

Key Dates & Deadlines

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Submit strong, varied journalistic work samples and make the proof of authorship clear.
• Use the reflection sections to show how you think about global issues, media, and democracy, not just to restate your CV.
• Research each specialisation carefully and explain why your chosen one fits your goals.
• Keep your CV tight at two pages and your single PDF under the size limit.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a specialisation in your own country of residence, which the mobility rules do not allow.
• Submitting work samples without proof that you produced them.
• Treating the specialisation choice casually when it cannot be changed after admission.
• Exceeding the 10MB PDF limit or missing required reference letters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for Mundus Journalism?

Applications typically open around 1 November and close around 10 January at 23:59 CET, with results announced by 1 March. Confirm exact dates on the official admissions page.

Is Mundus Journalism fully funded?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers full tuition plus a monthly living allowance of about €1,400 and contributions toward travel and installation, for up to 24 months. Self-funded places are also available.

Who is eligible for Mundus Journalism?

You need a completed bachelor's degree before the programme starts, strong English, and journalistic work samples. It is open to all nationalities.

What English level do I need for Mundus Journalism?

You need English proficiency equivalent to CEFR C1 or above, evidenced by a test unless your specialisation university considers you a native speaker.

How long is the Mundus Journalism programme?

It is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's programme, with the first year in Aarhus, Denmark, and the second year at your chosen specialisation university.

Can I change my specialisation after admission to Mundus Journalism?

No. The second-year specialisation cannot be changed once you are admitted, so choose it carefully when you apply.

What documents do I need for Mundus Journalism?

You need an application form with reflections, a two-page CV, transcripts and certificates, three work samples with proof, English test results, two reference letters, and a passport copy, combined into one PDF.

Do I need work samples to apply for Mundus Journalism?

Yes. The application requires three journalistic work samples along with proof that you produced them.

Can students from my country apply if they live in a partner country?

Yes, but you must study in at least two countries and not in your country of permanent residence, so residents of the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, or the UK must specialise elsewhere.

Does Mundus Journalism accept international students?

Yes. The programme and scholarship are open to applicants of all nationalities, including students from outside Europe.