MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM IN JOURNALISM

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1472/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

PART I: GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Some information about the training program

- Program name:

+ Vietnamese: Journalism

+ English: Journalism

- Name of the training program:

+ Vietnamese: Journalism

+ English: Journalism

- Training program code: 8320101

- Language of instruction:Vietnamese

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of the degree awarded after graduation:

+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Journalism

+ English: The Degree of Master in Journalism

2. Objectives of the training program

2.1. General Objectives

The Master's program in Journalism aims to enhance in-depth knowledge, develop research capabilities, foster innovation, and improve professional practice for students in the Social Sciences and Humanities and Journalism. The program emphasizes the role of a foundation in Social Sciences and Humanities in research and practice; thereby fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and the ability to analyze media issues in relation to their cultural and social context. Through the program, students are equipped with the ability to identify and address academic and practical issues in the field of journalism and media, meeting the requirements of adapting to digital transformation and the changing contemporary media environment.

2.2. Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O1) - Regarding Knowledge: The training program aims to equip learners with the ability to apply in-depth theoretical foundations in journalism and related social sciences and humanities; to understand the development process of journalism and the contemporary media context; and to be able to analyze, interpret, and critique discourse structures in the current media ecosystem.

- Specific Objective 2(O2) - Regarding Skills: The training program aims to develop in learners the ability to apply knowledge to independent research, practice qualitative and quantitative data analysis, construct academic arguments and present research results; and at the same time develop effective communication skills, strategic thinking and design creative and flexible journalistic and media solutions.

- Specific Objective 3(O3) - Regarding Autonomy and Responsibility: The training program aims to help learners develop autonomy in research and professional practice, a sense of social responsibility, and a firm political awareness; to be able to lead, advise, and manage activities in the field of journalism and media, as well as to critically reflect on the impact of media on society and the public.

3. Admission Information

3.1 Admission methods

Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2 Eligibility Criteria

3.2.1. Educational requirements

- Must have graduated from university with a GPA of "good" or higher (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field or have published scientific papers related to Journalism. If candidates require supplementary courses, they must complete them before applying.

- Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Foreign language requirements

- Possess proficiency in at least one foreign language (English, French, Chinese, German, Russian) at a minimum level 3 according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam or equivalent as currently regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following diplomas or certificates:

+ A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

+ A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

+ A foreign language certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam; or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of registration for the master's program, issued by institutions accepted by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The head of the training unit or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence.

- Applicants who are foreign citizens and register for master's programs taught in Vietnamese must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program is taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other requirements

- A clean personal record, not currently serving a legal penalty at the level of a warning or higher, not currently serving a criminal sentence, as confirmed by the human resources department of the workplace or the local government where the individual resides.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other requirements of VNU.

3.3 List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Journalism.

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to Hanoi National University before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4 Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected 25-30 students/year)

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).

PART II. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Knowledge standards

1.1. General knowledge

PLO1.Analyze theoretical and practical issues in your professional field based on knowledge of philosophical worldview and methodology.

1.2. Fundamental and specialized knowledge

PLO2.Applying the meaning and value of fundamental research approaches, theories, and methods in the social sciences and humanities and journalism to analyze, evaluate, and develop research models or professional practices that meet the requirements of the contemporary media context.

PLO3.Identify interdisciplinary knowledge related to Journalism (social sciences, communication studies, digital data, cultural studies, etc.) to evaluate journalistic issues in a multi-dimensional, creative way, and with the ability to integrate methods and theories from multiple fields.

PLO4.Leveraging general knowledge of governance and management within the field of Journalism to plan strategies, coordinate human resources, and effectively organize and implement professional activities, projects, or media communication programs in practice.

2. Skill output standards:

PLO5:Proficient in scientifically analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating media data, journalistic data, and social information to propose solutions to problems in the contemporary media context.

PLO6:To communicate knowledge, research findings, and professional perspectives in the field of Journalism in a clear, accurate, and persuasive manner to both the scientific community and the public.

PLO7:Managing professional activities in the field of journalism and media, including content production, team coordination, project management, and media program implementation; creatively applying digital technologies, methods, and tools in journalism studies and professional practice.

PLO8:Proficient in a foreign language at a level equivalent to level 4/6 of the Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework. Use the foreign language within the professional field of journalism and media to read and understand scientific documents, engage in international academic communication, and participate in global academic networks.

3. Regarding the level of autonomy and accountability.

PLO9:To pursue research and significant initiatives aimed at developing journalistic knowledge, innovating media approaches, and contributing to the advancement of the field of Journalism Studies.

PLO10:Pursue research or professional practice in a dynamic media environment, while also volunteering to mentor and guide others.

PLO11:To provide expert assessments, recommendations, and advice on professional activities in the field of Journalism, based on scientific analysis, critical thinking, and professional standards.

PLO12:Adhering to professional management principles; evaluating and improving operations in the field of Journalism to ensure effectiveness, transparency, and social responsibility towards the public.

PLO13:Maintain personal ethics, professional ethics, and social ethics in accordance with journalistic standards, including honesty, objectivity, respect for the truth, and a sense of responsibility towards the community.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

The postgraduate journalism program trains master's degree holders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform high-quality work in press management agencies, press, radio, television, and online news organizations, advertising and media companies, businesses, higher education institutions, and research institutions.

Graduates with a Master's degree in Journalism are capable of performing roles such as senior reporters and editors at newspapers, magazines, news agencies, radio stations, and television stations; working as senior editors, reporters, or correspondents abroad; working as research and teaching staff at training and research institutions specializing in journalism and mass media; working as functional staff in agencies leading and managing press information; or performing tasks requiring a systematic and fundamental understanding of journalistic theory and professional skills, or working as senior specialists at media companies, etc.

Graduates with Master's degrees in Journalism also possess broad adaptability, enabling them to perform various roles in agencies and organizations related to journalism and mass media, such as cultural and ideological agencies, social advocacy and communication organizations, general information departments of political and social organizations, companies, corporations, economic, commercial, and service enterprises, and domestic and international non-governmental organizations.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

Graduates with a Master's degree in Journalism possess the ability to effectively organize and carry out activities in their field of work. Specifically, they can directly participate in research, teaching, or other practical activities, or they can continue their studies at the doctoral level in Journalism.

At the same time, a master's degree in Journalism can be used to pursue a doctoral degree in Journalism.

PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment