MA/MS in Strategic Communication

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To provide knowledge of communication theories and planning and management of communication in different organisational contexts, develop holistic perception of communication, skills and competences, necessary to evaluate and arrange communication strategies of various levels into one functioning unit, required to recognise and manage crisis and unplanned communication models as well as carry out scientific research Learning outcomes: Knowledge and its Application: A1 Are able to apply recent research findings based strategic communication theories, models and concepts that are necessary to recognise and solve unplanned strategic communication challenges, cases and problems; A2 Are able to select appropriate communication strategies, models and channels necessary to manage and solve risk and security related issues in organisations; A3 Are able to analyse ongoing communication processes in organisation management and communication performance development areas within national, international and global contexts; A4 Are able to analyse regulations and principles of corporate social responsibility by means of applying in public communication and relations; A5 Are able to apply methodology of communication science to offer integrated solutions. Research Skills: B1 Are able to process, evaluate and interpret results of communication research in social and intercultural contexts; B2 Are able to integrate methods of communication science, psychology, management and other closely related social sciences and humanities to carry out interdisciplinary research; B3 Are able to individually and in teams conduct methodologically grounded research works, critically assess results and define research application possibilities in practice-based and research related activities; B4. Are able to ground the validity of selected research methods and methodology, applied to solve various challenges. Subject–Specific Skills: C1. Are able to apply modern communication strategies, methods and technologies, necessary to solve critical communication problems and apply non-typical management and communication methods; C2 Are able to apply principal crisis and risk communication methods to prepare the plan of communication and implement it in various organisational situations and levels; C3 Are able to conduct the analysis of organisational information environment to manage organisational performance results, internal and external communication by means of selecting the appropriate communication strategies and mass information channels; C4 Are able to recognise, define, evaluate and analyse complex problems of strategic communication, by means of applying corresponding conceptions, strategies, methods and models to develop competitive advantage of organisation; C5 Are able to apply interpersonal communication principles and skills in professional activity areas to develop strategic partnership with other organisations or investing parties. Social Skills: D1 Are able to analyse and apply principles of interpersonal, team-working and public communication ethics, taking making the commitment to social responsibility for results and their social impact; D2 Are able to discuss on professional issues, express argumentatively grounded ideas, necessary to solve problems in the context of open, democratic and civic society; D3 Are able to critically assess, provide arguments in communication and present research and project results; D4 Are able to collaborate in work-groups and at organisational level in multicultural environments as well as cooperate in interdisciplinary teams. Personal Skills: E1 Are able to independently develop professional expertise and other areas by means of planning personal career according the principles of life-long learning; E2 Are able to apply strategic, analytic, creative and critical thinking skills by means of perceiving solutions of innovative activity and the aspect of social responsibility. Activities of teaching and learning: Seeking to ensure that learning outcomes are achieved in the best way different student-centred teaching and learning methods are applied. They are problem-based learning, challenge-based learning, case studies, reflection, team working that are arranged in accordance with theoretical classes, seminars, tutorials and practical tasks when applying project-based activities and individual work. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The accumulated grading is applied as well as project reports, oral and written examination. Different assessment methods are applied (such as reports, presentations, reflection and etc.). Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Social research methods; Research practice; Research project; Master ‘s thesis; Strategic communication theories; Organization information management and communication; Strategic and corporate communication; Leadership and management psychology; Intercultural communication and negotiation; Public and business sector ethics; Development of strategic relations; Strategic political communication; Risk and security management; Change management communication strategies; Information economics: strategy and leadership (Twente University); Reputation management (Twente University); Vision strategy and leadership (Twente university). Specialisations: no Optional courses: Students can select master competence alternatives (management, language related and other) that are offered at the University, they can also select courses at partner institutions as part of Erasmus studies abroad partner institutions (for example, Twente University). Distinctive features of a study programme: The study programme is structured as competence-based study programme, and students can take part in ECIU challenges and select micro-courses to gain micro-credentials. Some courses such as „Strategic communication theory“, „Strategic political communication“, „Information economics, strategy and leadership“, „Reputation management“ or „Vision, strategy and leadership“ is delivered in English by non-Lithuanian speaking lecturers. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates can work at business, public sector, international governmental and non-governmental organisations and other enterprises as well as different communication area related institutions; they can provide consulting services in the area of communication, apply modern technologies, conduct research work and perform the tasks of moderators in negotiations as well as manage different conflicts and crises. Access to further study: Possibility to enter doctoral studies and conduct research.