Universität Fribourg Course offerings

Profile of the study programme

With information and communication technologies, we can no longer communicate or «do business» as before. According to M. S. Malone, one of the most influential modern-day analysts from Silicon Valley, the world of global networks is redistributing competitive advantages. Major leaders, information-intensive companies like Google or Facebook, are defining new organisational models to develop their businesses and are constantly changing. The objective of the Master of Arts in Business Communication is to continually and innovatively master means of communication (Web 2.0, social networks, intelligent and mobile networks) and at the same time acquire in-depth knowledge of the modern business context.

The range of courses offered in the field of communication allows students to acquire multi-disciplinary skills in new ways of using information and communication provided by digital technologies (e-business, e-communication, etc.). Courses in organisational communication, e-communication, media strategies and multimedia communication are offered. As for each student's specialisation, this may deal with human resources, financial management, ethics in relation to development and global changes, social computing, etc.
The Master's thesis consists of a personal research work that allows the student to conclude her or his learning through applying the skills she or he has acquired.

Fribourg profile
The originality of this Master programme, unique in Switzerland, resides in the possibility of personalising the learning, by combining a compulsory module comprising communication-focused courses with a specialisation of the student's choice in management, economics, ethics and economics or information systems.
Within the University of Fribourg's multilingual and multicultural environment, the student can follow a set of personalised courses (choice of the specialisation, optional courses and other options) and at the same time benefit from collaborative works. In addition, the student will manage web media (sites, blogs, etc.) or conduct projects and scientific research in small groups.
Links with businesses may be established during the Master, notably in relation to the thesis work.

Learning outcomes and career opening
Students who successfully complete this study programme:
– Will understand the principles and challenges of organisations, whether in terms of online or traditional communication, management, ethics or data management;
– Will understand the strategic issues involved in controlling an organisation's information and image;
– Will be able to master several types of business communication (product, financial, social, crisis, etc.);
– Will also be able to manage the implementation and development of on-line communication tools.

Graduates can thus rise the challenges of large multinational companies, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises or non-profit organisations.

Academic opportunities resulting from this Master may initially take the form of scientific appointments (graduate assistant lecturer, assistant professor, lecturer, etc.); depending on skills acquired during the career, this may lead to professorships.

Professional opportunities resulting from this Master are orientated towards professions with responsibility in the fields of information and communication, notably in relation with the development of Internet and web mutations. After their studies, graduates take up a variety of positions, for example:

• Communication manager:
  – Internal/External/Participatory communication;
  – On-line communication (Web 2.0 copywriter, community manager, social media editor);
  – Multimedia projects.
• Information/Communication manager:
  – Relations with shareholders and/or credit establishments;
  – e-activities (e-marketing, e-business, e-learning).
• Marketing researcher in consumer goods or services marketing;
• Media relations manager;
• Web communication and applications consultant.