Semester programme in Global Journalism BA

Semester programme
30 ECTS
Autumn semester

Starting in August 2026, NLA will offer an English-language semester programme in Global Journalism for exchange students on the BA level on its campus in Kristiansand, Southern Norway. The semester will have three consecutive courses and includes an optional study trip to Kenya.

If you’re looking for the exchange programme in Global Journalism on the MA level, then click here.

About the semester programme

The semester programme in Global Journalism looks at journalism from an international perspective and is perfect for students who want to learn more about contemporary developments in journalism in a world characterized by polarization and contesting media ideologies, and the growing dominance of digital platforms.

Courses

Introduction to Global Journalism (10 ECTS) – August to September
Global Journalism Study Trip (10 ECTS) or Global Journalism Reporting Project (10 ECTS) – October to November
Nordic Media (10 ECTS) – November to December

The semester begins with Introduction to Global Journalism, mapping the big questions about the state of journalism in an interconnected world.

The second course explores professional practices in global journalism, where students choose between working on a reporting project, or going on a 2-week study trip to Kenya where the group will visit newsrooms and learn more about journalism in an African context. The trip has an extra fee of approximately NOK 25,000 to 30,000 which includes flight and accommodation. Students choosing the reporting project option will work on a media production on NLA’s campus in Kristiansand (no additional fee).

The third and final course of the semester, Nordic Media, dives into the peculiarities of the Scandinavian media landscape where public trust is high and where the public service model is prominent. The course includes visits to local media houses.

The first and third course of the semester are theoretical, while the second course has practical exercises. It is assumed that students already hold basic journalistic skills (you should know how to record sound and video, how to do basic editing, and how to write journalistically). The exchange semester is primarily suitable for students of journalism and communication, but students from other disciplines can also apply.

Organization of the teaching

Sizes of the classes vary, but a typical class will have between 10 and 20 students. The classes are taught in physical classroom or production room. The courses have a mix of intensive teaching weeks and periods with fewer lectures per week.

You will study together with students from many different countries in Europe and other parts of the world. The second course of the semester is in a joint class with Norwegian journalism students. The language of instruction is English for all courses.

Additional details

The semester programme for BA students is only offered in the autumn semester (August to December). If you are looking for exchange opportunities in the spring semester (January to June), note that we may also allow selected BA students to take courses from our MA programme in Global Journalism. More information about the MA semester programme here.

The semester programme on BA level is planned to open in August 2026, subject to final approval by NLA’s accreditation committee.

Information for international students

An orientation programme for international students is mandatory for incoming exchange students at the beginning of the semester (2–4 days).
International students are guaranteed accommodation through the student welfare organisation in Kristiansand,
Read more information for international exchange students here.

The semester programme in Global Journalism is aimed at exchange/study abroad students from NLA’s partner institutions. The programme primarily targets students who study journalism, media or communication at their home institution, but students from other study programmes where knowledge of the media is relevant, such as political science, are also welcome. Exchange students should normally come from a BA programme at their home institution and need to have completed at least one year (60 ECTS) of journalism studies or other courses with relevance for media/communication.

Applicants must have oral and written proficiency in English, and may be asked to document language competency according to specific requirements.

Erasmus+ students are exempt from paying tuition fee, as well as the semester- and study fee. Costs for other exchange or study abroad students depend on your nationality as well as the agreement your home institution has with NLA. The Norwegian government has implemented tuition fees for students outside of EU/EEA. Students opting to go on the study trip to Kenya must cover extra expenses of approximately NOK 25,000 to 30,000.