For the first time ever, Fojo Media Institute, in collaboration with Linnaeus University’s Department of Media and Journalism, has launched a university-accredited course in international media development. Titled “International Media Development: Concepts, Contexts, and Challenges”, the 7.5-credit course designed is designed to equip students with the tools, skills and insights to lead transformative media projects globally.
Running from November 11, 2024, to January 19, 2025, this hybrid-format course combines theoretical foundations with practical, solution-oriented approaches. Students will explore programme design, implementation, evaluation and address pressing issues such as gender equity in journalism, media sustainability and navigating complex media ecosystems under varying political and cultural contexts.
“This course represents a milestone in Fojo’s mission to support free and independent journalism globally,” says Anna Maris, responsible for course content at Fojo Media Institute.
“By bridging academic insights with real-world applications, we are preparing the next generation of media development professionals to tackle challenges with innovation and integrity.”
In addition to expert lectures from Fojo’s media development programmes in countries such as Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Rwanda as well as the UN body IPDC, the programme also benefits from an impressive roster of external guest lecturers, including academics Professor Martin Scott from East Anglia University, Susan Abbott from University of Westminster and industry expert Kristin Olson from Sida.
A unique feature of the programme is that students are from the onset taught sustainable media development – how to actively incorporate the sustainability agenda into media development and programme design.
Speaking on the collaboration, Anja Kalin, course coordinator at the Department of Media and Journalism remarked;
“This partnership exemplifies how academia and practice can come together to empower students with the knowledge and tools needed for impactful media development. It’s a unique opportunity for students to benefit from Fojo’s over thirty-year long experience in international media development and the first time this type of content is presented to students in a way closely connected to the industry.”
Fojo Media Institute and Linnaeus University invite students and professionals eager to make a difference in media development to join this pioneering international programme, which runs in hybrid format during the fall semester, accepting both online and on-site students from all over the world.
For more details, visit the Linnaeus University website or contact the course coordinators.
