Issues & Crisis Communication Strategist

What will you learn

This module is designed to be immediately applicable and allows you to complete select assignments at your workplace. After completing the module, you will put your new knowledge and insights into practice to benefit your company and your career.

• Managing Issues and Brand Crises | Improve crisis communication expertise with up-to-date knowledge and skills through current case studies. Use media intelligence tools to monitor brand crises. Proactively plan for all possible crisis scenarios.
• Responding to Issues and Crises | Develop effective issues and crisis response strategies.
• Planning Digital Crisis Communication | Plan to make yourself heard across media platforms. Share narratives and key messages effectively in today’s digital media environment.
• Demonstrating Crisis Leadership | Address ethical challenges through effective crisis leadership.

Contents

In our fast-paced society, minor issues can quickly become major crises with news spreading within minutes. As a crisis communicator, it is your responsibility to be ready for any type of crisis and, ideally, prevent issues from escalating in the first place.

This module will cover core topics specific to the role of the Issues & Crisis Strategist.

• Foundations of Issues and Crisis Communication
• Pre-Crisis Response Strategies
• Crisis Response Strategies
• Media Analytics
• Media Planning and Measurement
• Crisis Leadership Skills and Ethics

Who is this module for

• Current Employment:  You must work at least two days per week in a relevant field and organization, as proven by an employer’s statement (werkgeversverklaring).
• Work Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant working experience before starting your studies.
• Educational Background: A bachelor's degree in communication or related fields, such as business, marketing, international relations, public relations, management, linguistics, human resources, or psychology.

English Language Requirements for Admission

• Dutch nationals with a bachelor's diploma from the Netherlands: You don’t need to prove your English proficiency.
• Applicants with an International Diploma: An English certification test may be required if you earned your bachelor’s degree outside of the Netherlands.​​​​​​​ See for exemptions to English certification and minimum scores.

Voor organisaties

Wil je samen met collega's dit traject volgen, jouw medewerkers opleiden, of ben je geïnteresseerd in een andere opleiding op maat? Onze maatwerk- en in-company trajecten bieden talloze mogelijkheden. We stemmen deze volledig af op de behoeften van jouw bedrijf of organisatie, en de lessen kunnen vaak zelfs op jouw locatie plaatsvinden.

Lees meer over maatwerkopleidingen

Practical information

• Introduction and Onboarding: During the introduction and onboarding day, we conduct individual intake sessions to determine if your company offers the appropriate context for selected assignments. If not, we will provide alternative assignments.
• Study Format: Intensive on-campus classes Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Lectures and seminars are integrated with full-time Master of International Communication students.
• Class Schedule: According to the academic calendar for 2025-2026, classes will start on Thursday in week 1.
• Support: You will have full access to our online learning environment Brightspace. You will receive coaching from expert teaching staff.
• Independent Work: You will work on assignments and engage in self-study. The required time investment varies based on prior experience and the possibility of integrating assignments into your workplace tasks.