We are launching a call for applications for a one-week Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme at the Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), Portugal. The University of Beira Interior is organizing an intensive course dedicated to : “Democracy and Political Communication – the role of social media”. The program consists of a diverse set of sessions/classes, bringing together several national and international experts , in a teaching-learning model that aims to provide trainees with tools to understand the singularity of the relationship between communication and politics and the new models of political participation through social networks.The programme is divided into a physical and a virtual part. The physical part is scheduled for five days (09/06/2025 – 13/06/2025) and the virtual part( 01/06/2025 – 06/06/2025) will consist of synchronous and asynchronous classes; interactive forum and essay presentation.
This is the time to experience a truly international week, immersing yourself in the culture of the Portuguese countryside, but benefiting from an international atmosphere.
Name of the BIP: Democracy and Political Communication – the role of social media. (3 ECTS)
Who can apply? Bachelor (2nd and 3rd year) and Master students. (2 spots available)
What is it about?
Are you ready to deepen your understanding of the evolving relationship between democracy, political communication, and social media? The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme “Democracy and Political Communication – The Role of Social Media” at Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), Portugal, offers a unique opportunity for ambitious international students to explore these pressing issues. Guided by leading academics and practitioners from UBI, the University of Lisbon, the University of Aveiro, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you’ll engage in seminars, workshops, and discussions that dissect the impact of social media on political participation and democratic processes. You will also have some practical work (creation of videos, podcast and advertisements) related to political campaigns. The programme’s blended learning format offers the best of both worlds—flexible online modules for independent study and immersive on-site experiences that foster collaboration and cultural exchange. You’ll connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, building an international network of future leaders in political communication. This programme is especially suited for students from Political Science, Communication Studies, Sociology, and Social Sciences in a global approach. Whether you seek to enhance your academic profile, prepare for a global career, or gain deeper insights into political communication, this is the perfect opportunity.
Overview of the main topics
- Democracy – concept, values and application in the 21st century
- Democracy and political communication (persuasion, propaganda)
- The role of media – 4th power?
- Populism and social media
- The use of social media – European and north American perspective
- The impact of social media in the elections
Benefits
- 3 ECTS
- Certificate of participation
- the possibility of including the subject in the diploma
- the possibility of passing an elective course on the basis of the BIP
- A unique multicultural experience
What is offered ?
- Scholarship (paid by the University of Wroclaw)
- Breakfast
- 5 lunches and 1 dinner (inaugural dinner)
- Coffee breaks
- Cultural visits
- Covilhã museums
- Pedagogical material
- Certificate
- Gastromic tasting tour
Not included
- Trip to Covilhã (from Lisbon and Porto we can explain the better way to arrive at Covilhã, a bus or train ticket will cost 20€ maximum)
- Accommodation (likely that the dorms close to the University will be available TBC)
- Other meals / other personal expenses
If you are interested, please read the Erasmus+ regulations and send your application to the Institutional coordinator jakub.bornio@uwr.edu.pl. The deadline has been set for the 6th April 2025.
All participants will receive a grant to cover the full cost of participation. The total value of the grant will be 5 x 79 euros to cover living expenses and 309 euros for travel (417 euros for green travel). 704 (812) euros in total.
