Nicklas Håkansson has been responsible for the PolCom program since its launch nearly eight years ago at the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMG). That’s why he was especially pleased to read the results of the recent external evaluation of the program.
"The evaluation gives an overall very positive assessment of our program and its courses," he states. "It’s particularly gratifying that the review panel highlights our strong connection with students and the positive learning environment. They also emphasize that we are well-organized and that our courses have a solid foundation in the department’s research."
Learning from each other
The strong student focus is highlighted as one of the program’s key strengths. Interviews with students and alumni describe an open and inclusive environment, where teachers are both accessible and engaged. Feedback from faculty is perceived as constructive and valuable, contributing to students’ learning and development.
Nicklas Håkansson, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer, who has now welcomed hundreds of students from countries around the world, puts it this way:
"They come from many different countries and have diverse educational backgrounds. I think the program works particularly well when students share their own experiences from previous studies and work. In those moments, it’s clear that they are not just learning from us—but from each other as well."
A leading education
The review panel also praises the program’s well-structured design and pedagogical quality. They find that it offers a clear progression from fundamental communication theories to advanced analyses of political communication. Its research foundation is strong, with internationally recognized scholars integrating their expertise directly into the teaching.
While the evaluation is overwhelmingly positive, the panel suggests some areas for improvement. These include incorporating more practical exercises, expanding collaboration opportunities with European universities, and introducing an introductory course to balance students’ prior knowledge and reduce dropout rates.
With its research-driven teaching and student-centered approach, the program provides a strong foundation for both academic and professional development. With a few strategic enhancements, it could become even more attractive to future generations of communication scholars and professionals in political communication.
This is the conclusion of the external reviewers: Kim Strandberg (Åbo Akademi, Chair), Griffin Rowell (Lund University, Student Representative), Anders Olof Larsson (Høyskolen Kristiania), Nina Springer (University of Münster), and Rune Karlsen (University of Oslo).
Text: Andrea Ångman
