1 August, Kirsten Frandsen formally assumed the position of head of Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University, 36 years after her initial appointment at the institution.

She steps into the role following a period of onboarding in close collaboration with Anne Marit Waade, who has handed over the responsibilities after several years in the position.

“It feels a bit like jumping onto a moving train; I am still familiarizing myself with all the different areas,” Frandsen reflects.

Academic and professional background

Kirsten Frandsen holds a Cand.mag. degree in Nordic language and literature and mass communication from Aarhus University. She began her career at the university as a teaching assistant while still a student. She later received an external PhD fellowship, with her daily work based at the Danish School of Journalism. Frandsen returned to Aarhus University in 1996, became an assistant professor the following year, and progressed steadily until her appointment as full professor in 2018.

Frandsen’s experience in leadership roles began early in her career.

“I served as a study director when I was a very young lecturer. Back then, I reported directly to the dean, and the structures were far less formalized than they are today. The organization I am joining now is much more streamlined,” she notes.

One aspect she particularly looks forward to is joining the community of department heads:

“I remember the isolation that can accompany leadership roles, so I very much look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and engaging with other department leaders as partners,” Frandsen adds.

Curriculum revisions and campus development

In the coming years, Frandsen will oversee several major initiatives, including a comprehensive review of the department’s study programmes.

“This was one of the main motivations for applying. I have the right experience and background, having been involved in the most recent revisions of the media studies curriculum,” she explains.

A key challenge will be restructuring the master’s programme in journalism from its current two-year duration to 1¼ years.

“We had hoped to offer a professional master’s that combines practical internships with journalistic training, which is not feasible in just one year plus a summer period. The programme also presents unique challenges because it is embedded in a partnership with DMJX and the department of political science at BSS. Multiple stakeholders need to collaborate to find a solution,” she says, emphasizing that her role will be to facilitate an open and collaborative process.

Simultaneously, Frandsen will oversee building projects related to Aarhus University’s campus development. Media Studies and Journalism will remain at Katrinebjerg, where new facilities are planned.

“It will be crucial to ensure improved infrastructure and a stronger integration of the department with the student body. Currently, we are physically separated from teaching activities and lack cohesion,” she explains.

Given the long-term nature of these initiatives, Frandsen also highlights the importance of preserving institutional memory:

“I have not set a fixed term for myself, but I do not expect to remain in this role for ten years. It is therefore important that someone remembers the rationale behind the decisions we make.”

A deliberate choice

Frandsen stresses that assuming the role of head of department was a conscious decision.

“During the process, I was repeatedly asked whether I wanted this position out of duty. It was important for me to clarify that this is a deliberate choice. After many years of commitments in various directions, I wanted to focus my professional life in this specific direction,” she says.

Throughout the autumn, she will continue to teach and supervise students to some extent, and she remains involved in several research grant applications.

“I have considered what I would miss most when I am no longer fully engaged at the university, and it is the energy from the students. That interaction sustains you in a unique way. I have therefore been determined not to lose student supervision and engagement entirely, even though I know it will be challenging,” Frandsen concludes.

Contact
Kirsten Frandsen
Professor, Department of Media and Journalism Studies
Aarhus University
Phone: +4587161964
E-mail: imvkf@cc.au.dk