Program Overview

Overview

The Media, Society, and Cultural Studies (Research) MA is a research Master's course designed to support exploration of a chosen research area. The programme is built around a dedicated research project, bolstered by research modules and a selection of modules in media, social, and cultural studies.

What You'll Learn

During the MA, you'll undertake advanced master's-level training in media, society, and culture research. You'll complete a combination of specialist media-based modules plus a range of research-focused modules. After completing your MA, you'll have all the skills required to move into PhD research. On the completion of the course, you'll:

• Understand the role of media and communication systems in shaping meaning
• Develop knowledge of the range of research practices, methods, and paradigms
• Have awareness of a broad range of critical theory that informs the field of media studies

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Thinking about Research
  • Dissertation Preparation
  • Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • News and Media Analysis
  • Dissertation in Media, Society & Cultural Studies (Research)
• Optional Modules:
  • The Social Psychology of Communication
  • Introduction to Intercultural Communication
  • Memory Matters: Mediating Present Pasts for the Future
  • Fashion, Communication and Culture
  • Storytelling and Collective Psychology
  • Digital Politics, Communication, and AI
  • Feminist Approaches to Media Analysis
  • Digital Discourses and Identity
  • Media and Promotional Cultures
  • International Media and Law (Semester 1)
  • Strategies and Management in PR
  • Public Relations Theory and Concepts
  • Cultures of Data Visualization
  • Digital communication for cultural institutions and organisations
  • Digital Politics, Communication, and AI
  • World Politics and Popular Culture
  • Inequalities: Issues and Intersections

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods depend on your modules, but you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Report
• Written exercise You'll have access to support from academic staff, personal tutors, and research supervisors, as well as the University Student Services Team.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 150 for Communication and Media Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

As a postgraduate research student in media, society, and cultural studies, you'll benefit from dedicated research suites within the School of Arts and Cultures.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time)
  • International students: £25,900 (full-time)
• Scholarships: We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL.
• Admissions policy: This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date, but international students should apply at least two months before the course starts.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500.
• Programme codes: 4156F (full-time), 4156P (part-time)