Communication MA

Program Overview

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Communication MA

Overview

The Communication MA gives you an in-depth critical understanding of digital and traditional media, and the many different factors that shape communication and mass media – providing you with a distinctive competitive edge in the creative industries careers market.

Course Structure

You will study three core modules including a dissertation which will involve conducting a major piece of independent research. You will also study four optional modules, choosing from a broad range.

Core Modules

Advanced Independent Study

This module provides guidance on how to conduct a major piece of independent research, supplemented by group work and individual supervision. Group work during Semester One orients students towards identifying and refining their individual research topic, which must be specific to their MA course and route. Dissertation supervisors are assigned at the start of Semester Two. Supervision takes place in Semester 2 and 3. The dissertation is submitted by the end of August.

60 credits

Media and Communication Theory

This module covers a range of theoretical approaches to studying media and communication in a loosely historical order. You will acquire an understanding of the historical contexts in which these ways of thinking emerged, be introduced to the leading thinkers driving these approaches, and explore key concepts associated with them. You will focus on critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and you will be encouraged to carefully consider the applicability of each to the current communications landscape. The module will finish with a look at the most recent debates in the field, addressing the question of whether new media do indeed require new theory. You will acquire an understanding of what constitutes a history of the field, covering the main Western theories that have shaped communication studies, while also having the opportunity to be exposed to recent non-Western approaches, in accordance with the University's overall approach to decolonising the curriculum.

20 credits

Researching Media and Communication

This module will introduce you to the main methods of communication research. We shall look at how to undertake selective quantitative and qualitative methods, understanding and exploring the different stages of the social science research process from a definition of a research hypothesis, to data collection and analysis. We shall also look at the theoretical reasoning behind different methodological approaches to media and society, in particular the politics of social research.

20 credits

Option Modules

Communication Policy and Power

This module offers a comprehensive introduction at postgraduate level to the dynamics and processes that shape communication policy. It examines key theories and concepts of policy-making and uses case studies from both national and international level, focusing on media, telecommunications, the Internet and platforms.

20 credits

Communications Policy and Global Development

This module provides you with an overview of the theoretical and practical history of communications within the development process of middle and lower income economies and asks you to consider the impact of international institutions in the expansion of western media. You will examine the role of new technologies and the role of BRICS/alternative actors (e.g. China/NGOs) in global communications policy and development. The module concludes by examining the impact of activism on the shaping of policies for public service media.

20 credits

Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship

This module requires you to work in teams. Initially, you will use your group as a brainstorming unit, going through the ideation process and sharing digital media business ideas with each other. You will each develop one original digital media business idea and submit it individually as a lean feasibility study (formative submission).

Based on feedback from the lecturer, your group will then select the best or most feasible idea to develop into a business plan proposal for a new digital media start-up (CW1). For CW2, you will individually pitch your group’s business plan to a panel of industry experts.

20 credits

Global Media

This module provides an overview of contemporary developments in global media and communication industries and their impact on cultures worldwide. It focuses on transformations in existing media, with a particular emphasis on broadcasting and the audio-visual media and looks at innovations of new information and communications technologies, especially the Internet.

20 credits

Media Audiences in the Digital Age

This module begins with an overview of media audiences, and goes on to analyse audiences and media institutions, passive/ active audiences, media influence and effects, and ethnography and media audiences. The second part of the module is devoted to discussions of media and identity, fans, diasporas and new media audiences.

20 credits

Media, Activism and Politics

This module offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilization, social movements, dissent, wars, conflicts, elections, and political and social crises. The module considers the impact of different forms of censorship and regulation on social, political and cultural expression in the media. It also looks at the impact of the internet and new means of transparency and communications on journalism and activism in a range of circumstances from secure democracies through different kinds of political systems.

20 credits

Policies for the Digital Age

This module explores key policies shaping the dynamic landscape of the networked digital media environment. You will examine topics including policy types, foundational principles and (digital) rights; media structures; cultural policy; streaming media; Internet and platform governance; artificial intelligence; commercial communications; and environmental sustainability. Examples and discussions will draw on various parts of the world. You will critically engage with the relevant (geo)political, social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of these policies, and assess the challenges involved in developing digital policies that promote inclusivity and empowerment. The assessment consists of a short essay, and a policy analysis and recommendation report.

20 credits

Political Economy of Communication

This module will introduce you to the political economy approach to analysing the production, distribution and consumption of media content in text and audiovisual form, whether online or offline, as well as the workings of telecoms networks behind online media. It identifies distinctive economic features of media and relates these to trends in the organisation of specific media industries, taking account of ways in which the economics of media have been affected by the spread of digital technologies.

20 credits

Study Skills (No Credits)

If your first language is not English, or you have no experience of the British education system, you will benefit from this module. You will be taken through the process of producing a piece of written work, from note taking to editing, so as to enable you to produce written work in accordance with current British academic standards and practices.

20 credits

The Chinese Media

This module is for you if you have little or no knowledge of the Chinese media, but nevertheless realise that for anyone interested in the media in the world today, some understanding of the biggest national media system is a necessity. The objective is to introduce participants to the Chinese media in the context of a world order changing on account of the growth in wealth and power of several countries, in particular China. The Chinese media are seen as a factor in this, and also as an example of a media system distinct from the Anglo-American, which has often been touted as a model of universal applicability.

20 credits

The Sociology of News

A critical study of the news media in the context of current society. Looking into news creation and the history of journalism, the module aims to link the broader patterns of social change to a critical study of mass media and the techniques to steer them (spin doctors) and thereby explores contemporary journalism and its ethics from a historical and conceptual perspective.

20 credits

Artificial Intelligence and Society

We are surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, whether we are aware of this or not. From personal assistants to automated news, from facial recognition technologies to self-driving cars, these are just a few examples of how AI is already impacting our lives. This module explains what AI is and offers a systematic overview of what is behind AI. It also looks into the controversies and challenges related to AI. The module teaches you to think critically about AI and assess the societal impact of AI. By mapping a broad range of applications, issues arising, and key debates, the module will equip you with a systematic understanding of current AI developments and their impact on society.

20 credits

Podcast Production

In this module, you will learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres (e.g. journalistic/investigative, personal storytelling, fictional narrative, sports, comedy, interest groups) and the production techniques required for specific formats. You will also learn about idea incubation, pitching, marketing and monetisation.

20 credits

Programme Specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment, download the programme specification (PDF).

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster.

Application Process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on the application process, what you need to apply, and deadlines for applications.

Tuition Fees

• UK tuition fee: £10,900 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE) and scholarships.

Careers

The Communication MA has a strong international reputation and prepares graduates for a career in the media industries. While many go on to media organisations in the UK and around the world, some progress to government or regulatory roles in the public sector, broader international organisations and NGOs. Others pursue research through a PhD.

Industry Engagement

We have strong links with media organisations around the world such as the BBC and CGTN.

Networking Opportunities

Build your network through a varied programme of events including external speakers, workshops and conferences.

Graduate Employers

Graduates from the Communication MA have found roles in a wide variety of media and communications organisations including Amazon Web Services, BBC World Service, CGTN/CCTV, Facebook, KBS (Korea), Shanghai Media Group, Tencent, Twitter India, and Xinhua News Agency.

Employability

Students are encouraged to seek work experience in the industry and relevant opportunities are regularly shared by staff. This may lead to full-time employment once graduating from the course.

Course Leader

Professor Maria Michalis is Professor of Communication Policy and Deputy Director of the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) at the University of Westminster.

Research Groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Supporting You

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

Course Location

Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.

Related Courses

• Media Management MA
• Multimedia Journalism (Print & Online) MA
• Global Media MA