Media, Campaigning and Social Change MA

Program Overview

Media, Campaigning and Social Change MA

Overview

This innovative Master's degree aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and strategic approach to develop and analyze social change campaigns and activism, with a particular focus on the role of communications and the media.

Course Structure

• Attendance: Full-time - September 2026, Full-time - September 2025, Part-time day/evening - September 2025, Part-time day/evening - September 2026
• UK Fees: £10,900 *
• International Fees: £18,000 *
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Duration: 1 year
• Campus: Harrow, North-West London, and Cavendish, Central London

Course Summary

The course builds on our close links with leading campaigners and communicators in London's vibrant social change sector. An advisory panel, with representatives from Amnesty UK, Friends of the Earth, Save the Children, Advocacy Hub, Tearfund, FairSay, and The National Council of Voluntary Organisations among others, will ensure we always reflect the skill sets in demand and deliver an exciting learning experience.

Core Modules

• Critical Issues in Campaigning (Semester 1)
  • In this module, you will consider the factors that influence social change in the context of current campaigns around the world, and the historical development of campaign techniques and practices.
  • 20 credits
• Media, Activism and Politics (Semester 1)
  • The module investigates the relationship between media, activism, and politics.
  • 20 credits
• Strategic Campaign Communications (Semester 2)
  • In this module, you will learn how to research and plan a strategic campaign for social change based on the theories of social change examined in Semester One.
  • 20 credits

Option Modules - Practice Pathway

• Media, Content and Engagement
  • The contemporary media relations environment revolves around a core understanding of the roles of, and opportunities provided by, paid, owned, earned, and social media.
  • 20 credits
• Introduction to Documentary for Social Change
  • The module will critically examine the influence, responsibility, and power of journalism with a focus on broadcast media across a number of genres in reporting on and representing gender, sexuality, age & disability.
  • 20 credits
• Fundraising for Social Justice
  • In this module, you will learn how to plan and implement fundraising techniques for progressive social change.
  • 20 credits
• Podcast Production
  • In this module, you will learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres and the production techniques required for specific formats.
  • 20 credits
• Interactive and Immersive Storytelling
  • This module provides you with a theoretical and historical overview of digital and immersive non-fiction narratives.
  • 20 credits

Option Modules - Theory Pathway

• Researching Media and Communication
  • This module is designed to introduce you to some important methods in social and media research.
  • 20 credits
• Media and Communication Theory
  • This module covers a range of theoretical approaches to studying media and communication in a loosely historical order.
  • 20 credits
• Media Audiences in the Digital Age
  • The first part of the module reviews a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, focusing on and critiquing key debates on media audiences.
  • 20 credits
• Political Economy of Communication
  • This module provides a broad introduction to the political economy approach to the media, communication, culture, and digital media.
  • 20 credits

Dissertation or Professional Project

• MA students only
• The module will provide you with the opportunity to undertake independent research in the form of a dissertation that critically, systematically, and theoretically develops an understanding and analysis of the role of media in campaigning and social change.
• 60 credits

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • A minimum of an upper second-class honors degree (2:1) or a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.
  • The Personal Statement must reflect the understanding of the course and how you will contribute.
  • If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in all components.
• International:
  • A minimum of an upper second-class honors degree (2:1) or a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.
  • The Personal Statement must reflect the understanding of the course and how you will contribute.
  • If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in all components.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £10,900 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE) for UK students and various schemes for international students.
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and offers a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Scheduled hours: 13%
• Independent study: 87%
• Practical: 9%
• Coursework: 91%

Research Groups

• Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI)

Supporting You

• Student Hub: 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.
  • Study support
  • Personal tutors
  • Student advice team
  • Extra-curricular activities

Course Location

• Harrow Campus: Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media, and digital courses.