Global Media MA

Program Overview

Global Media MA

Overview

The Global Media MA course offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to global media, designed for those who work in or want to work in the media industries. You'll examine key developments in the media and communications industries associated with the logic of globalisation, and explore the complex nature of the globalisation process in the media.

Course Structure

• Duration: 2 years
• Attendance: Part-time day (September 2026), Full-time (September 2025), Part-time day (September 2025), Full-time (September 2026)
• UK Fees: £1,211 (Price per 20-credit module)
• International Fees: £2,000 (Price per 20-credit module)
• Alumni Discount: Available (see details)
• Campus: Harrow, North-West London

Course Summary

This course provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to global media, and is designed for those who work in, or want to work in, the media industries. You'll examine key developments in the media and communications industries associated with the logic of globalisation, and explore the complex nature of the globalisation process in the media.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• Study within a leading research environment – You'll study within the environment of the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), a world-leading centre in the study of media and communication for over 30 years and renowned for its critical and international research.
• Extra-curricular activities and networking opportunities – You’ll have the opportunity to attend regular research-led talks by outside speakers on a variety of current topics, as well as workshops and conferences which bring together academic researchers, industry representatives, regulators and policymakers.

Course Modules

Core Modules

• Advanced Independent Study (60 credits) – This module provides guidance on how to conduct a major piece of independent research, supplemented by group work and individual supervision.
• Global Media (20 credits) – This module provides an overview of contemporary developments in global media and communication industries and their impact on cultures worldwide.
• Researching Media and Communication (20 credits) – This module will introduce you to the main methods of communication research.

Option Modules

• Communication Policy and Power (20 credits) – This module offers a comprehensive introduction at postgraduate level to the dynamics and processes that shape communication policy.
• Communications Policy and Global Development (20 credits) – 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.
• Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship (20 credits) – This module requires you to work in teams to develop a digital media business idea and submit it individually as a lean feasibility study.
• Policies for the Digital Age (20 credits) – This module explores key policies shaping the dynamic landscape of the networked digital media environment.
• Media Audiences in the Digital Age (20 credits) – 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.
• Media, Activism and Politics (20 credits) – This module offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilisation, social movements, dissent, wars, conflicts, elections, and political and social crises.
• Political Economy of Communication (20 credits) – 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.
• The Chinese Media (20 credits) – 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 Sociology of News (20 credits) – A critical study of the news media in the context of current society.
• Media and Communication Theory (20 credits) – This module covers a range of theoretical approaches to studying media and communication in a loosely historical order.
• Artificial Intelligence and Society (20 credits) – We are surrounded by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, whether we are aware of this or not.
• Podcast Production (20 credits) – In this module, you will learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres and the production techniques required for specific formats.

Programme Specification

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

Entry Requirements

• UK: A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a humanities or social sciences discipline and/or have relevant professional experience.
• International: A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a humanities or social sciences discipline and/or have relevant professional experience.
• English Language: If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.
• Academic Reference: 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.

Careers

The Global Media MA course is well established and has a strong international reputation. Our students have been successful in gaining employment, in many cases straight after graduating from the course. Graduates from this course have found jobs in middle and upper management in media industries, as well as the broader private and public sector, and international organisations and NGOs.

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.

Graduate Employers

Graduates from this course have found roles in a wide variety of media and communications organisations including Al Jazeera, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CGTN/CCTV, Facebook, Phoenix TV, Shanghai Media Group, Sina.com, Tencent, and Twitter India.

Our Graduates

Our graduates have found success in various roles, including Yuzhou Wang and Noura Alnouri, who share their experiences and thoughts on the course.

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

Fees and Funding

• UK Tuition Fee: £1,211 (Price per 20-credit module)
• International Tuition Fee: £2,000 (Price per 20-credit module)
• Alumni Discount: Available (see details)
• Funding: There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Teaching and Assessment

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories: practical and coursework.

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

• Communication MA
• Media Management MA