Program Overview

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Communication MA

Overview

The Communication MA provides 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.

Media and Communication Theory

This module covers a range of theoretical approaches to studying media and communication in a loosely historical order.

Researching Media and Communication

This module will introduce you to the main methods of communication research.

Option Modules

• Communication Policy and Power
• Communications Policy and Global Development
• Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship
• Global Media
• Media Audiences in the Digital Age
• Media, Activism and Politics
• Policies for the Digital Age
• Political Economy of Communication
• Study Skills (No Credits)
• The Chinese Media
• The Sociology of News
• Artificial Intelligence and Society
• Podcast Production

Programme Specification

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

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.

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
• Xinhua News Agency

Employability

Students are encouraged to seek work experience in the industry and relevant opportunities are regularly shared by staff.

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 Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.

Application Process

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

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £17,500 (Price per academic year)

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.

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