Communication MA

Program Overview

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

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.

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.

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.

Option Modules

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

Entry Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £1,125 (Price per 20-credit module)
• International tuition fee: £1,985 (Price per 20-credit module)
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment: Practical and coursework, including presentations, podcasts, blogs, essays, in-class tests, portfolios, and dissertation.

Research Groups

• Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI)

Supporting You

• Study support: Workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal tutors: Support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team: Provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas.
• Extra-curricular activities: Volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more.

Course Location

• Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.

Related Courses

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