Program Overview

MSc Global Media and Communications (LSE and USC)

The MSc Global Media and Communications is a unique double degree that enables students to study for one year at the London School of Economics (LSE) in London and one year at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

Introduction

This programme provides a critical exploration of mediation in the global context, examining processes of globalisation in relation to organisation, production, consumption, and representation in media and communications. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global media landscape and the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Preliminary Readings

Students are encouraged to prepare for the programme by reading a selection of texts, including:

• Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
• Flew, T. (2007) Understanding Global Media. Basingstoke, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Kraidy, M. (2005) Hybridity, Or, The Cultural Logic of Globalization. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.
• Maxwell, R.(ed.) (2001) Culture Works: Essays on the Political Economy of Culture. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
• Miller, T. (et al.) (2005) Global Hollywood 2. London: BFI Publishing.
• Orgad, S. (2012). Media Representation and the Global Imagination. Cambridge: Polity Press.
• Pickering, M. (2001) Stereotyping: The Politics of Representation. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
• Rantanen, T. (2004) The Media and Globalization. London: Sage.
• Silverstone, R. (2007). Media and Morality. Cambridge: Polity Press.
• Tomlinson, J. (1999) Globalisation and Culture. Cambridge: Polity Press.
• Thussu, D. (2006) Media on the Move: Global Flow and Contra-Flow. London and New York: Routledge.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have:

• An upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or a degree in another field with professional experience in media and communications.
• English language proficiency: Higher.

Programme Content

The programme is divided into two years:

Year 1

• First year, at LSE: Students take a range of courses, including:
  • MC408: Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications (half unit)
  • MC411: Media and Globalisation (half unit)
  • MC499: Dissertation: Media and Communications (one unit)
  • One of the following half unit courses:
    • MC4M1: Methods of Research in Media & Communications (including Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis)
    • MC4M7: Methods of Research in Media & Communications (including Qualitative Analysis & Applied Regression Analysis)
  • Courses to the value of one and a half units

Year 2

• Second year, at Annenberg, USA: Students take a range of courses at USC Annenberg.

Why Study with Us

The Department of Media and Communications at LSE is a world-leading centre for education and research in the field. The department is ranked first in the UK and sixth globally for communication and media studies (2025 QS World University Rankings).

Your Application

To apply for the programme, students must:

• Apply both to LSE and to USC
• Submit a statement of academic purpose, two academic references, and a CV
• Provide evidence of English language proficiency (if required)

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the programme are:

• Year 1 (at LSE, 2026/27): Home students: £28,900, Overseas students: £30,400
• Year 2 (at USC, 2027/28): Visit the USC website for tuition fees

Learning and Assessment

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, classes, seminars, and workshops. Students are assessed through a range of methods, including:

• Formative coursework
• Summative assessment (written examinations, research assignments, essays, and dissertation)

Graduate Destinations

Graduates from the programme have gone on to work in a range of fields, including:

• Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
• Government, Public Sector and Policy
• Information, Digital Technology and Data
• Health and Social Care
• International Organisations

Related Programmes

LSE offers a range of related programmes, including:

• MSc Media and Communications
• MSc Strategic Communications and Society
• MSc Media, Communication and Development
• MSc Media and Communications (Media and Communication Governance)
• MSc Politics and Communication
• MSc Social and Public Communication