Program Overview

MSc Media and Communications (Research)

The MSc Media and Communications (Research) programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the socio-cultural aspects of media and communications. This programme examines the frameworks used to study media and communications, covering tradition and innovation in media and communications research related to political economy, regulation, infrastructure, production, content, influence, and audience reception.

Introduction

This programme attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including many media and communications professionals, creating a rich exchange of ideas within our vibrant research community. The programme offers ideal preparation for an MPhil/PhD or career opportunities in the media, business insight, policymaking bodies, and research institutes.

Preliminary Readings

• Allen, Stuart (ed) (2010) The Routledge Companion to News and Journalism. Routledge.
• Beckett, Ch. (2008) SuperMedia: Saving Journalism So It Can Save The World. Malden, MA: Blackwell/Wiley.
• Briggs, A. and Burke, P. (2002) A Social History of the Media: From Gutenberg to the Internet. Cambridge: Polity.
• Calabrese, A. and Sparks, C. (eds) (2004) Toward a Political Economy of Culture, Capitalism and Communication in the 21st Century, Lanham MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
• Castells, Manuel. (2009). Communication Power. Oxford University Press.
• Couldry, N. (2012). Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media. Cambridge: Polity.
• Curran, J. and Gurevitch, M. (eds) (2005) Mass Media and Society. 4th ed. London: Arnold.
• Curran, J. and Seaton, J. (2003) Power Without Responsibility. London: Routledge.
• Mansell, R. (2012) Imagining the Internet: Communication, Innovation and Governance. Oxford University Press.
• Mattelart, A. (2003) The Information Society: An introduction. London: Sage.
• McChesney, R (2000) Rich Media Poor Democracy. New York: New Press.
• Papacharissi, Z. A. (2010). A Private Sphere: Democracy in a Digital Age. Cambridge: Polity.
• Silverstone, R. (2007) Media and Morality. Cambridge: Polity.
• Silverstone, R. (1999) Why Study the Media? London: Sage.
• Thompson, J.B. (1995) The Media and Modernity: A Social Theory of the Media. Cambridge: Polity.
• Wasko, J. (ed.). (2005) A Companion to Television. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
• Wu, Tim. (2010) The Master Switch. The Rise and Fall of Information Empires. Borzio Books.

Key Information

• Study Mode/Programme Availability: Home full-time students (12 months) Open, Home part-time students (24 months) Open, Overseas full-time students (12 months) Open.
• Academic Year: 2026/27.
• Start Date: 28 September 2026.
• Location: Houghton Street, London.
• Application Deadline: None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or degree in another field with professional experience in the media and communications field. Exceptionally, professional experience alone.
• English Language Requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Higher.

Programme Content

• Year 1:
  • You'll take a course on media and communications theories and concepts and a course on research methods, and will choose courses from a range of options within the department and across other relevant departments, such as Sociology, Gender, Law, Methodology and Psychological and Behavioural Science.
  • In addition, you'll submit a dissertation of 12,000 words.
  • Courses:
    • MC408: Half unit, Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications.
    • MC4M2: One unit, Advanced Methods of Research in Media & Communications (including Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis).
    • MC499: One unit, Dissertation: Media and Communications.
    • Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options.

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Media and Communications is a world-leading centre for education and research in the field, ranked first in the UK and sixth globally for communication and media studies (2025 QS World University Rankings).
• Our department offers students a wide selection of programmes, including master’s degrees, doctoral research training, and short courses.
• Graduates from our programmes progress to interesting roles in broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management, and research in both the public and private sectors.

Your Application

• We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form.
• When to Apply: Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

• Home Student Fee (2026/27): £28,900.
• Overseas Student Fee (2026/27): £30,400.
• Fee Status: Your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student.
• Scholarships, Bursaries, and Loans: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong.

Learning and Assessment

• How You Learn: Within your programme, you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. You're expected to complete independent study outside of class time.
• How You're Assessed: All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. You'll be summatively assessed by written examinations (seen and unseen), research assignments, essays, and the dissertation, which must be submitted in August.

Graduate Destinations

• On graduating, our students enter a variety of careers in the UK and abroad, including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management, and research in both the public and private sectors.
• Top 5 Sectors Our Students Work In:
  • 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

• MSc Media and Communications: Study the impact of media and communications on society, technology, economics, and politics.
• MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society): This social science programme offers a critical exploration of the significance of data and information within contemporary societies and communications.
• MSc Media, Communication, and Development: The programme offers an intensive, year-long exploration of a wide range of contemporary issues in media, communications, and development.
• MSc Politics and Communication: MSc Politics and Communication offers an intensive, year-long exploration of the relations between politics, media, and communications.