Communication and Media, MA, University of Leeds

Course content

You'll study two core modules that lay the foundations of the programme, exploring theoretical approaches to communication and media. One of these will consider issues such as de-westernising media and communication studies, interpersonal communication, media and power and the concept of the public sphere. You'll then use these theories to take a critical approach to real-world issues, as well as developing your own perspectives on topics that interest you.

On top of this, you'll build specialist knowledge through your choice of optional modules. These vary every year, but can include topics such as television narrative, media and globalisation, urban narratives, and media and democratisation. The optional modules allow you to focus on topics that suit your own interests or perhaps reflect your career plans.

Throughout the year, you'll also be preparing for your dissertation through the Dissertation and Research Methods module. Your dissertation is a major independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you submit at the end of the year.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll complete the MA over two years, instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Critical Issues in Media and Communication 30 credits
• Media and Communication Theory 30 credits
• Dissertation and Research Methods 60 credits

Optional modules

• Technology, Media and Critical Literacy 30 credits
• Communication and International Affairs 30 credits
• Feminism, Identity and Media 30 credits
• International Film Industries 30 credits
• The Media and Democratisation: Global Perspectives 30 credits
• The Reporting of Politics 30 credits
• Innovations in Political Communication 30 credits
• Politics and the Media 30 credits
• Communication and Development 30 credits
• The Cultural History of Promotional Communication 30 credits
• Identity, Culture and Technology 30 credits
• Urban Narratives 30 credits
• Cultures of Contemporary Photography 30 credits
• Cinematics and Photography 30 credits
• Integrated Communication 30 credits
• Rhetoric and Public Speaking 15 credits
• Managing Business Across Cultures 15 credits
• International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice 15 credits
• Writing for Professional Purposes 15 credits
• Critical Debates in Culture and Place 30 credits
• Researching Inequality in the Media 30 credits
• Reality TV: Truth or Fiction? 30 credits
• Show more

For more information on typical modules, read Communication and Media MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Communication and Media MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

MA modules will use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, group learning and project work, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the subjects introduced in lectures and seminars, and to develop your skills in analysis and research. You should anticipate spending at least 20 hours per week on independent study associated with your modules.

Assessment

We use various methods to assess your progress, depending on the modules you choose. These could include essays, presentations, project work and reports, case studies and in-course assessment of your contribution to group tasks.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a social sciences or humanities subject. Relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Applications based on degrees in subjects that are not social sciences or humanities will be considered on an individual basis by the programme leader. We recommend that if you do not have a degree in social sciences or humanities, you submit a brief personal statement explaining why you should be offered a place on the programme.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalentqualifications. For more information contact the School of Media and Communication admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

How to apply

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

Your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you're still studying

Your most recent CV

If English is not your first language you'll need to provide evidence of your English language qualifications.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £7,500 (total)

International: £18,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Each year the School offers four part-fee bursaries to Home and EU students with an excellent academic record. Another four are available to International students who are liable to pay fees at the full cost rate for international students.

The School also offers an Academic Excellence bursary equivalent to 10% of the Home-EU fee for all alumni who achieved a first-class undergraduate degree. This can be claimed in addition to the University of Leeds Alumni Bursary.

You'll need to submit a bursary application form to be considered for either award.

Read more about MA Fees and Scholarships in the School of Media and Communication.

Career opportunities

You'll gain diverse and in-depth subject knowledge from this programme, as well as sophisticated skills in research, analysis, interpretation and oral and written communication. You'll also develop stronger cultural and critical awareness of the world around you. All of this is very attractive to employers.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers that reflect the breadth of the discipline, including communications advisors, public relations practitioners, media executives, and corporate managers. The programme also offers an excellent foundation for PhD study.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Related courses