Media Industries, MA, University of Leeds

Course content

You'll develop your knowledge of the full range of media industries through core modules that run in each semester.

You'll be introduced to issues and debates in media studies as well as the impacts of developments such as digitalisation and marketisation. Then you'll explore the organisational dynamics of industries such as television, film, music, digital media, newspapers, magazines and advertising to consider what it's like to work in them.

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.

Alongside the compulsory modules, you'll be able to tailor the programme to suit your own interests by selecting from a range of optional modules on topics such as television narrative, identity and media, political communication, cultural policy, international film industries and public relations, among others.

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

• Dissertation and Research Methods 60 credits
• The Media Industries 30 credits
• Media Production Analysis 30 credits

Optional modules

• Technology, Media and Critical Literacy 30 credits
• Communication and International Affairs 30 credits
• Feminism, Identity and Media 30 credits
• Media, Culture and Globalisation 30 credits
• International Film Industries 30 credits
• Innovations in Political Communication 30 credits
• Politics and the Media 30 credits
• Communication and Public Opinion 30 credits
• Multimedia Journalism 30 credits
• Communication and Development 30 credits
• The Cultural History of Promotional Communication 30 credits
• Radio Technologies, Industries and Cultures 30 credits
• Identity, Culture and Technology 30 credits
• Urban Narratives 30 credits
• Cultures of Contemporary Photography 30 credits
• Cinematics and Photography 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
• Cultural Policy: Models and Debates 30 credits
• Critical Debates in Culture and Place 30 credits
• 'Race', Identity and Culture in the Black Atlantic 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 Media Industries MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Media Industries 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 different methods to assess your progress, depending on the modules you choose. These are likely to include essays, video or photography work, presentations or project work and reports.

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.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. 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.

Admissions policy

School of Media and Communication Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

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

This programme will prepare you for a variety of careers in the management and production of media content, both in the UK and worldwide. You'll also be equipped to work in communications in broader contexts such as communications and media policy, PR or other cultural and creative industries.

You'll also be well placed to pursue your research at PhD level, and even pursue an academic career.

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.

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