MA in Media & Communications, Goldsmiths, University of London

MA in Media & Communications

The MA in Media and Communications offers a broad look at many aspects of the media – sociological, economic, cultural. It invites you to think critically about the larger, global media worlds of the present age, and about your own location in the mediated society in which you live. The coursework is exclusively theoretically based, so you will need some foundation in the (broadly conceived) intellectual arenas of the social sciences or the humanities in order to grasp the dominating aims and objectives of the programme.

"I enjoyed the course immensely and thought it would be an essential step for me towards a promising career in media development research. I highly admired the professionalism of the Media and Communications Department in terms of giving continuous support and advice for all students. Goldsmiths made this whole experience unique by providing a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere that encourages creativity and free thinking."

Ibtihal, MA in Media & Communications

Length:
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Applying:

Apply now

Deadline: 1 May for entry the following September.

Applications received by the deadline are guaranteed consideration; we may consider late applications if there are vacancies.

Due to the popularity of this programme we ask you for a deposit of £450 to secure any offer made to you after applying for the programme. The deposit will be credited against your tuition fees when you enrol. Please note: You will only be required to provide a deposit if you are offered a place, you do not need to pay a deposit in order to apply.

Find out more about applying

Entrance requirements:
You should have an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant subject. If your first language is not English, you normally need a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (including 7.0 in the written element) or equivalent. Find out more about our English Language requirements.

Funding:

AHRC

Fee Waivers NOW AVAILABLE for 2012/13: Fee waivers are now available for 2012/13 across all MA programmes to selected students. Whichever MA course you apply for this year, if you accept an unconditional offer you will automatically become eligible for the fee waiver scheme that will fund waivers equivalent in total to 13 full time home/EU fees.

Overseas students are also eligible for the scheme. Only applications received by the official deadline will be considered for fee waivers. Successful students will be notified by 30 May 2012.

Careers:
We aim for our students to achieve a healthy balance between scholarly work and practical skills; we look to develop all-round thinkers and doers who can, and do, contribute to the cultural and professional life of their communities. Graduates from this programme go on to work in government departments, broadcasting, online media, PR and advertising, international NGOs and non-profits, intergovernmental organizations, the entertainment industry, the arts and cultural sectors. A considerable number of students from this MA also go on to do PhDs in Media and Communications, as well as Cultural Studies and related areas, on route to becoming academics and researchers.

Skills:
Critical evaluation skills; understanding of the workings of the media and their broad cultural and social impacts; understanding of the pleasures of media consumption.

Fees:
Please see Tuition fees.

Staff research interests:
Please see Staff research interests.

Contact the department:
Contact Prof Sara Ahmed

About the department:
Media & Communications

Download a booklet [PDF, 1,119KB]

As part of the Contemporary Cultural Processes Scheme, the MA benefits from shared teaching across a number of option courses.

What you study

A core course will introduce you to media and communications theory, and will enable you to develop and explore interdisciplinary perspectives on the study of contemporary cultural processes. You choose three options, at least two of which must be offered by the Department of Media and Communications; you can choose one from those offered by the Departments of Anthropology, English and Comparative Literature, and Sociology, and the Centre for Cultural Studies.

You will also complete a dissertation based on independent research, which is supported by a module in research skills training. In addition to the required core and option courses, a strong emphasis is placed on student participation in the research culture of the department and College.

Fee Waivers NOW AVAILABLE for 2012/13

Fee waivers now available for 2012/13 across all MA programmes to selected students. Whichever MA course you apply for this year, if you accept an unconditional offer you will automatically become eligible for the fee waiver scheme that will fund waivers equivalent in total to 13 full time home/EU fees.

Overseas students are also eligible for the scheme. Only applications received by the official deadline will be considered for fee waivers. Successful students will be notified by May 30 2012.

Assessment

Seen written examination; five essays; dissertation.

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.