Course information

Length

Three academic terms (September-June) equivalent to part-time study

Course overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Media and Communications offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary fields of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. You are invited 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 field of inquiry is organised by bringing together the two dominating perspectives: the sociological or political economy discussion of media institutions, emphasising social power of media organisations; and the domains of subjective identities in mediated societies, drawing from the intellectual traditions of cultural studies. By doing this, we borrow from a range of different academic disciplines: sociology, anthropology, geography, psychology, literature and history.

Gain applicable skills

The programme offers broad knowledge and skills specific of the study of media, but also allows you to engage in critical thought in its widest meanings. These skills are appropriate for future employment in the media industries but also in many other areas of employment.

Experience empowered and varied learning

From the outset, students are guided to work independently and to think through the intellectual issues for themselves. Progress is carefully monitored via seminars and varied tutorials (with personal tutors and module leaders), ensuring students achieve their desired outcomes. An early diagnostic essay (non-assessed) will help to indicate how students are progressing and identify any areas for support. Different kinds of theoretical input and information-retrieval are required for each essay. Through consultation with tutors, students will be guided to the most appropriate intellectual approaches, archives, libraries or electronic sources.

Trialling ideas takes place in seminars, giving students the opportunity to construct a dialogue amongst yourselves as well as via tutorial support. This provides a chance to learn how to present your ideas succinctly, to discriminate between different traditions of critical thought, and also to listen to other, perhaps competing, lines of argument.

Optional modules are taught via the familiar mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials, although there are some variations. Some options offer a greater amount of workshop organisation.

The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 12th in the world (2nd in the UK) in the 2022 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.

Professional development

The Postgraduate Certificate is primarily aimed at students who want to develop their skills or retrain. The Careers Service provides central support for skills enhancement, running The Gold Award scheme and other co-curricular activities that are accredited via the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). The Department has strong industry links and hosts a range of events that bring together industry experts, academics and students.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Lisa Blackman.

What you'll study

Compulsory Modules

Module title Credits
Introduction to Media and Communications Theory 30 credits

Optional Modules

Your remaining 30 credits will be taken from the Media and Communications department's extensive suite of MA option modules – either in the form of one x 30 credit option, or two x 15 credit options.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have, or expect to gain a first degree of at least upper second class standard (or equivalent).

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

To find out more about your fees, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

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