Start dates: January, April, July and October.
Duration and mode of study: Two years by distance learning.
Entry Requirements

About this course

Each of our distance learning programmes shares a common first year (on successful completion of which you may choose to conclude your studies for the time being with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Mass Communications). The second year makes provision for more specialized study in the topic area identified in each programme’s title with the opportunity of further specialization through the pursuit of a dissertation (for an MA) or for early exit on completion of coursework (for a Postgraduate Diploma).

This programme allows you to build on the broad introduction to media and communication research and specialize by studying the developments that have occurred around the world in the provision of electronic government. It examines the political, economic and social reasons for the establishment of e-government and explores online government developments in the wider context of debates about the rapid spread and adoption of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), e-democracy and the civiv engagement of citizens. The programme also considers the importance of these developments in offsetting growing political alienation and distrust of politicians and governments.

Course modules

Year one modules

Module 1  Key Issues and Approaches in Media Study

Module 2  Media History and Social Regulation

Module 3  Media in Global Context

Module 4  Communications and Globalisation

Module 5  Investigating Media

Module 6  Media Industries: Convergence, Divergence

Year two modules

Module 7  Professional Practices

Module 8  Audience and Reception

Option H  Political Communication

Option I  e-Governance and e-Democracy: Theory and Practice

Dissertation

Read more about the modules

Teaching and assessment methods

The course is studied by distance learning. In Year one there are five written assignments and one examination. In Year two there are four written assignments and a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words.

Entry requirements

You should normally have a minimum of a good second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. If you do not possess a good first degree or an equivalent qualification, relevant professional experience will also be taken into account. Exceptionally, applicants with limited academic qualifications but with suitable professional experience can be admitted (sometimes via initial registration for the Postgraduate Certificate). You may be invited to submit an entry assignment in support of your application.

Next Step: Download the Distance-Learning Brochure or Request an information pack and prospectus