Programme Outline

The MA Globalization and Communications degree provides students with a comprehensive grounding in theories, perspectives and research related to globalization and communications. Core focus includes major political, economic and cultural developments in the contemporary world and their impact on national and transnational media structures and mediated cultural flows. The key parts played by information and communication technologies in infrastructures and processes of globalization are also considered. 

The role of technology in shaping societies, linking transnational communities and the changing dynamics of boundaries between them is examined, along with the influence of information and communication technologies in bringing together computing and communications capacities to shape the 'knowledge society'. The multimedia digital era and the Internet are key areas in this context. Comprehensive research training in communications and cultural studies includes web-based skills. 

The course combines the Department's continuing expertise in the field of mass communications and the multifaceted analysis of processes of globalization. The MA Globalization and Communications will provide you with a critical understanding of the historical bases of current developments in communications, and the theoretical and methodological background to confidently analyse the ways in which different aspects of globalization and communications developments interact.

Course Structure and Assessment

 The course is studied full-time over one year and comprises five core modules, two optional modules and a dissertation. Successful completion of all elements is necessary to gain the master’s degree. The core Graduate Seminar is an interactive forum involving tutors and students and includes web-based research assignment.  Completion of all core and optional modules only is sufficient to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Globalization and Communications. Modules are assessed via essays, group assignments, web-research assignment and oral presentations.  

MA: 180 credits; 12 months. Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits; 9 months 

Semester One modules (October to January)

Fuller details of postgraduate modules

• Transnational Relations and Communications MS7022 [20 credits]
• Theories of Globalization and New Media MS7023 [20 credits]
• Research Methods and Management I MS7004  [20 credits]
• Graduate Seminar: Identities and Boundaries MS7024 [20 credits] 

Semester Two Modules

• Option 1 [10 credits]
• Option 2  [10 credits]
• Research Methods and Management II - MS7005 [20 credits]
• Dissertation (February to August) [60 credits] 

Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice in the area of globalization and communication. This exercise provides students with the opportunity to examine in depth a topic of particular relevance to their interests and to practice skills in project management, data analysis and research presentation

Options

• The International Context of Mass Communication - MS7006
• Film as Mass Communication - MS7010
• Global Cinema - MS7011
• News Management, Communication, and Social Problems  - MS7027
• Technology, Culture and Power: Global Perspectives - MS7028  
• Advertising and Cultural Consumption - MS7030  
• The Digital Economy - MS7033 
• International Political Communication - MS7034  

Entry Requirements

The MA Globalization and Communications is open to applicants with a first or second class honours degree or equivalent professional qualification. We are also able to give special consideration to applicants who have significant work experience in a relevant field. Please visit our entry requirements and how to apply page for more details.