Programme Outline

The MA Mass Communications degree is a one-year full time taught course providing students with a comprehensive grounding in the theories, approaches and research necessary for studying, analysing, and understanding media and communication processes in both national and global contexts.

The course combines an overview of the history and development of communication research with a critical engagement with the latest theory and research on media, culture and communication. The course offers extensive training in communication research, equipping graduates to pursue further academic study at research degree level.

The MA Mass Communications course will provide you with a critical knowledge of the historical development and key paradigm shifts in the study of media, culture and communication, and it will give you the background knowledge and research expertise necessary to confidently address all aspects of the rapidly expanding field of media and communication research, including the analysis of: Media production, organisation and control; News in local, national and global context; Culture, communication and media; Media/new media roles in the construction of social problems and issues; Media and the political process; New media, information and communication technologies and their social uses and implications; Media/new media audiences; Communication policy and regulation; Cross-national media and communication systems.

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. Completion of all core and optional modules only is sufficient to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications. Modules are assessed via essays, exams, and group assignments.

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

Semester One Modules (October to January)

• Contemporary Issues in Media and Cultural Studies - MS7000 - 20 credits
• The Study of Mass Media Audiences - MS7003 - 20 credits
• Processes and Structures in Mass Communication - MS7002 - 20 credits
• Research Methods and Management I - MS 7004 - 20 credits

Semester Two Modules (January to May)

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

Fuller details of postgraduate modules

Master’s students are required to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice in the area of media 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 in Mass 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.