MA Global Media and Digital Cultures
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-10 | - |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
| 2024-04-24 | - |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Global Media and Digital Cultures is an online program that provides a critical understanding of global media and digital cultures in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It equips students with analytical skills, knowledge of media and politics, and the ability to interpret digital media. Graduates are prepared for careers in media, communication, government, and international organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The MA Global Media and Digital Cultures
is a unique interdisciplinary online program offering critical grounded knowledge of global media and digital cultures in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With a focus on the dynamics between media and politics and diplomacy, media and social/political change, media and development, media and conflict, media and representation, and media and identities, the program prepares students for careers in the media and communication sectors, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, UN bodies, and international organizations.
The program aims to:
- Provide an in-depth understanding of global media and digital cultures
- Develop critical and analytical skills for research and engagement
- Enhance students' ability to interpret and critically assess digital media
- Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in a diverse range of fields
Outline
The program comprises two phases:
Taught component:
- Two compulsory modules:
- Global Media and Digital Cultures
- One chosen from the list A (see below)
Dissertation:
- A 60-credit compulsory dissertation
Compulsory Module:
- Global Media and Digital Cultures (30 credits) Focuses on the impact of media and communication technologies on diplomacy and international relations in the context of globalization. Students explore the relationship between technology, development, religion, politics, and culture, focusing on issues like digital access, the role of the media in social change, and the construction of global civil society.
List A Modules (choose one):
- Digital Diplomacy (Online Module) (30 credits) Examines the role of digital technologies in diplomacy, covering topics such as public diplomacy, soft power, propaganda, influence, persuasion, and how these relate to policy and decision-making processes. Students gain interdisciplinary foundation and develop skills to critically analyze and navigate the complexities of digital diplomacy.
- Transnational Communities and Diasporic Media (online) (30 credits) Explores transnational communities and their media practices, with a focus on identity formation, representation, and the role of digital communication in diasporic communities. Students engage with theoretical debates on networks, diasporas, media uses, identity construction, and contemporary globalization.
- Gender, Conflict and the Middle-East (Online) (30 credits) Provides insight into key issues in gender and conflict within the Middle East. Students delve into the gendered dynamics of violence, conflict, security, mobilization for peace, women's empowerment, and contestations of masculinities while exploring the crucial role of media representations, artistic productions, and knowledge production.
- Global Citizenship and Advocacy (Online Module) (30 credits) Provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively pursue advocacy objectives at the international level and influence policy changes within non-governmental and international organizations. Students gain the expertise to effect policy changes across national boundaries and address global issues.
- Muslim Minorities and the State: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (Online Module) (30 credits) Examines government policies towards Muslim minority communities in non-Muslim countries from the colonial era to the present day in eight countries: Britain, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, and Singapore. This module emphasizes the importance of colonial legacies in understanding the contemporary situation of Muslims in these countries, along with theoretical approaches to Muslim minorities in diverse geographic locations.
- Muslim Minorities in a Global Context (Online Learning) (30 credits) Provides an overview of the diversity of Muslim minority communities in both Western and non-Western contexts, tracing their emergence and development. The module examines how Muslims have negotiated their identities within host societies while considering issues like "integration," "assimilation", "multiculturalism," and "islamophobia".
- Cultural Diplomacy (Online Module) (30 credits) Investigates the role of cultural diplomacy as a soft power tool for bridge building and international dialogue. The module explores the relationship between culture and diplomacy, examines the challenges of globalization, and equips students with the skills and knowledge to practice cultural diplomacy effectively.
- Diplomacy and Power: International Actors in the Middle East (Online Module) (30 credits) Focuses on the complex power dynamics of key regional and global actors within the Middle East and their strategies to achieve national goals. The module analyzes proxy conflicts of global and regional powers, the role of international organizations like the UN and the Arab League, and focuses on the region from the end of the Cold War to the present day.
- Contemporary Themes in Media and Religion (online) (30 credits) Addresses the relationship between media, religion, and the digital age. It challenges assumptions within the media and development industries and offers critical theoretical analyses of development discourses, the role of international organizations and NGOs, citizens, and the emergence of alternative paradigms for sustainable societies.
- Media and Development (online) (30 credits) Provides an introduction to debates surrounding the relationship between media and development. The module critiques the media and development industry's assumptions and development studies, offering new ways of analyzing these issues. It balances critical theoretical analysis with practical issues surrounding the use of contemporary media technologies for developmental purposes.
- Contemporary Global Issues in Media and Gender (online) (30 credits) Explores the intersection of global media and gender studies, analyzing historical developments, postcolonial and intersectional critiques, and contemporary debates in the field. Case studies address diverse topics, including online feminist identities, gender representations in film and advertising, media uses by diaspora communities and refugees, gendered reporting in conflict zones, and media's role in development and socio-political change.
Assessment
Each module in the program is assessed through a combination of:
- Five written online assessments ('e-tivities') comprising 30% of the module assessment.
- These e-tivities provide formative and summative feedback to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement.
- 5,000-word essay as the final e-tivity, contributing to the remaining 70% of the module assessment.
- Dissertation with a 1,500-word research proposal (dissertation research module part 2) contributing 15% to the overall assessment.
- 15,000-word written dissertation (dissertation research module part 4) accounting for the remaining 85% of the dissertation module assessment
Teaching
- Students have 24/7 access to learning materials and resources, allowing them to tailor their studies to their existing commitments.
- A dedicated Associate Tutor supports students through online discussion forums.
- The program follows a two-session-per-year schedule (starting in April and October), with each subject module lasting 16 weeks followed by a research mini-module for 8 weeks.
- Extensive research training is a key feature of the program, provided in four parts (mini-research modules) integrated within each module session.
Careers
Recent graduates from the program have found employment opportunities with organizations such as:
- Africa Mediaworks Ltd.
- Al Jazeera
- Associated Press
- BBC
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer
- British Film Institute
- Channel 5
- Comic Relief
- Cordoba African Film Festival
- Discovery Communications
- Equality Now
- Hackney Film Festival
- International Channel Shanghai
- Internews Europe
- Merlin
- Novus
- Royal College of Art
- The Institute of Ismaili Studies
- Unilever
- United Nations
- Westminster City Council
Other
This option offers a fully-online pathway of study for students worldwide.
MA/MSc: £12,000 PGDip/PGCert: available as exit awards.
School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS)
Overview:
SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, is a public research university in London, specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is renowned for its diverse academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to global understanding.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Focus:
SOAS offers a unique opportunity to study the cultures, languages, and societies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.World-Class Faculty:
The university boasts a distinguished faculty of experts in their respective fields, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.Diverse Student Body:
SOAS attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.Research Opportunities:
SOAS is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.Academic Programs:
SOAS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History of Art & Archaeology, Music, Media & CommunicationLanguages, Cultures, and Linguistics:
African Languages, Cultures, and Literatures, China & Inner Asia, Japan & Korea, Near & Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Translation StudiesSocial Sciences:
Anthropology & Sociology, Development Studies, Economics, Finance & Management, Gender Studies, Law, Politics & International Studies, Religions & PhilosophiesOther:
SOAS is a member of the University of London and is located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and global citizenship, and its research and teaching contribute to a better understanding of the world.
Entry Requirements: The MA Global Media and Digital Cultures is designed for recent graduates as well as professionals who are looking to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in the media sector as well as in PR, communication systems and companies, government, education, NGOs and the UN. Applicants do not need to have an academic degree in media and communication. However, a genuine demonstrated interest in media and its role would be an advantage.Language Proficiency Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
