| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Media and Communication program at Loughborough University provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary media and communication landscapes, equipping graduates with critical thinking, research, and practical skills for careers in the media and communication sectors. The program explores digital media advancements, evolving media industries, datafication, artificial intelligence, disinformation concerns, and political representation, preparing graduates for a dynamic global context.
Program Outline
The MA Media and Communication program offers a comprehensive framework to study contemporary issues and challenges within media and communication fields, including digital media advancements, evolving media and creative industries, datafication, artificial intelligence, disinformation concerns, and political representation. Alongside theoretical knowledge, the program provides real-world experience through collaboration with media organizations and external partners on a research project.
Program Objectives:
- Equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary media and communication landscapes, encompassing digital media, creative industries, and political representation.
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate media content and its impact on society.
- Foster strong research skills and experience through individual research projects and collaboration opportunities with external partners.
- Prepare graduates for professional careers in the media and communication sectors through a combination of independent work and active engagement with the industry.
Program Description:
- The program employs an interdisciplinary approach, blending social science, practical application, and policy considerations to equip graduates with skills relevant to employers.
- Focuses on preparing students for professional careers in the media and communication sector through a blend of independent work and active engagement with the industry.
- Connected to the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture, offering access to cutting-edge research in cultural and historical analysis, digital media, language and social interaction, media industries, memory studies, and political and strategic communication.
- Delivered by internationally renowned scholars, leaders in media and communication studies.
- Aims to provide graduates with both critical perspectives and practical engagement with communication and media in a dynamic global context.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Media and Communication MA program explores key topics within the field, including:
- Digital Media Innovations: Analyzing the evolving landscape of digital media and its implications for communication, culture, and society.
- Changing Character of Media and Creative Industries: Examining the transformations occurring within media and creative industries due to technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumption patterns.
- Rise of Big Data and AI: Investigating the increasing role of big data and artificial intelligence in media landscapes, considering ethical implications and potential societal impacts.
- Disinformation and Political Representation: Analyzing contemporary challenges concerning disinformation and its influence on political representation and democratic processes.
Course Structure:
The program comprises a combination of compulsory and optional modules, allowing for individual specialization within areas of interest. Students are expected to complete 180 credits over two semesters and complete a dissertation project in Semester 3.
Semester 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Understanding Contemporary Media
- Media Industries and Professions
- Researching Communications 1: Media Users and Cultural Industries
- Digital Economies
- Optional Modules: Choose two from a list of options covering diverse topics within media and communication studies, including:
- Political Communication in the Digital Age
- Data, Power and Democracy
- Cultural Memory and the Heritage Industries
Semester 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- The Politics of Representation
- Researching Communications 2: Texts and Digital Platforms
- Optional Modules: Choose one from a list of options covering diverse topics within media and communication studies, including:
- Political Communication in the Digital Age
- Data, Power and Democracy
- Cultural Memory and the Heritage Industries
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through various methods including:
- Essays
- Reports
- Presentations
- Individual research dissertation project
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and encourage active participation, including:
- Seminars: Promoting in-depth discussion and analysis of key topics.
- Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and research insights from leading scholars.
- Independent study: Encouraging self-directed learning and exploration of specific areas of interest.
- Group work: Fostering collaboration and teamwork skills through collaborative projects and assignments.
Faculty:
The program is taught by internationally renowned academics with expertise in various areas of media and communication studies. These include:
- Professor Sabina Mihelj: Professor of Media and Cultural Analysis
- Dr. Vaclav Stetka: Reader in Comparative Political Communication
- Professor James Stanyer: Professor of Communication and Media Analysis
- Professor Dominic Wring: Professor of Political Communication Additionally, guest lecturers and industry professionals may be invited to share their expertise and experiences with students.
Careers:
The Media and Communication MA program prepares graduates for diverse career paths within the media and communication sectors, including:
- Media and communication specialists
- Digital media professionals
- Social media managers
- Public relations specialists
- Policy analysts
- Researchers
- Journalists
- Marketing and communications professionals The program also equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for further postgraduate research in media and communication studies.
Other:
- The program welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including but not limited to English, social sciences, humanities, and business. Professional experience is also considered during the application process.
- Loughborough University is a QS World Top 100 institution and the program offers students access to world-leading research and facilities.
- Graduates of the program have a strong track record of securing employment within leading media and communication organizations.
UK fee: £12,250 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £24,500 Full-time degree per annum
