Media can be a starting point to understand events, such as 9/11 and the subsequent terrorist attacks around the world, catastrophes such as natural disasters, trends such as the current global economic crisis, and social and political movements. Media can also be a starting point to understand the routine, everyday nature of mobile and online practices, or television, in public and private spheres, in local and global environments. Media and communication are central to understanding our experience of social life. Media’s role in contemporary politics, society and culture is all encompassing. We are witnessing a revolution in communications – print media, film, television and radio, photography, mobile and social media are a continuous presence in our everyday lives.
The focus of this international Master’s programme is to question and understand global media structures and processes in modern life. We teach students to combine empirical evidence and critical theory from the social sciences and humanities to ask critical questions of media past and present. Rather than use one theory to explain mass communication, we examine the situated, contextual and multidimensional aspects of media around the world. We draw on world class scholars who have published key works in media and communication. Our teaching is based on international expertise in democracy, participation and social media; gender, health and society; audiences and popular culture; children and digital media.
Students taking this programme will conduct critical analysis of social, cultural, and political dimensions of media. Our teaching includes international scope for theorising and researching media, using real world case studies, and a range of materials that emphasises experiential learning. We offer students expertise in media and communication research, in theory and empirical research, in public service and commercial media, and in international policy and production sectors. Postgraduate students participate in a lively research department with regular international conferences, seminars and events.
Career prospects
Students graduating from this programme will be prepared for professional opportunities in research education, academic careers, media and cultural industries, national and international policy and production sectors, commercial and public service organisation and NGOs. Above all, graduates will have the critical skills necessary to evaluate and understand media in range of professional and private spheres.