ObjectivesMass communications is an influential and expanding area of learning and research within the social sciences. New technologies in broadcasting, telecommunications, print and other industries have revolutionised the way we exchange information, do business, talk to, entertain and understand each other. This postgraduate course provides a critical consideration of the economics, culture, politics and sociology of mass communications on a global, national and local scale. It examines fundamental issues in mass communications theory and assesses ongoing developments in the area of global communications, media regulation, media policy and communications technologies. An advisory board, consisting of leading industry professionals from television, radio, public relations and the internet, supports the course. You are encouraged to arrange individual placements in the media and cultural industries.
Entry requirementsGood Honours degree or equivalent. If you have lower qualifications but substantial relevant work experience you are also encouraged to apply. You will be asked to provide a written portfolio summarising your work history and showing how it relates to the aims of the course.
Academic titleMA Mass Communications
Course descriptionCourse structure
Core modules:
-Globalisation, Internationalisation and Communications
-Principles of Mass Communications
-Researching Communications
-Mass Communications Dissertation
Options are chosen from a designated set including:
-Advertising and Mass Communications
-E-solutions and Digital Media Applications
-Journalism
-Marketing Communications
-Design for the Internet
-Political Communication and Public Information
-Principles of Video Production
-Media Audiences
-The Movie Industries
One option may be taken as a free module from other Masters degrees in the University.
You will be required to complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, equivalent to three modules.
Assessment
Assessment methods include essays, research projects, oral presentations, reports, briefs, computer projects, DVDs/videos and examinations.
Career opportunities
Graduates from this course will be well placed to develop careers in communications and media industries and also to progress to an MPhil or PhD.
Attendance & duration
-Full-time: one year, two days a week
-Part-time (day): two years, normally one day a week