MSc-Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Communication Research
ObjectivesTo provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the theories, approaches and research necessary for studying, analysing, and understanding media, culture and communication processes in both national and global contexts. Combining historical, theoretical and epistemological overview with extensive training in research methods and approaches, the course will enable students to explore contemporary debates on culture, media and communication roles in modern societies. With particular emphasis on training in quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection and management, computer-assisted and web-based approaches to data management and analysis, and advanced procedures for social science data analysis and interpretation, the course will provide students with the training necessary for pursuing advanced postgraduate study and research in media, culture and communication.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements At least a good second class honours degree in any discipline, though a Social Science degree would be particularly relevant, from an institution recognised by the University. Applicants who do not have a first degree, but who can demonstrate other relevant qualifications and/or experience may also be considered.
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Communication Research
Course descriptionCourse modules
Core modules:
-Managing and Communicating Research
-Research Methods and Management I
-Knowledge and Method in the Social Sciences
-Contemporary Issues in Media and Cultural Studies
-Analysing Media Outputs
-Dissertation
Option modules (two from the following):
-The International Context of Mass Communication
-News Management, Communication and Social Problems
-Advertising and Cultural Consumption
-Technology, Culture and Power: Global Perspectives
-Media, Celebrity and Fandom
-Film as Mass Communication
-The Digital Economy
-International Political Communication
-Global Cinema
Teaching and assessment methods
The course involves a range of approaches to teaching and learning: lecture-based teaching, interactive seminar work with student and tutor contributions, group research work, and individual dissertation supervision. Taught modules will be assessed by continuous assessment in the form of a mixture of essays, annotated bibliographies, group research projects, web-based assignments, computing assignments using both statistical packages and qualitative text analysis packages, and a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words on an approved topic