Master of Arts [M.A] (Screen and Media Studies)

at University of Waikato

• Note that COMPX543 and DSIGN532 may not be taken towards the BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons) or MA in Screen and Media Studies.

• To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level in Screen and Media Studies, including at least 30 points in research, normally MEDIA591 or an equivalent approved by the Programme Convenor, and at least 30 further points from papers listed for Screen and Media Studies.

• To complete a BMCT(Hons) (China only) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level including MEDIA501, MEDIA591 and 60 points chosen from COMPX543, DSIGN532, GLOBE589, MEDIA504, MEDIA506, MEDIA507 and MEDIA508.
   

• To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in Screen and Media Studies students must have completed either:
   

•  a BA with a major in Screen and Media Studies (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

•  a BA(Hons) in Screen and Media Studies (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip (or equivalent) in a relevant subject with at least a B average, and

•  have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
   

• Completion requirements for the MA in Screen and Media Studies vary according to admission criteria:
   

• Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including MEDIA501, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

• Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

• Candidates for the MMCT in Screen and Media Studies should normally have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline and have achieved at least a B average.

• NOTE: Students applying for the MMCT will be required to submit a portfolio comprised of examples of written or practical work (film, animation, VR etc).

• Students can choose one of the following options to complete their MMCT in 1 calendar year, or 1.5 calendar years.

• Option 1: Creative Practice-Based MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level including: MEDIA501 and MEDIA508, and either 30 points from any other 500 level papers offered by the University and MEDIA593, or MEDIA594.

• Option 2: Traditional Research-Based MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level including: MEDIA501, and MEDIA507, and either 30 points from any other 500 level papers offered by the University and MEDIA593, or MEDIA594

• Option 3: School of Arts/Design MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level which must include: MEDIA501 and MEDIA592, and a further 90 points from MEDIA504, MEDIA506, either MEDIA507 or MEDIA508, MEDIA590 or any other 30 point 500 level paper offered by the University. Students cannot take both MEDIA507 and MEDIA508.

This degree consists of either:

• a dissertation and coursework

• coursework only
   

This degree can be either in the same area as your undergraduate study or in a new area of study.
 

Depending on your previous study and chosen subject, a masters may take one, one and a half, or two years to complete.
 

A recognised bachelors degree with a B/B+ average, and a B/B+ average in a relevant subject if required.
 

Some Faculties/Schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity). Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first.
 

To provide flexibility to students during COVID-19 who are affected by the closure of testing centres, the University of Waikato will accept the following alternative tests for all 2021 and 2022 intakes. Please note this policy is subject to review.
 

• IELTS Indicator (this is an online version of the regular IELTS test)

• TOEFL iBT Home (Plus) (this is an online version of the regular TOEFL test)

• Duolingo English Test (DET) with the following scores:

  • DET score of 90 for pre-degree programmes (IELTS 5.5 equivalent)

  • DET score of 100 for undergraduate programmes (excluding those listed below)

  • DET score of 110 for postgraduate programmes (excluding doctoral programmes)
     

The University of Waikato will accept Duolingo (DET) as an alternative means of meeting the English language entry requirements for the majority of its programmes (excluding all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, BSW and LLB) while test centres remain closed and until further notice.

Students who are accepted into their programme using any of the three language tests named above will be issued an unconditional offer, but will be required to undertake a supplementary online language assessment. For doctoral students using DET to gain admission, you will be required to undertake a supplementary assessment prior to an offer being issued.
 

If you are an international student, you will also need to meet an English language entry requirement. If you do not meet the requirement for your chosen postgraduate qualification, we have Academic English Language programmes available that you can enrol in to help you meet these entry requirements.
 

For admission to the Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn) an academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no less than 7.0 in any band) is required.
 

Equivalent qualifications
 

If you have successfully completed study in the English medium, you may not have to take a language test. This document also includes all approved alternatives to our IELTS requirements.

Estimated Fees* (International):    $49,795-$56,670 (180 pts)

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