MSc Global Media and Communications (LSE and UCT)

at London School of Economics

The first year at LSE lays solid theoretical and methodological foundation for future media and communications professionals to examine issues of media and communication within their political, social and cultural context. Please note that at LSE we do not provide practical training in journalism, production, campaigning or media management. 

First year, at LSE

(* denotes a half unit)

Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications I (Key concepts and interdisciplinary approaches)* 
Addresses key theoretical and conceptual issues in the study of media and communications.

Media and Globalisation*
Explores and demonstrates the role of the media and communications in the processes of globalisation.

Methods of Research in Media and Communications (including Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis)*
Provides general training in research methods and techniques.

Dissertation
An independent research project of 12,000 words on an approved topic.

Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options.

Second year, at University of Cape Town
During the second year at the University of Cape Town, you will examine global media and communications from an African vantage point. You will do an internship in Cape Town and take a core course in Advanced Media Methodology. You can choose to write a dissertation or to complete a creative media production.

In addition, you will select two courses from a range of theoretical and practice-oriented options offered by the Centre for Film and Media Studies (CFMS), or by other departments at UCT (with a maximum of one optional course from outside CFMS).

Optional courses offered by CFMS include: Avant-Garde Film, Travel Writing, Narrative Literary Journalism, Media Markets and Media Strategy, Political Communication, Political Journalism, Environmental Documentary, Advanced Television Analysis, Crisis Communication in Africa, South African Public Rhetoric, Understanding Public Argumentation, Screenwriting, Forms and Theories of Adaptation, Film and Environment, Media and the Public Domain, Media and National Development Policy, Creative Non-Fiction, Rhetoric of SA Social Memory, Mobile Media and Communications, Approaches to African Cinema and Conceptualising South Africa cinema.

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Global Media and Communications (LSE-UCT)

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or a degree in another field with professional experience in media and communications.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2022/23 for MSc Global Media and Communications (LSE and UCT)
Home students, first year: £24,456 (2022/23 at LSE)
Overseas students, first year: £24,456 (2022/23 at LSE)
Home students, second year: Total estimated costs at UCT (including tuition fees, accommodation and related expenses) were ZAR220,000 in 2020 (please add 10 percent annual inflation to calculate estimated costs in 2022/23)
Overseas students, second year: Total estimated costs at UCT (including tuition fees, accommodation and related expenses) were ZAR220,000 in 2020 (please add 10 percent annual inflation to calculate estimated costs in 2022/23)

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Media & Communications

Median salary of our PG students six months after graduating: £30,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Advertising and market research
• Management consultancy activities
• Computer programming and consultancy
• Video, television and music production and publishing
• Education

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2017-18 were the first group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling.

On graduating, our students enter a variety of global careers including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in both public and private sectors.