MSc Media, Communication and Development

at London School of Economics

You take one course on media and communications theories and concepts, a course in research methods, and a media, communication and development course. You will choose courses from a range of options within the Department and across other relevant departments, such as International Development. In addition, you will submit a dissertation of 12,000 words. 

(* denotes 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, within a broadly interdisciplinary social science perspective.

Critical Approaches to Media, Communication and Development*
Addresses the history of and tensions between 'media for development' and 'communication for development', while challenging mainstream perspectives on the role of media and communication in low income countries.

Methods of Research in Media and Communications (including Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis)*
Aims to provide you with a general training in research methods and techniques including research design and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

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

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

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Media, Communication and Development

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

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the 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 Media, Communication and Development
Home students: £24,456
Overseas students £24,456

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 careers in the UK and abroad, including NGO communications, broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in both the public and private sectors.