MA Mass Communications

at University of Bedfordshire

For this course you must complete a series of units that address the central issues and concepts informing the study of the media in a culturally diverse environment as the nowadays society.

The course offers units dealing with fundamental principles and topics of the subject area (e.g. Current research in mass communications; Media institutions, structure and policies; and Research Methods in the area of media); and a core unit focuses on international development.

The course includes a final self-directed independent study project, in the form of a dissertation based on a research project. It is this project work that provides you with the opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests (subject to staff supervisory expertise).

Why choose this course?

• Study the theories, which underpin the practice of media and communication, and discuss theoretical aspects of media through a range of case studies.
• Apply knowledge of the media and its cultural forms to the analysis of contemporary issues
• Employ skills in critical analysis, research, and communication as well as an array of generic and creative skills to propose solutions to contemporary issues in mass communications
• Develop and employ strong academic skills in research and critical thinking, problem solving and analysis.
• Apply knowledge of cultural and media processes to the examination of policy and ethical issues, whether in the public domain or in other aspects of democratic participation and citizenship.
• Acquire skills needed to continue your studies and progress into MPhil and PhD.

Unit Information - What will I learn?
Units

• Current Research In Mass Communications (MED028-6) Compulsory
• Final Project In Mass Communications (MED031-6) Compulsory
• Media And International Development (MED026-6) Compulsory
• Media Institutions Structures And Policies (MED029-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods (MED030-6) Compulsory

How will I be assessed?
The course is fully compliant with University regulations for assessment, mitigation, appeals and complaints. The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are required in a professional environment. Assessments take a variety of forms including written work (essay, report, research proposal, dissertation) oral presentations, and practical work (empirical research). For some assessments there will be opportunity for formative feedback on assessments-in-progress before the assessment deadline and you are encouraged to integrate formative and summative feedback into your work in order to develop as mass media experts and academic researchers.
 

To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.

We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.

English language requirements
The University accepts the following qualification as satisfying the English Language requirements for entry to a Bachelor or Master's degree.

UKVI Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each element

Please note: some courses may require higher levels of English

The Scholarship scheme for international students enrolling in the academic year 22/23 at one of our UK campuses is as follows:

• An automatic £1,000 Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for new international applicants (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A £500 Prompt Payment Discount for applicants who pay their first year fees in full, before or at registration (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A further £500 for applicants who are also University of Bedfordshire alumni

How will this course improve my career prospects?
The qualification will be of value to anyone seeking employment in the media. The media industry is a rapidly changing field and an understanding of the ways in which the media can be analysed is an important transferable skill.

The project work on the course provides the opportunity to make professional and industry contacts and develop specialist knowledge of specific areas of the media.

Typical areas that Mass Communications graduates find work in include broadcasting, journalism, education, development, arts administration, photography, theatre, research, PR and advertising, design, writing.

Students will be encouraged to identify their strengths, interests and development needs in relation to the practices and conventions of both the media industry and of scholarship and research.

Students who graduate from this MA course will be qualified to apply for MPhil and PhD research degrees.