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Universities United Kingdom University of Westminster Courses MA Media Campaigning and Social Change

MA Media Campaigning and Social Change
at University of Westminster

London, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 17,000
Country Rank#83
Duration12 Months
Score

Program Overview

This innovative Master's degree aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and strategic approach to develop and analyse social change campaigns and activism, with a particular focus on the role of communications and the media. This is the only postgraduate programme of its kind and has a flexible delivery to suit both full-time and part-time students.

The course builds on our close links with leading campaigners and communicators in London's vibrant social change sector. An advisory panel, with representatives from Amnesty UK, Friends of the Earth, Save the Children, Advocacy Hub, Tearfund, FairSay and The National Council of Voluntary Organisations among others, will ensure we always reflect the skill sets in demand and deliver an exciting learning experience. A limited number of work placements and internships will be available.

The course is aimed at those with some experience or interest in social change, the media, and communications or campaigns within not for profit organisations. The course will help you improve your practical skills, develop a deep understanding of the theories and frameworks that underpin and shape campaign communications, and enjoy the space to reflect critically on current and past practice. It is designed to help you start, or progress, a career in charity, pressure group or public sector campaign communications. It may also be of interest to those working in corporate social responsibility. Alumni work in a range of senior campaign and communications roles in charities, NGOs, agencies, think tanks and government departments.

The course team has extensive experience both in developing social change campaigns and in academic research into the connections between media, protest and social change. The course is jointly led by Michaela O’Brien and Dr Anastasia Kavada, with additional teaching by practitioners and members of our internationally renowned Communication and Media Research Institute. It is taught at our campuses in the West End of London, and also at the Harrow campus.

Course Content
Course structure

There are three core modules. The first develops practical planning and campaign communications skills, the second considers media and activism theories, and the third combines theory with practice, reflecting on applying concepts like power and ethics within the setting of campaign communications. Each module has assessments – e.g. essays, campaign plans, reflective blogs, debates and presentations - rather than exams. These three core modules make up the Postgraduate Certificate.

Students can take another three modules chosen from two pathways, one with a more practical emphasis and one with a more theoretical emphasis. The theoretical pathway includes three thematic areas: a) media industries and audiences, b) new technologies, and c) news, globalization, development and diversity. Students can combine modules from different pathways and thematic areas or focus on a single pathway and thematic area. These three modules allow to complete the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students wanting to take the Master's course also complete either a 15,000-word research dissertation, or a professional practice project (which can be work-based).

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core modules
- Critical Issues in Campaigning (Semester 1)
- Media, Activism and Politics (Semester 2)
- Strategic Campaign Communications (Semester 2)
- Dissertation or Professional Project
Entry Requirement
- A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and substantial relevant work experience.
- The Personal Statement must reflect the understanding of the course and how you will contribute.
- If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each element.
- Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Fees & Scholarships
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
Career Prospect
This course is particularly relevant if you want to start, or to progress, a career in communications and campaigning for social change, whether in a charity or non-governmental organisation; in a public sector body; in a political party or election campaigning setting; or even in a corporate social responsibility role. It could also be a stepping-stone towards a PhD and an academic career in this growing field of study.

Cost Of Studying At University of Westminster

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

Check Loan Eligibility

MA Media Campaigning and Social Change at University of Westminster