Welcome to your course
We are delighted to welcome you to the AI, Data and Communication MA at the Westminster School of Media and Communication!
The induction activities are designed to introduce you to the University, your course and to your fellow course members before you begin your studies.
It is essential that you attend all your induction events, to give you the best possible start to your time with us.
All the best,
Pieter Verdegem
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster. We are thrilled to have you join our dynamic and inclusive community, dedicated to nurturing innovative, responsible, and impactful professionals in the ever-changing world of media.
Your studies here will not only deepen your subject knowledge but also develop vital transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, all of which are essential for a successful career. Our distinguished researchers, experienced practitioners, and industry guest lecturers will support you at every stage, ensuring your learning is academically rigorous and closely linked to real-world needs.
We pride ourselves on a progressive, research-led approach, with teaching shaped by the latest debates and methodologies, underpinned by our Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI). Our curriculum is forward-looking, embracing emerging trends and encouraging you to consider the social impact and ethical responsibilities of media work, including addressing bias, disinformation, and digital challenges.
Above all, we are committed to fostering informed, creative, and socially responsible practitioners and scholars who make a difference locally, nationally, and globally—promoting equality, justice, and democracy.
We encourage you to participate in induction week and begin building connections. Welcome to a community that values progress, compassion, and responsibility. We look forward to supporting your growth as future media and communication leaders.
See you on campus!
Dr Doug Specht
Head of School, School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
As part of your induction and to complete your enrolment, you'll need to collect your student ID card.
Your time slot for collection is:
2pm, Thursday 18 September
Marylebone Campus
For more information about enrolment, including related FAQs, visit our Enrolment for new students page.
Course induction schedule
Your course induction events may take place online or on campus – check the details for each event below.
The timing and venue for events may change, so double check this page closer to the date.
Head of School welcome
12.45pm
Auditorium
Harrow Campus
Course Welcome Meeting with the Course Leader Pieter Verdegem (part 1)
1.30–3pm
Room C2.11, Cavendish Campus
Course Welcome Meeting with the Course Leader Pieter Verdegem (part 2)
1.30–3pm
Online, via MS Teams
Join the online teams session
Optional event: Students' Union Welcome Fair
The fair will provide students with the opportunity to see what the student union and University has to offer them, outside their studies.
10am–4pm
Room P3, Marylebone Campus
For more information, please visit the University of Westminster Students' Union webpage
Optional event: Students' Union Welcome Fair
The fair will provide students with the opportunity to see what the student union and University has to offer them, outside their studies.
10am–4pm
Room P3, Marylebone Campus
For more information, please visit the University of Westminster Students' Union webpage
Optional event: College Social - Outdoor Film Screening
6.30–9.30pm
All students are invited to an outdoor cinema event at the Harrow Campus. The college will be providing one free drink and a choice of snack for the first 300 attendees, as well as a paid bar during the screening.
Reserve your free ticket for the Outdoor Film Screening
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
Social event
After 4 pm, central London (TBC)
Drop-in session Q&A with the course leader
1-2pm
Online, via MS Teams
Join the online teams session
Welcome Festival - Harrow Campus
Students' Union Welcome Fair, 11am-5pm.
Welcome Festival, 12–7pm - food, drinks, entertainment and music for students
Harrow Campus
For more information, please visit the University of Westminster Students' Union webpage
Course resources
Blackboard
Blackboard is our online learning platform, which you'll be able to log in to after you've set up your University email address and password.
Teaching timetables
Teaching starts in the week commencing Monday 22 September and you can check your teaching timetable to see when and where your classes are being held.
Course handbook
Full details on the course structure, modules and course team are included in the course handbook, which can be found on Blackboard.
Reading list
Your reading list can be found in the course handbook on Blackboard.
Equipment and materials
Digital technology
While you can borrow laptops through the University for 24 hours, it's better to have your own. If you're not sure what to buy, our technical support team can advise you once you've enrolled.
You'll be eligible for a student discount on computer purchases.
A smart phone with a good camera function is very useful for recording your work and for online communication.
Support and services
Welcome to Westminster
Visit our Welcome to Westminster page for everything you need to get started at Westminster.
Student Centre
If you need help with enrolment or have any questions, please use the live chat.
Academic English
If you'd like to hone your academic English skills, watch our Academic English for Disciplinary Study Module video for starters and consider joining one of our Academic English Modules. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Academic English team at [email protected].