Course Overview
Course summary
The course is designed for recent graduates seeking a career in traditional and new media organisations. It provides a combination of business and media skills designed to equip you to take up an entry-level position in today’s media organisations.
You'll learn how media organisations are engaging with the challenges resulting from the emergence of digital media technologies and platforms. The course introduces you to the processes by which media organisations develop their corporate strategies, business plans, marketing and production operations as they respond to radical change in the commercial environment.
The course is designed to enable you to find and take up work placements and internships at media organisations in London during the course of your studies. Some of our students have successfully completed internships at TV production companies like the BBC, technology companies like Google, as well as many other multimedia, advertising and news organisations in London. Some have successfully started their own businesses in the UK.
Whether you are planning a career in a media organisation or seeking to create your own new business start up, the International Media Business MA aims to provide the analytical insight, operational knowledge and planning skills you'll need to prosper.
Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 15 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Top reasons to study with us
- Potential for work-based learning – You’ll have the opportunity during your studies to find and take up a work placement at one of the many media organisations in London. This may include internships (paid or unpaid) as well as working on client briefs as part of your module
- Industry engagement – You’ll hear from industry speakers, as well as have the opportunity to take part in panel discussions with media professionals and attend employers’ networking events
- Develop your entrepreneurial skills – Our course has a strong focus on enterprising upskilling to enable you to develop an entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial approach to working and equip you with the skills to develop and pitch a business plan for a new digital media start-up or a new business venture
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
A taught module and group workshops in the first semester guides you in conducting a major piece of independent research which could be either practical or academic in focus. In the second semester you will receive individual tuition in how to develop your research questions, collect and analyse data. The dissertation is a 15,000-word piece of original research on a topic agreed with your supervisor and related to the business, economic, political or cultural factors shaping the performance and practices of media businesses.
The major project is an optional culminating project, which will allow you to undertake a substantial, practically-oriented final assignment, and will test your ability to apply theory, research, and synthesis skills in the analysis and solving of a specific industry problem or in the securing of an identified opportunity and to reflect critically on its execution. Tutors will work with you to scope the project and formulate the proposal.
This module integrates Business Strategy and Planning. You will conduct case study analysis of a media company facing major environmental changes, you will learn how to produce a competitive analysis of a media organisation and present strategy recommendations to faculty. In teams, you will learn how to develop a new media business idea, write a business and financial plan and present this to a panel of industry experts and media investors.
This module introduces the economics of the media and content industries, including broadcasting, print, film, recorded music and interactive media. You will learn how to research and produce a market report examining the revenue and cost structures of these industries, and the economics of key processes of production, distribution and consumption. You will also learn to use tools enabling decision-making based on quantitative market data.
A course for students new to content production in English for a global audience and those new to producing professional content with the aim to go viral and have an impact, particularly content with an industry focus or development purpose. The module enables you to develop skills in creative writing with the purpose of adding value or advancing a business. You will build a profile, reach out, research and analyse data about the market and performance of media businesses to place their content strategically for development or business purposes. Your focus will be on evaluating the strategic responses to market and technological changes, user habits and crowd connectivity/engagement while looking at medium and large corporate media platforms and businesses. Individually, you will write short creative pieces targeting fixed audiences and aiming to be published on specific platforms. Working in teams, you will develop a proposal for a new digital media start-up to take advantage of market changes and crowd connectedness. Finally, your group will pitch your ideas to a panel of industry experts for feedback.
As London is the media capital of Europe, there is a great opportunity for you to take work experience as a part of the course. This could be in long established companies or start-ups. While the course team and work experience unit will advise you on placements, it is your responsibility to actively pursue work placement opportunities. Our students have secured work placements at media companies including: the BBC, Universal Music, Blue Rubicon PR, Kameleon Brand Engagement, and Paul Smith Fashion.
Optional modules
This module examines key developments in the media and communications industries associated with the logic of globalisation. You will explore the complex nature of the globalisation process, focusing on the emergence of both supra-national and sub-national developments, and explore the relationship between new contexts of production and questions of collective culture and identity.
Such as:
- Consumer PR
- Fashion Marketing
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)
Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Across the world, the creative industries have become key drivers of economic growth and job creation. The new jobs in these industries require graduates who are both creative and entrepreneurial, who possess the creativity to generate new creative content, products, and services, and the entrepreneurial skills to turn them into successful, sustainable businesses.
The International Media Business MA develops students’ creative production skills, specific business and financial skills, and their entrepreneurial skills to enable them to work in the full range of large, medium and start-up creative businesses.
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry engagement
You’ll hear from industry speakers, and have the opportunity to take part in panel discussions with media professionals and attend employers’ networking events.
Focus on your area of interest
This course allows you to pursue your own specific interests and intended career path, by selecting from a range of options focused on particular sectors of the creative and digital media industries.
Media work placement
You’ll have the opportunity during your studies to find and take up a work placement at one of the many media organisations in London.
Industry links
Our students have been involved in classroom-based projects with industry clients, which have previously included:
- BFI
- Cinegirl
- Liberty Communications
- ZigZag Productions
You'll hear from guest speakers from the media industry, with previous speakers including:
- Sandra Adu, MA, Design Director, Thisisrevolt.com
- Bernard P Achampong, Founder and Director, Unedited
- Claire Hoang, Marketing Lead, ITV Gaming, Live and Merchandise
- Michelle Matherson, BBC Creative Diversity Partner, Commissioning and Content
- Anthony James, Chief Operating Officer, PinkNews
- Debon Sogunro, Director, Thisisrevolt.com
- Ben Woolland, Head of Production Operations, BBC Audio
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Advertising account executive
- Creative editorial content producer
- Media entrepreneur (including starting-up)/Media intrapreneur
- Media production manager
- Social media manager
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Aculab
- BBC
- HBO
- Hoo.com
- Manning Gottlieb OMD
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Lara Bellini
Senior Lecturer
Lara is an award winning radio producer, broadcast journalist and music writer.
As a business manager at the BBC, she contributed to organisational change management that cemented BBC Radio 3 as one of Europe’s leading cultural broadcasters.
As a creative, she has produced programmes for BBC Radio, worked as Broadcast Journalist and was a music writer for the BBC Music website and other online and print outlets. She is a radio voiceover artist.
In Higher Education, her area of expertise covers entrepreneurship and media. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Every business is now a media business. So any career now requires an understanding of the relationships between media and business objectives and skills.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Easy access to central London
Based just a 20-minute tube ride away from the heart of the city, you’ll be perfectly placed to access work experience and networking opportunities in London’s media industries.
Leading provider
We're ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021, and also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
The University's Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork) will support you to develop your entrepreneurial skills and grow your idea into a media business if you so decide.
Entry Requirements
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.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
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.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
What our students say
Debrah Igbinedion
International Media Business MA - 2023
I advise anyone considering studying at the University of Westminster to go for it! Once you are here, try new things, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and participate in extracurricular activities. Make the most of the opportunities presented to you.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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