Communication MA

Next open evening Wednesday 5 June
Book Now

Can't attend? See more open events

Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,500 *
International Fees £17,000 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 1 year

* Price per academic year

Course summary

This highly regarded course offers a rigorous analysis of the political, economic, cultural and sociological factors which shape the practices and outcomes of mass media. It will give you the opportunity to study and research the main ways in which social scientists have analysed the role of the mass media and communication, and how to develop, evaluate and apply research to evaluate those theories.

The Communication MA will provide you with a relevant, well-grounded, high-quality education and skill base, and a clear and comprehensive understanding of communication and the mass media. It is designed both for those who already work in or want to work in the media, and for those who want to go on to pursue further academic research in media and communication.

Based on continuous assessment, the course is taught in lectures and seminars by the team from Westminster’s top-rated Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI). You'll be part of a bustling, multicultural academic department that boasts a strong research culture. You'll be able to attend regular talks by outside speakers (academics and practitioners) on a variety of communication and mass media issues.

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

  • Study within a leading research environment – You'll study within the environment of the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), a world-leading centre in the study of media and communication for over 30 years and renowned for its critical and international research
  • Extra-curricular activities and networking opportunities – You’ll have the opportunity to attend regular research-led talks by outside speakers on a variety of current topics, as well as workshops and conferences which bring together academic researchers, industry representatives, regulators and policy makers

Course structure

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

Core modules

The module is intentionally eclectic. You will cover (in a loosely historical way) the arguments, advantages and problems of the main sociological, cultural and psychological theories about the media. It aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the most important ways of approaching the fundamental issues posed by the relationships between the media of communication and social and economic life. It will also enable you to understand the problems posed by different intellectual traditions, and to place those theories in their proper contexts.

This module will introduce you to the main methods of communication research. We shall look at how to undertake selective quantitative and qualitative methods, understanding and exploring the different stages of the social science research process from a definition of a research hypothesis, to data collection and analysis. We shall also look at the theoretical reasoning behind different methodological approaches to media and society, in particular the politics of social research.

This module provides guidance on how to conduct a major piece of independent research, supplemented by group work and individual supervision. Group work during Semester One orients students towards identifying and refining their individual research topic, which must be specific to their MA course and route. Dissertation supervisors are assigned at the start of Semester Two. Supervision takes place in Semester 2 and 3. The dissertation is submitted by the end of August.

Option modules

This module provides an overview of contemporary developments in global media and communication industries and their impact on cultures worldwide. It focuses on transformations in existing media, with a particular emphasis on broadcasting and the audio-visual media and looks at innovations of new information and communications technologies, especially the Internet.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction at postgraduate level to the dynamics and processes that shape communication policy. It examines key theories and concepts of policy-making and uses case studies from both national and international level, focusing on media, telecommunications, the Internet and platforms.

This module will introduce you to the political economy approach to analysing the production, distribution and consumption of media content in text and audiovisual form, whether online or offline, as well as the workings of telecoms networks behind online media. It identifies distinctive economic features of media and relates these to trends in the organisation of specific media industries, taking account of ways in which the economics of media have been affected by the spread of digital technologies.

If your first language is not English, or you have no experience of the British education system, you will benefit from this module. You will be taken through the process of producing a piece of written work, from note taking to editing, so as to enable you to produce written work in accordance with current British academic standards and practices.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction at postgraduate level to the politics of communication technologies, and the role policy plays in shaping their development, deployment and usage. It examines various issues, factors and stakeholders relevant to television, telecommunications, the Internet, platforms and Artificial Intelligence.

This module is for you if you have little or no knowledge of the Chinese media, but nevertheless realise that for anyone interested in the media in the world today, some understanding of the biggest national media system is a necessity. The objective is to introduce participants to the Chinese media in the context of a world order changing on account of the growth in wealth and power of several countries, in particular China. The Chinese media are seen as a factor in this, and also as an example of a media system distinct from the Anglo-American, which has often been touted as a model of universal applicability.

The aims of this module are to provide you with a theoretical overview of the concept of ‘development’, and the opportunity to consider how it relates to empirical experience in communications in small and developing countries. You will be able to compare the experiences of a range of countries in attempting to retain cultural autonomy, in developing their own communications technologies and policies, in democratisation, and in exporting mass media.

This module offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilization, social movements, dissent, wars, conflicts, elections, and political and social crises. The module considers the impact of different forms of censorship and regulation on social, political and cultural expression in the media. It also looks at the impact of the internet and new means of transparency and communications on journalism and activism in a range of circumstances from secure democracies through different kinds of political systems.

This module begins with an overview of media audiences, and goes on to analyse audiences and media institutions, passive/ active audiences, media influence and effects, and ethnography and media audiences. The second part of the module is devoted to discussions of media and identity, fans, diasporas and new media audiences.

This module explores the challenges facing media organisations in the fields of strategy and innovation. It addresses the contextual nature of strategy formation, identifies and analyses key drivers of change within media industries, and examines the application of structured methods of planning in media product and service development. The module applies management concepts and tools to business and strategic challenges confronting public and private media enterprises across the globe.

The module studies digital convergence and the role of policy and regulation in facilitating and controlling that process. The focus is on Internet-related policy debates and concepts drawing mostly on developments in the USA, the European Union and Britain but with a critical awareness of the issues facing developing, transitional and small countries. It critically assesses competing arguments concerning the interplay between policy and technology and implications for market structures and business models, as appropriate.

A critical study of the news media in the context of current society. Looking into news creation and the history of journalism, the module aims to link the broader patterns of social change to a critical study of mass media and the techniques to steer them (spin doctors) and thereby explores contemporary journalism and its ethics from a historical and conceptual perspective.

book icon in turquoise
Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Checklist top tips icon
Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

Chat icon in turquoise
Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

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.

Careers

The Communication MA course is well established and has a strong international reputation. Our students have been successful in gaining employment, in many cases straight after graduating from the course. Graduates have found jobs in middle and upper management in media industries, as well as the broader private (eg consulting and advertising firms) and public sector (eg government ministries, regulatory authorities), international organisations and NGOs. Some graduates also continue to do PhD research.

Success in their Master’s degree has allowed many graduates who have been in media jobs before joining the course to move into more senior roles within their companies or organisations and to transfer to new sectors of the media.

Excellent career prospects

Graduates from this course have gone on to work in middle and upper management in media industries, as well as the broader private and public sector, and international organisations and NGOs.

Networking opportunities

You’ll have the opportunity to attend regular research-led talks by outside speakers, as well as workshops and conferences which bring together academic researchers, industry representatives, regulators and policymakers.

3,000

Employers around the world

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.

Graduate employers

Graduates from the Communication MA have found roles in a wide variety of media and communications organisations including:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • BBC World Service
  • CGTN/CCTV
  • Facebook
  • KBS (South Korea)
  • Shanghai Media Group
  • Tencent 
  • Twitter India
  • Xinhua News Agency

Our graduates

Marija Tomsone

Communication MA - 2022

Westminster is an amazingly diverse place, offering students unique experiences and helping them to determine and achieve their life goals. I have spent five years at Westminster, and now, at the end of my journey, I know my experience in London would not be the same without it.

Xin Chen

Communication MA - 2022

I really like that my course provides theoretical knowledge about communication and media while combining theories with real-world issues. For our final major project, we are encouraged to conduct it on social issues we care about. Our group discussions during seminars allow us to express our ideas and share personal stories, which I find really motivating.

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.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

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.

Learn from leading researchers

Our academics are internationally-renowned researchers, working at our world-leading Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI).

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.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a humanities or social sciences discipline and/or have relevant professional experience. 

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and speaking. 

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) in a humanities or social sciences discipline and/or have relevant professional experience. 

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and speaking.  

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

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.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

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
Year
1
13%87%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

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
Year
1
2%98%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

exterior of University of Westminster building

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

Visit our student hub

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

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

Your Westminster

Book an open day. Order a prospectus. Sign up for newsletters.