Global Media MA

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £1,100 *
International Fees £1,900 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per 20-credit module

Course summary

From Al Jazeera to Hollywood, from Disney to China Central TV, Amazon, Alphabet/Google, Netflix, Alibaba and Tencent, the media increasingly operate in a global context. This course offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to global media, and is designed for those who work in, or want to work in, the media industries.

You'll examine key developments in the media and communications industries associated with the logic of globalisation, and explore the complex nature of the globalisation process in the media. You'll gain a relevant, well-grounded, high-quality education and skill base, enabling you to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of communication and the mass media.

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, and have the opportunity 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 policymakers

Course structure

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

Core 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 will introduce you to the main methods of communication research. You will learn 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. You will 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 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 UK 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 UK academic standards and practices.

No credit.

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.

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, from classical modernisation concepts to contemporary concerns with network society. 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 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 content.

This module offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilisation, 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 about 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 internet­related 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.

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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]

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

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

[email protected]

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(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 Global Media 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 from this course 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.

Employability

Students are encouraged to seek work experience in the industry and relevant opportunities are regularly shared by staff. This may lead to full-time employment once graduating from the course.

In addition, this course takes advantage of the vibrancy of the media environment in London and students often benefit from events taking place locally.

Equally, there are a number of activities run within the school that provide students with opportunities for networking and increasing their employability. CAMRI and associated research centres run regular seminars, workshops and conferences which our students can attend for free. These workshops and conferences bring together academic researchers, industry representatives as well as regulators and policymakers.

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found roles in a wide variety of media and communications organisations including:

  • Al Jazeera
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • CGTN/CCTV
  • Facebook
  • Phoenix TV
  • Shanghai Media Group
  • Sina.com
  • Tencent
  • Twitter India

Our graduates

Yuzhou Wang

Global Media MA - 2022

I was surprised by how easily I was able to adapt to the city and the study environment of Westminster. Before moving to London, I heard people saying that the city could become overwhelming sometimes. However, it did not take me long to settle in and find the right people around me. Now I am thriving and loving every single bit of my life here. I believe the University of Westminster played a huge part in helping me land on my feet with its resources and network.

Noura Alnouri

Global Media MA - 2022

One of my favorite parts of being a student at the University of Westminster is the sense of community between students. Also, the support you receive from lecturers has helped me throughout my course and allowed me to succeed.

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 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) 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 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

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: £1,100 (Price per 20-credit module)

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: £1,900 (Price per 20-credit module)

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.

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
18%82%
2
15%85%
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
7%93%
2
6%94%
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 the research group related to this course:

 

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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]

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

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