MA Media and Communications Management

Overview & facilities

This innovative and dynamic course focuses on communication strategies, promotion and journalism in the media and cultural industries and the knowledge economy. Combining theoretical and practical components, it is designed to give you a sound critical understanding of key aspects of the contemporary media, and to experience different areas of media production and work. This masters is particularly aimed at people interested in, or working in, journalism and news production, public and media relations.

The MA covers key subjects related to the structure and role of the media and publicity industries and the relationships and inter-connections between publicity, journalism and promotion. The course will encourage you to develop a critical understanding of contemporary social, cultural and economic processes and to relate these to the rapid and ongoing transformation in the media and publicity sectors. The work based learning-placement and the practical components of the course will enable you to apply the theoretical aspects of the course in specific projects and in the workplace.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Analysing and Using the Media (45 Credits) - Compulsory

  MCS 4310 is designed to enable students to analyse critically the political, economic and social context in which media communications strategies and image management are practised across the public, corporate and voluntary spheres. You will analyse media practices and images in a range of institutional contexts, and will acquire the theoretical knowledge and critical skills to understand the interventions of communications strategists seeking to shape the profiles of their organisations and campaigns.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  The dissertation offers students the opportunity to apply the understanding gained in the taught modules, together with experience gained either in the workplace, or on placement, to acquire and develop skills of original research and presentation in the context of a substantial project. This module aims to provide students with an opportunity for intensive and detailed, research-based study of their chosen topic within the areas of media and communications management, under the guidance of a supervisor from the programme team.

  Practices of Promotional Culture (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module has the following key aims: -To develop students- understanding of the emergence of a promotional culture , in which a wide range of social, political and commercial organisations and practices have become increasingly oriented toward the production and dissemination of promotional messages; -To introduce students to various examples of this culture, drawn from political, charitable and voluntary contexts as well as from the commercial world. Students are expected to think about the implications of these developments, and to mobilise a range of conceptual approaches in examining specific instances of promotional culture; -To extend students knowledge and understanding of promotional culture through a critical consideration of its relations with promotional processes and practices in the context of the construction of specific promotional messages: devising, planning and constructing a communications strategy and accompanying PR campaign

  Working in the Media and Cultural Industries (45 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides students with the theoretical contexts - political, economic and social - from which to understand contemporary cultures of work in the area of media and communications management and enables them to research and undertake a work placement. Changes in the media and cultural industries over the last thirty years have been variously interpreted through theories of the information society, post-Fordism, the cultural turn, the knowledge economy and ideas about precarious and affective labour. We will use these theories to investigate the media and cultural industries, the changing meaning of work and of the working contexts they involve, and to consider ethical issues related to these shifts. Through both theory and practice, then, the module aims to both extend students abilities to integrate their experiential and theoretical understanding of what work means, and to position themselves reflexively within the context of contemporary working cultures.

Assessment

The taught modules typically require essays, reports or projects of between 2,500 - 5,000 words. The documentary component is assessed separately. The final module is assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation.

Attendance

Full-time students attend classes for two semesters beginning in September and complete their dissertation requirement by the end of the following September. Part-time students attend classes for four semesters and complete their dissertation requirement by the end of September in their second year.

Entry & applying

Standard entry enquirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Media and Communications Management, we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Applying

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

 

 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Media and Communications Management for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500
Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. Media is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity. As part of your postgraduate year you will have the opportunity to carry out a short placement of a minimum of 15 days.  This will provide you with first-hand experience of a media organisation. We have a Placement Office which will support you through the placement process.