Media and Communications MSc

This multi-faceted course examines the development of structures of power, control and ownership of the media, and how media can be mobilised in activism, resistance and in social justice movements. Drawing on leading international academics and media professionals from across London, Communication and Media Studies at Brunel University London can be studied through two pathways, a theoretical pathway or a media practice pathway.

Our academics and media professionals will offer you the latest knowledge and draw on cutting edge debates to analyse how the media shapes culture and society, how digital media shapes social and power relations, and how media can be used for social activism.

On the theoretical media and communications route, students develop a detailed and meaningful understanding of the wide discipline of media and communications. They will engage with media and communications theory and research techniques, and develop skills that will allow them to critique media and communications in a sophisticated fashion. Students also have the opportunity to meet professionals working in the broadcast, advertising and marketing industries and to take part in course‑related field trips.

The course is designed to meet the needs of advanced students with backgrounds in media, sociology and other relevant disciplines and is also perfectly suited for professionals in the communications/broadcast industry seeking to gain a more sociologically informed understanding of those industries. The courses offer a distinctive focus on media activism and politics.

The degree offers the opportunity to study London’s media industry including a mixture of industry visits, guest lectures, mentoring and practical skills development to accommodate different student needs, with a strong emphasis on student engagement with entrepreneurship and professional development. Our graduates typically progress to further advanced academic research or pursue careers in the media industries. Destinations will include independent media production companies, public and private institutions (BBC, Channel 4, ITV) and an increasing number of media activist organisations.

This course offers a global and interdisciplinary approach to how contemporary digital media technologies shape cultures and societies. Drawing on critical media studies, digital media and media production it challenges assumptions about the media’s impact on individuals, institutions and power relations in social and political contexts.

The traditional theoretical pathway teaches viewing media not just as entertainment but through critique and as a lens for social and political engagement.

Throughout the course you can combine critical theoretical and empirical study of the media including issues of media audiences together with the study of developments in information and communication technologies. You will be required to do a dissertation on any aspect of Media and Communications study. Typical modules on the programme include Digital Audiences and Identities, Digital Media Career Development and Media as Power (see below for more modules).

This course can be studied 1 year full-time or 2 years full-time part-time, starting in September.

The Media and Communications MSc is perfect if you’re interested in a career in the media or creative industries. You will gain the theoretical and practical skills you need for the fast‑paced media environment, network with media practitioners and gain an in-depth overview of both media and society. Career opportunities for our graduates typically include further advanced academic research or pursuing careers in the media industries such as Disney Channel, the BBC and Sky.

Whatever your career goals, this course will help you achieve them. We invite professionals who are working in the media and broadcast industry (advertising and marketing, television documentary and different PR organisations) to come and deliver talks and offer careers advice. You’ll benefit from bespoke workshops and lectures to enhance your employability skills, including media and communications careers advise and help on pitching yourself to employers.

Many of our students go on to advanced academic research or to pursue careers within the media industries. Typical job roles include Press and Communications Office and Head of Information. Past students have worked in developing countries for HGO’s or as technology consultants.

• A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in a Media/Communications-related subject (Media, Communications, Cultural Studies, Politics) preferably in the field of Sociology

Applicants with other qualifications, or equivalent professional qualifications with considerable relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You’ll be taught through lectures, seminars, workshops and other activities. Teaching focuses on the rapid changes in global media and communications and the social and cultural consequences in an international context.

You’ll be taught by academic specialists who draw on their cutting-edge research, publish in internationally renowned journals and often discuss their research in news media. Academics in the department actively incorporate their latest research projects in their teaching thereby offering you the latest insights and knowledge in their fields. This means that you’ll have the most up-to-date content, and you’ll benefit from plenty of hands-on experience. You’ll have the opportunity to go to our drop-in sessions on information literacy to enhance your academic writing skills. You’ll also be invited to attend the department’s academic research seminar programme and social events.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

You’ll have the opportunity to be assessed through a variety of traditional and new assessment types. Assessments can include traditional essays and reviews, contributing to online blogs and engage in critical analysis of visual media. You’ll be assessed through essays, report writing, blog entries and group work. You’ll also complete a written dissertation.

Under supervision, students will build up a portfolio of work to use as a calling card in the world of freelance employment, as well as in more structured career paths. The design of these portfolios will be informed by the industry contacts that students engage with on the course and will help graduates to be well-equipped to undertake a number of positions in the media.