MA Global Media and Communication

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

Program Overview:
If you’re fascinated by how media shapes our world and want to understand its impact on global audiences, this MA is a perfect choice. The course blends practical skills with critical analysis, helping you explore media, communication, and culture across international contexts while preparing you for a career in media, journalism, or communications.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in media and communication studies. Core modules cover areas like Global Media, Media Audiences, and Digital Media, giving you the skills to analyze media systems, understand audience engagement, and work effectively with new technologies. This phase also emphasizes developing research skills and critical thinking.

Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll focus on specialization and practical application. You might choose modules such as Media, Culture and Society, Global Communication Strategies, and Media Production Techniques, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals. You’ll also complete a dissertation or major project, giving you the chance to explore a topic in depth and showcase your expertise.

Focus Areas:
Global media systems, cross-cultural communication, digital media, media production, media audiences

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to critically analyze media on a global scale, produce professional-level content, and understand the role of media in shaping society.

Professional Alignment:
The MA prepares you for careers in journalism, media analysis, content creation, communications, and international media organizations.

Reputation:
The University of Leicester is renowned for its research excellence and strong connections to the media industry, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Leicester’s program in Media and Communication (or Global Media and Communication at master’s level) is designed to give you a deep understanding of today’s media world, while also helping you develop practical skills you can use in your career. You’ll explore everything from traditional newspapers and TV to social media platforms like Twitter, and understand how media, culture, politics, and society interact on a global scale. The course encourages you to think critically, work creatively, and gain hands-on experience in media production and research.

Here’s how experiential learning is woven into the program:

Hands-On Media Practice: Work on real media projects, including digital content creation, research exercises, and media production tasks.
Research-Inspired Learning: Engage with modules grounded in the latest media research, helping you develop skills in analysing media trends, designing projects, and conducting independent research.
Interactive Learning: Participate in seminars, screenings, workshops, and one-on-one supervision to deepen your understanding of media in context.
Portfolio Development: Build a portfolio of work, from essays and projects to media productions, showcasing your skills to future employers.
Career Support: Benefit from Leicester’s award-winning Careers and Employability Service, which offers guidance on CVs, interviews, placements, and volunteering opportunities.
Global Perspective: Explore media in national and international contexts, preparing you to navigate and shape the global media landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Leicester’s MA in Global Media and Communication leave with the skills to understand, create, and shape media in a rapidly changing world. The program combines practical media work with critical analysis, giving students the confidence to pursue careers that span journalism, digital media, public relations, and international communications. Alumni have gone on to roles in media organizations, NGOs, marketing agencies, and global communications teams.

Typical career paths include:

Digital Media Specialist – creating and managing content for online platforms.
Communications Officer – developing and overseeing communications strategies for organizations.
Journalist or Reporter – reporting on stories for newspapers, magazines, or digital outlets.
Media Researcher/Analyst – studying trends and audience behaviors to inform media strategy.

Leicester offers excellent support to help students succeed:

Careers and Employability Services – personalized guidance on CVs, applications, interviews, and networking.
Practical Experience Opportunities – students can build hands-on experience through projects, placements, and media production work.
Industry Connections – partnerships with media organizations ensure your learning stays relevant and up-to-date.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA, students can continue their studies through:

PhD in Media and Communication – focusing on research in global media trends and communication practices.
MSc in Digital Media – building deeper technical skills in digital content and analytics.
Specialist postgraduate courses in PR, media strategy, or communications – expanding expertise in leadership and strategy roles.

With this degree, graduates are ready to make a real impact in media, communications, and global storytelling.