If you’re curious about how media shapes the way we live, think, and interact, the MA Media, Culture and Everyday Life at the University of Liverpool is perfect for you. This one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) master’s combines theory and practical research, helping you understand everyday cultural practices and the role of media in society.
Curriculum Structure
Semester 1: Foundations of Media and Culture
In your first semester, you’ll explore the core ideas and methods of media and cultural studies. Modules like Researching Culture and Everyday Life teach you how to study daily cultural practices and their social significance, while Visual Cultures: Institutions, Exhibitions, Interventions helps you understand how visual media shapes public perception.
Semester 2: Advanced Topics and Specialisation
In the second semester, you’ll dive deeper into areas that interest you. Modules such as Media Practices and Everyday Life and Media and Politics: Economy and Society let you analyse how media influences daily life, politics, and society. You’ll also have the chance to pick optional modules to focus on your personal interests.
Dissertation: Independent Research Project
The program culminates in a dissertation where you’ll carry out your own research, exploring a topic you’re passionate about and contributing original insights to the field.
Focus Areas
Everyday Cultural Practices, Visual Culture, Media and Society, Cultural Institutions
Learning Outcomes
You’ll finish the program with:
Strong research and analytical skills
A deep understanding of media and cultural theories
The ability to critically assess media’s impact on everyday life
Confidence in conducting independent, original research
Career Opportunities
Media analyst, cultural policy advisor, media producer, media manager, researcher, academic, communications specialist
Reputation
The University of Liverpool is known for its research excellence and supportive learning environment. You’ll join a vibrant community in the Department of Communication and Media, gaining insights from leading academics and developing skills that are highly valued by employers.
The MA Media, Culture and Everyday Life at Liverpool is all about exploring the media and cultural forces that shape the way we live every day. This program isn’t just theoretical—you’ll actively research, analyze, and engage with media in ways that reflect real-world cultural practices. It’s perfect for students who want to combine critical thinking with hands-on research experience.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical, immersive learning:
Researching Culture and Everyday Life: Through a core module, you’ll learn a variety of research methods, from qualitative interviews to digital data analysis, while exploring ethical, practical, and creative approaches to studying media and culture.
Interdisciplinary Insights: You’ll draw on anthropology, cultural studies, urban studies, and more, helping you understand how media interacts with history, society, and everyday life.
Practical Research Skills: Develop real-world skills such as data management, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are highly valued by employers in media, cultural policy, and research roles.
Dissertation Project: Conduct an independent research project of 12,000–15,000 words on a topic of your choice, giving you the opportunity to dive deep into an area of media or cultural studies that excites you.
This program ensures that by the time you graduate, you won’t just have theoretical knowledge—you’ll have hands-on experience conducting research, analyzing media, and presenting insights that make a real impact in the field.
Graduates of the MA Visual Culture at the University of Liverpool are well-prepared for diverse roles in the cultural and creative industries. Typical career paths include:
Cultural Policy Advisor
Museum or Gallery Curator
Arts Administrator
Media Researcher
These positions are supported by the university's comprehensive employability services and strong industry connections.
Employability Support: The university's Careers and Employability Service offers personalized assistance, including CV advice, interview preparation, and placement opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their desired careers.
Industry Partnerships: The program boasts strong links with cultural industries and venues in the city, providing students with opportunities to work with renowned organizations in the cultural sector.
Accreditation: The MA Visual Culture course is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring the program meets high industry standards.
Graduate Success: Alumni often move into roles that are both creatively fulfilling and professionally rewarding, leveraging Liverpool’s reputation in visual culture and media studies.
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing the MA Visual Culture, graduates have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, such as a PhD in Visual Culture, Media Studies, or related fields, to deepen their expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities in academia or specialized cultural institutions.
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