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The MA Global Media at the University of Westminster explores how media shapes — and is shaped by — our globalised world. From international news networks and streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon, to emerging digital cultures across continents, you’ll study the forces transforming today’s media landscape. This course is ideal for students who want to work in international media, communications, or global policy — or for professionals ready to deepen their understanding of how media connects people and ideas across borders.
Curriculum Structure
Semester 1: Understanding Global Media Systems
In your first semester, you’ll develop a strong foundation in global media theory and practice. Core modules such as Global Media and Researching Media and Communication introduce you to major trends, global communication networks, and key research methods. You’ll learn how cultural, political, and economic factors influence the way media operates around the world.
Semester 2: Comparative Analysis and Media Research
You’ll move into more specialised study, analysing how global media systems differ across regions and exploring the politics of international communication. Through the Comparative Analysis of Global Media Systems module, you’ll critically examine media industries in areas such as China, Latin America, and the Middle East — while the Research Methods unit prepares you to design your own independent media research project.
Semester 3: Independent Study and Dissertation
Your final semester gives you the chance to dive deep into a topic that inspires you. Working one-to-one with an academic supervisor, you’ll complete an Independent Research Project or Dissertation that demonstrates your expertise and global perspective on contemporary media issues.
Focus Areas
Global media systems | Media and communication research | Comparative media analysis | International policy and culture | Independent research
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deep understanding of global media structures and the skills to critically analyse them. You’ll also gain advanced research abilities, cross-cultural communication skills, and the confidence to contribute professionally to global media, NGOs, and creative industries.
Professional Alignment
This course is part of the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) — one of the UK’s leading centres for media and communication research. You’ll be learning from experts whose work influences media policy, ethics, and global communication practice.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Westminster ranks among the UK’s top universities for media and communication, with a long-standing reputation for producing creative, globally minded graduates. It holds a QS 5 Stars rating for teaching quality and international outlook.
This MA isn’t just about lectures and theory — it’s crafted to help you engage directly with global media practices, sharpen your professional skill-set, and connect with a vibrant media-industry community in one of the world’s major media hubs. From group projects and supervisory support to networking events and hands-on workspaces, you’ll be immersed in an environment that mirrors the real media landscape while refining your research and analytical skills.
Here are several concrete ways you’ll gain practical experience:
Independent major research with supervision and group orientation: Your major project begins with group work in Semester 1 (which helps you hone a topic) and then individual supervision in Semesters 2–3 to bring your independent research to life.Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Harrow Campus: Your base is the Harrow Campus in north-west London, which hosts creative labs, project spaces, film studios and collaborative learning zones.
Modules designed for direct application in global media contexts: For example the “Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship” module involves teamwork to develop and pitch a digital media business idea to industry experts.
Extra-curricular networking and industry-led events: You’ll have opportunities to attend research-led talks, workshops and conferences bringing together academics, practitioners, regulators and media professionals.
Entrepreneurial and career development support via Zone29: Through the Westminster careers & enterprise network (Zone29) you’ll benefit from mentoring, industry contacts, and resources to help you plan your entry into the media sector.
Learning research methods alongside practical media understanding: The module “Researching Media and Communication” equips you with qualitative and quantitative methods for contemporary media contexts — meaning you’ll not just produce, but also critically analyse.
Graduates of the MA Global Media at University of Westminster are ready to step into dynamic roles across the media landscape where globalisation, cultural flows and digital transformation matter. They typically move into positions such as:
Global Media Analyst – interpreting how media and platforms operate across borders.
International Communications Strategist – designing communication campaigns for multinational organisations.
Media Policy Advisor – shaping regulation in media, telecoms or digital platforms.
Cross-Cultural Media Consultant – advising on content, strategy and audiences across different cultural markets.
Here’s how the university supports you and how this degree sets you up for success:
University services to support employment: You’ll have access to the University’s careers and enterprise hub (the new Zone29 – with over 3,000 employer connections) which offers mentoring, placement advice, networking events and start-up support.
Employment results & industry exposure: According to the programme page, many graduates secure employment straight after finishing and go on to middle and upper management roles in media industries, consulting, public-sector and NGOs. University–industry partnerships & alumni employers: Graduates have gone onto organisations including Al Jazeera, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CGTN/CCTV, Tencent and Sina Corporation.
Long-term accreditation and value: The MA is built around the research-led centre CAMRI (Communication and Media Research Institute) — a globally recognised research environment with more than 30 years of strength. This means the qualification carries both professional and academic credibility, and those aiming for further study can use it as a solid platform.
Graduation outcomes: The programme specification notes that graduates are “able to work in a wide range of sectors and professions” including creative industries, non-profit sectors (NGOs/advocacy) and international organisations, and that it’s an excellent preparation for those planning to move into research (PhD) later.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA Global Media, you’re well placed to move on to a PhD in Media and Communication (or related fields) — enabling you to conduct in-depth research, teach at university level, or lead thought-leadership projects in global media, digital policy or cultural industries.
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 experienceIELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element. TOEFL - 88 overall with a minimum of 17 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in SpeakingPTE - Master's degrees (requiring IELTS 6.5 overall) – minimum 59 in each componentDuolingo - Programmes requiring IELTS 6.5 overall – 125 overall (no sub-score lower than 115, or 125 where IELTS 6.5 is required in a component*)Indian Applicant - 3-year Bachelor's degree (Honours) from an accredited university with a minimum overall average of 55% or CGPA 6.0 out of 10.0 depending on the universityIndian Applicant - 3-year Bachelor's degree (Science) from an accredited university with a minimum overall from 58% or CGPA 6.5 out of 10.0 depending on the universityIndian Applicant - 4-year Bachelor's degree (Eng/Tech) from an accredited university with a minimum overall average of 55% or CGPA 6.0 out of 10.0 depending on the universityUSA Applicant - Four-year Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8+ from an accredited institution. USA Applicant - Students applying for postgraduate courses requiring a UK Second Class Upper degree will need a GPA of 3.0 and those applying for a course requiring a UK First Class degree will need a GPA of 3.5UAE Applicant - 4 year Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with 75%+ average for Master's courses requiring a UK Second Class Lower degreeUAE Applicant - 4 year Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with 80%+ average for Master's courses requiring a UK Second Class Upper degreeCareers in Purchasing and contract managementSupply chain managementoperations/logistics management and Supply chain planning and development
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University of Westminster
