Media and Development MA
University of Westminster
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 17,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* international | UK: £9,500
Introduction
The Media and Development MA is an interdisciplinary course that teaches main theories, concepts, case studies and practical media skills around the theme of media and development and its implications for less developed countries. The course will provide you with a unique blend of theory and practice teaching aimed at deepening your knowledge of the history of communications within the development process of emerging economies. It will critically evaluate the impact of international and regional institutions from a critical political and economic perspective. Teaching by academic staff, guest lecturers and other carefully selected staff from development organisations will provide you with an overview of the policies, actions and impact of state and non-state institutions within the area of communication media and development.
A distinctive feature is its emphasis on the practical role of communication media in development. You'll participate in media production workshops and take part in our internship programme, offered in partnership with media and development organisations in London. As part of the work experience module, you can participate in an extensive NGOs and media seminar series featuring experts and panel discussions. The work placement programme is in line with the University's strategy of nurturing of the critical practitioner.
Media and Development MA students have the option to join the Communication and Development Network (C4D), a community of professionals working in communication for development, and do a fellowship/internship with the network during the course. As a peer network, the C4D Network is aimed at communication for development practitioners plus allied development workers, donors, academics and communication experts from the BBC, UN and major development organisations. The joining criterion is an engagement in communication for development - either professionally or through academia.
Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021. The University is also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies.
Top reasons to study with us
- Industry engagement – This course benefits from our strong links with a number of media and development organisations, including C4D, BBC Media Action, UNESCO and UNICEF.
- Media work placements – You’ll have the opportunity to take part in our internship programme, offered in partnership with media and development organisations in London. You'll also have the option to join the C4D network, a global community of professionals working in communication for development, and do a fellowship/internship with the network during the course.
- Develop skills for digital business projects – Working in teams you'll have the opportunity to come up with original ideas for digital start-ups and pitch your ideas to a panel of experts, as part of the Digital Media Production and Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship modules. As well as helping you to develop your written, practical and oral communication skills across different media platforms, this will allow you to think creatively and display initiative.
Why study this course?
- Leading provider
We're ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021, and also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies. - Learn from experts
You’ll be taught by experienced academics, industry guest speakers, and selected staff from development organisations. - Easy access to central London
Based just a 20-minute tube ride away from the heart of the city, you’ll be perfectly placed to access work experience and networking opportunities in London’s media industries.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course have applied for posts in development organisations based in London, such as OneWorld, Oxfam, Save the Children, Red Cross, ActionAid, Panos, DfiD, Intermedia, BBC, Institute of War and Peace, Christian Aid and War on Want. Some students have been able to build on knowledge, skills and their background in working for governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations (in Romania, Pakistan and India) and a range of international business organisations, including the BBC.
This course also prepares students for further studies, such as undertaking PhD research.
- Industry engagement
This course benefits from our strong links with a number of media and development organisations, including BBC, CGTN/CCTV, Tencent, and UNICEF. - Media work placement
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in our internship programme, offered in partnership with media and development organisations in London. During the course, you'll also have the option to do a fellowship/internship with the C4D network. - Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
We have developed strong links with a number of media and development organisations, including:
- BBC
- CGTN/CCTV
- China People's Daily
- KBS (South Korea)
- NGOs
- Tencent
- UNICEF
- Xinhua News Agency
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Academic researcher
- Communication campaign manager
- Communication information manager
- Digital communication strategist
- Journalist/information officer
- Media and development engagement specialist
- NGO media manager
- Public media managers
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations such as:
- BBC
- Digital companies
- NGOs
- UNICEF
- Universities (to work as academics)
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, comprising a set of core and optional extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Admissions
Curriculum
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study in this course.
Core modules
- Advanced Independent Study (Dissertation/Project)
- Communications Policy and Development
- Theories of Communication
- Theories of Development
One Semester One module from the below:
Semester 1 (option modules)
- Approaches to Social and Cultural Diversity
- Digital Media Production
- Global Media
- Journalism Practice and Inclusive Society
- Political Analysis of Communications Policy
- Political Economy of Communication
- Technology and Communication Policy
One Semester Two module from the below:
Semester 2 (option modules)
- Digital Media Business: Strategy and Entrepreneurship
- Media, Activism and Politics
- Media Work Experience
- Policies for Digital Convergence
- Reporting Diversity: Gender, Sexuality, Age, Disability
- Researching Media and Communication
- Strategic Campaign Communications
- The Sociology of News
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
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English Language Requirements
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