COURSE CURRICULUM

The first year of the Communication and Media MA provides a structured foundation in media and communication studies, combining core theoretical knowledge with practical research skills. Compulsory modules include Critical Issues in Media and Communication, which examines key debates, challenges, and developments in contemporary media, and Media and Communication Theory, which introduces students to major theoretical frameworks for understanding media practices and their societal impacts. The Dissertation and Research Methods module equips students with essential research skills, including project design, data collection and analysis, and academic writing, culminating in an extended independent research project that allows students to explore a topic of personal or professional interest in depth. Alongside these core modules, students can select from a range of optional modules to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Options may include Contemporary Debates in Media and Communication, which addresses current issues shaping the media landscape, Feminism, Identity and Media, which explores intersections of gender and media representation, and Understanding the Audience, which examines audience behaviour and reception. Other options cover areas such as political reporting, climate communication, and global migration, enabling students to develop specialised expertise while engaging with real-world issues. This combination of core and optional modules provides a balance of theoretical understanding, research experience, and applied knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in media, communications, research, and related fields.