| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | Full-time | 12 months | September | GBP 7500 per total | GBP 18500 per total |
| MA | Part-time | 24 months | September | GBP 7500 per total | GBP 18500 per total |
The media, communications and information landscapes have changed beyond recognition and continue to evolve. This programme will give you an understanding of how messages flow across borders in a globalised world - and how they relate to political, economic and cultural affairs.
You'll explore the concept of ‘global media' and whether mass media inspire or simply report events. You'll look at the role of social media in communications and how audiences around the world understand and consume global media products.
Core modules will give you the context and theoretical knowledge to consider these questions, and you'll choose from optional modules to focus on the areas that suit your interests or career aspirations.
You could study war reporting, identity in the media, public relations and more, to gain the skills to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging sector.
Our School has a range of fantastic facilities to support your studies. The 58-seat Phil Taylor Cinema is equipped with Dolby Digital sound and high-definition projection facilities, as well as projectors for 16mm and 35mm film.
You can also work on your own projects in our 44 editing suites, equipped with Avid Media Composer editing software and Adobe Creative Cloud. The fully equipped TV studio also has a large green screen area, lighting and photo-flash facilities. We also have a track and dolly, sliders, Glidecam and various cranes, and you'll have access to a new photographic dark room.
We also run a loans service where you can borrow a range of HD digital camcorders and various Canon stills cameras to help with your project work.Course content
You'll study core modules throughout the course that give you the contextual knowledge and research skills to support your studies.
These will explore the relationships between communications and international systems: how communications networks can function as a source of power, how they are regulated and how new technologies are changing the landscape. You'll also think about the economic and cultural impacts of globalised communication.
On top of this, you'll build specialist knowledge through your choice of optional modules. These vary every year, but can include topics such as the media and globalisation, urban narratives, public relations, and media and democratisation. The optional modules allow you to focus on topics that suit your own interests or perhaps reflect your career plans.
Throughout the year, you'll also be preparing for your dissertation through the Dissertation and Research Methods module. Your dissertation is a major independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you submit at the end of the year.
If you choose to study part-time, you'll complete the MA over two years, instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
For more information on typical modules, read International Communication MA Full Time in the course catalogue
For more information on typical modules, read International Communication MA Part Time in the course catalogue
Learning and teaching
MA modules will use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, group learning and project work, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the subjects introduced in lectures and seminars, and to develop your skills in analysis and research. You should anticipate spending at least 20 hours per week on independent study associated with your modules.
Assessment
Assessments can also take a variety of forms depending on the modules you choose. These will include exams and essays as well as group and individual presentations and project work, reports and case studies.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a social sciences or humanities subject.
This is a very competitive programme, and we will only accept slightly lower qualifications where there is evidence of relevant professional experience.
If you don't meet our basic academic requirements or your background is not in humanities or social science subjects, please also include a statement in your application explaining why you should be offered a place.International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Media and Communication admissions team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:
Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).
How to apply
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you need
Your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
Your most recent CV
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your English language qualifications.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
School of Media and Communication Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
UK/EU: £7,500 (total)
International: £18,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Each year the School offers four part-fee bursaries to Home and EU students with an excellent academic record. Another four are available to International students who are liable to pay fees at the full cost rate for international students.
The School also offers an Academic Excellence bursary equivalent to 10% of the Home-EU fee for all alumni who achieved a first-class undergraduate degree. This can be claimed in addition to the University of Leeds Alumni Bursary.
You'll need to submit a bursary application form to be considered for either award.
Read more about MA Fees and Scholarships in the School of Media and Communication.Career opportunities
This programme will give you an in-depth understanding of different aspects of international communication. It will also equip you with sophisticated skills in research, analysis, interpretation and communication. You'll also have good political, cultural and social awareness, which are valuable in a wide range of sectors and industries.
Graduates have gone onto succeed in roles for a range of international organisations and agencies that have international objectives. Others have launched careers in journalism, with a focus on international affairs - and some also use the programme to prepare for further research at PhD level.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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